Overview
The Cape buffalo (or Syncerus caffer caffer) inhabits a wide range of ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, open woodlands, floodplains, and grasslands, but it is always closely tied to permanent water sources. Its range extends from eastern and southern Africa through parts of central Africa, wherever suitable grazing and water are available. In appearance, the Cape buffalo is a massive, powerfully built animal with a dark brown to nearly black coat, a broad muzzle, and strong legs. Adult males are especially distinctive for their thick, curved horns that join at the base to form a heavy bony shield, or “boss,” across the forehead. Adults are 1.4m to 1.7m tall and measure up to 3.4m in length. Males usually weigh between 500kg and 900kg, while females weigh between 400kg and 600kg.
Found in Africa
Regions
- Africa
Biomes
- Savannah
- Wetlands
Size & weight
Size
Shoulder height: 1.5 m
Weight
Male
680 kg
Female
580 kg
Bars use a log scale against the heaviest animal in the Zoopedia, the Common Hippopotamus.
Measured as Shoulder height. The person stands 1.75 m tall for scale.
Habitat requirements
Barrier grade
Grade 3 of 5
Minimum height
1.25 m minimum
Climbing & water
Climb proof
Not needed
Water barrier
Not allowed
Combine this animal with others in the barrier planner.
Conservation
IUCN Red List
Near threatened
Least concern
Critically endangered
Wild population
564,000
564,000 in the wild. Rank 52 of 57 species with a known count, smallest first.
The Cape buffalo is a species with Near Threatened status. Habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and extensive fencing have fragmented populations, restricting access to seasonal grazing and permanent water., resulting in population decline and genetic erosion, particularly in smaller, fenced reserves. Hunting pressure, illegal killing, and conflict with people further strain coexistence in parts of its range. Diseases cause devastating population crashes, including bovine tuberculosis, corridor disease, circulating between buffalo, cattle, and sympatric wildlife. Periodic droughts concentrate buffalo at limited water sources and increase stress and disease transmission. Conservation strategies focus on maintaining large, connected populations. Protected areas and anti-poaching efforts are central, supported by linking local livelihoods to wildlife through tourism and regulated hunting. Veterinary monitoring and disease management are applied cautiously to balance ecological integrity with livestock health concerns. Reducing unnecessary fencing, restoring wildlife movement routes, and integrating livestock and wildlife health management is viewed as essential for the long-term resilience of Cape buffalo populations.
Zoopedia sketchbook
Social & reproduction
Keeper notes
Cape buffalo live in herds made up of related female groups, with bachelor groups and solitary dominant males on the periphery of the female group. A herd can be made up of many of these groups. Cape buffalo mate year-round. A male will track females for signs of oestrus, and upon finding a receptive female, he will defend her from rival males until he is able to mate with her. Males with higher dominance are more likely to successfully guard and mate with females. The female will give birth to a single calf after a pregnancy of 11.5 months. Calves remain close to their mother until between 1 to 2 years old. Males will leave their mother’s group and join a bachelor herd at this age, females remain with their mother’s herd.
Animal facts
- The Cape buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities annually.
- Unlike other bovid species, the Cape buffalo is immune to ‘sleeping sickness’; a deadly disease transmitted by the tsetse fly.
- Cape buffalo have excellent memories and have been known to make attacks against lions and hunters that have targeted their herd in the past, especially if a calf has been injured.
- Due to the aggressive nature of the Cape buffalo, all attempts at domestication as a livestock animal have failed.
- Cape buffalo have a symbiotic relationship with a species of bird called the ‘oxpecker’ that removes ticks from their skin.
Taxonomy
Class
Order
Family
Genus
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