African buffalo are among the most dangerous animals in Africa. At first glance, these animals are completely harmless, but if we look at the statistics, more people died on the African continent due to the fault of buffaloes than from all predatory cats combined. In this list, buffaloes are second only to hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Black African Buffalo: Description
Buffalos are very large, at the withers their growth reaches 1.5-1.8 meters with a body length of 3-3.5 meters. The tail is about 80-100 cm long. The body is stocky, the legs are short and strong, the head seems to be lowered all the time, since it is below the straight line of the back.
The front part is noticeably more powerful than the rear, because of this the front hooves are also noticeably wider than the rear. Nature has made sure that the legs can withstand the enormous weight of the body. The weight of adult animals can be from 500 to 900 kg. How much does an African buffalo weigh if it is the largest representative of the species? The answer to this question is simply amazing: the weight of such a beast can be more than 1000 kg! Males are much larger than females.
The color of the coat depends on the subspecies of the buffalo. South African representatives of this genus are black in color; as they grow older, they change to dark brown. Old animals are noticeable in white circles under the eyes. Females of a dark brown color. These animals are considered the largest of this species, they are also called Cape buffaloes. Other subspecies are smaller and have a reddish-brown coat. The central inhabitants of the continent are completely black.
The horns of the African buffalo deserve special attention, they are very unusual. At the very base, they are fused and are a solid bone shield that can withstand even a shot, since the bullet will simply bounce off of it. The shape of the horns is quite peculiar and beautiful. From the base they go down and to the sides, then make a smooth bend and rise up. The distance between the tips of the horns is about one meter. In females they are much smaller and not fused together.
Habitat
African buffaloes belong to the family of bovids and form five subspecies. These animals live both in open savannas and in dense forests. They can also wander up to a height of 3000 meters in the mountains. But if we consider the main habitat, then the largest accumulations of buffalo are observed in the savannah, where there is grassy soil and water. Huge herds of buffalo in the vastness of Africa grazed two centuries ago, now their population is much reduced. Animals are under human protection, live in reserves and in protected areas.
Wildlife Lifestyle
African buffalo live in large herds, which number several hundred animals. Such a huge family includes males, females and cubs. Sexually mature buffaloes can, having separated from their native herd, create their own. Old males become very angry and harmful, after 10-12 years of life in a herd, they often separate and lead a solitary lifestyle.
Without water, horned beauties can not hold out for a long time, so they do not go far from water bodies. An adult buffalo can drink up to fifty liters of water. They feed on plant foods, their main food is fiber-rich grass. They graze at night, under the scorching sun in the daytime, they prefer to lie down in the shade. In any case, and at any time, a herd of buffaloes sets up the attendants, so that with the approaching danger, animals can organize a defense or run away.
African heroes can reach speeds of up to 55-60 km / h. Of them, swimmers are also good, just they don’t like to swim, they feel less confident in the water. Defending and attacking the enemies, the older males form a semicircle, behind their backs are young animals.
Breeding
The mating season of buffaloes falls in the spring months. Males fight for a female ready for mating, the strongest wins. "Men" fight not sparing themselves, even pieces of horns fly off from strong blows. So young and too old female contenders almost never manage to win.
After 10-11 months, before the start of a new mating season, the females leave the herd in secluded places to calmly give birth to offspring.
Only after being born, the calf, carefully licked, after 15-20 minutes after the mother goes into the herd. It is difficult to name a newborn buffalo as a baby, as it is born weighing about 50 kilograms. The cubs of these giants grow rapidly and gain weight, the first 30 days of life, the sucker drinks 5 liters of milk every day. In the second month, young people begin to pluck grass, but calves drink milk until they are six months old.
African Dwarf Buffalo
Talking about these majestic animals, I want to talk about such a variety as a dwarf African buffalo. Another name is also known - red or forest mini-buffalo. He is the smallest of all species.
With growth at the withers a little more than a meter, a dwarf representative of the genus weighs about 250-280 kg. The coat of animals is of red color, because of this they got their second name - red. Fluffy fur brushes are noticeable near the ears. The horns of the mini buffalo are directed up and back. The most terrible natural enemy for them is the leopard.
Interesting facts from the life of buffalo
African buffaloes embody the power and savagery of the savannah. Like mighty idols, they roam the expanses of Africa, evoking admiration and respect. After all, these animals, unlike some people, will never leave their fellow tribesman in trouble. Rushing to help the victim, they are not even afraid of lions. Let's look at some more interesting details from the life of buffalo.
• Rushing at the enemy, the buffalo uses horns as a weapon, which can easily tear open the belly of even a huge lion. After the enemy is cast to the ground, a powerful animal will stomp on the victim for 1-2 hours, until there is only a solid spot of blood.
• A female buffalo protects her cub even at the cost of her life. If a small calf is in danger from a predator, then an entire herd headed by old huge males immediately gets to his defense.
• African buffalo are very affected by small parasites that suck blood. The thick skin of animals does not save them from ticks and gadflies. Rescue them in such trouble birds, which are called drags, or buffalo. The birds settle on the backs of animals and peck all the parasites.