All information about the cape buffalo

What species of buffalo are there?

The Cape buffalo belongs to the family of cave horned animals (Bovidae). This family can be divided into eight subfamilies, forty genera and as many as 120 species! Due to genetic research, the classification may change.

The subfamily of cattle (Bovinae) is where the Cape buffalo is classified. It consists of nine genera. The Cape buffalo is the only member of the genus Syncerus. At present, the classification of subspecies is not entirely clear, but the following is often used.

• Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

  • Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)

  • West African savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros)

  • Central African savannah buffalo (Syncerus caffer aequinoctialis)

  • Red forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus)

In Safaripark Beekse Bergen lives the Cape buffalo, but also the red buffalo. These two subspecies both look completely different.

The Cape buffalo

The Cape buffalo, also called African buffalo, can be recognized by the huge horns on its head. Both males and females have these horns. They need these to protect themselves from predators such as lions. However, there is a slight difference between the horns of the male and the horns of the female. The male's horns extend onto his forehead, giving him a sort of shield on the front of his head. They need this shield for protection. In fact, males fight more often than females. They fight not only against predators, but also with other males. This is how they see who is the strongest.

Where does the Cape buffalo live?

It varies by subspecies where the buffalo live. The Cape buffalo is found in much of Africa. They live on grassy plains and savannas as well as in dense forests in eastern and southern Africa. Cape buffalo depend on water and therefore live in areas with a water source nearby. Due to human activity, the habitat of the Cape buffalo is decreasing. Nowadays you can see the Cape buffalo mainly in nature parks and reserves, but also in Safaripark Beekse Bergen!

What does a Cape buffalo eat?

A Cape buffalo is a herbivore and eats mainly grass. Sometimes they eat leaves or herbaceous plants. They spend most of the day eating. The Cape buffalo is a ruminant and therefore gets more nutrients from the grass. They get moisture from their food, but that is not enough. Cape buffalo depend on water, so it is important that they live in areas where water is permanently available.

Reproduction Cape buffalo

Females can have young throughout the year, but the peak mating season is especially toward the end of the rainy season. The gestation period of a Cape buffalo is very long which means that the young are then born during the rainy season. This is very beneficial because there is plenty of food to be found then. After a gestation period of about 11 months, one young is born. The young of the Cape buffalo is called a calf. The calf weighs between 24 and 60 pounds at birth. They remain drinking with their mother for nine to 10 months, but are already grazing with the herd when they are about two months old.

Enemies of the Cape buffalo

The Cape buffalo has a very good sense of smell. The animals can also see well in the distance. They are constantly watching their surroundings. The biggest enemy of the Cape buffalo are lions. Especially the calves often fall prey to these predators. Hyenas, wild dogs and leopards are also considered enemies of the Cape buffalo.

Is the Cape buffalo endangered?

According to the IUCN Red List, the Cape buffalo is "sensitive" as a species. There are still about 400,000 adult animals. The numbers do slowly decline due to habitat disappearance and hunting of these animals.

Species Conservation

The role of zoos is to preserve and protect of endangered species. European parks work closely with each other to achieve this goal and do so with an management program (EEP). The Cape buffalo is also part of this. In this way, a healthy reserve population is maintained. Find out more about species conservation and our role here here.

Conservation

Not only Cape buffalo, but many of the species you see in our park are struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 4,000 animal species threatened with extinction are endangered? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how? Then click here.

Way of life of the Cape buffalo

Cape buffalo are very social animals and live in herds of a few to hundreds of animals together. Within these large herds smaller groups often form. For example, there are groups of only males, but also mixed groups. In the mixed groups, the females have a close relationship with each other and the dominant male is in charge and there is a clear hierarchy based on health and physical condition. When in danger, the buffalo protect each other. In the morning and late afternoon, the animals rest. They also regularly lie down in the mud. This is mainly for cooling and the mud protects the skin from the bright sun, but the mud also serves as protection from insects.

Big Five

Ever heard of the Big Five? These are five animal species that are the most difficult for humans to hunt on foot. The Cape buffalo is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa and also belongs to The Big Five. In addition to the Cape buffalo, the lion, the African elephant, the rhinoceros and the leopard to The Big Five.

Ranger Floor shows if the Cape buffalo is dangerous in the following Ranger Request.

The Cape buffalo in Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Would you also like to see one of the most dangerous animals in the world? Of course you can in the Beekse Bergen! You can spot the Cape Buffalo along the car safari and the bus safari.