The buffalo is a large, herbivorous mammal that belongs to the Bovidae family, which includes cows, goats, and sheep. There are two species of buffalo: the African buffalo and the water buffalo.
Taxonomy:
African buffalo:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Syncerus
Species: S. caffer
Water buffalo:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Bubalus
Species: B. bubalis
Ecology and Habitat:
The African buffalo is found in savannas, grasslands, and forests across sub-Saharan Africa. The water buffalo is native to Asia but has been introduced to many parts of the world. Both species prefer habitats near water sources.
Diversity:
African buffalo: There are several subspecies of African buffalo, including the Cape buffalo, forest buffalo, and Nile buffalo.
Water buffalo: There are two types of water buffalo: the river buffalo and the swamp buffalo.
Young and Growth:
Female buffalos give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 11 months. The calf stays with its mother for several years before becoming independent. Buffalos grow to be around 1.5 to 1.8 meters tall and can weigh up to 900 kilograms.
Behavior:
Buffalos are social animals that form large herds. They communicate through vocalizations and body language, and have a hierarchy within their herds. Buffalos are known to be aggressive and will defend themselves and their young against predators.
Mode of Hunting:
Buffalos are usually hunted by large predators such as lions and crocodiles.
Style of Hunting:
Lions often hunt in groups to take down a buffalo. They target young or weak individuals and try to isolate them from the herd. Crocodiles hunt buffalo near water sources and use their powerful jaws to drag them into the water.
Body Anatomy and Speed:
Buffalos have a large, robust body with a broad head and short legs. They are powerful runners and can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph).
Nature of Prey:
Buffalos are herbivorous and feed on grasses, leaves, and stems.
Mating and Propagation:
Buffalos mate during the rainy season and the female gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 11 months. The calf stays with its mother for several years before becoming independent.
Territorialism:
Buffalos are known to defend their territory against other herds and predators. They mark their territory with urine and dung.
Annual Average Casualties:
It is difficult to estimate the annual average casualties of buffalos as they are not actively hunted by humans. However, they are known to be susceptible to diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease.
Animal Disease:
Buffalos are susceptible to several diseases, including bovine tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, and brucellosis.
Region it can be found mostly:
African buffalos are found across sub-Saharan Africa, while water buffalos are found in Asia and have been introduced to many other parts of the world.
People they kill respectively:
While buffalos are not typically aggressive towards humans, they have been known to attack and kill hunters and tourists who venture too close. Additionally, farmers and ranchers may kill buffalos to protect their crops and livestock.