African Buffalo: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Giants of Africa · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. On floodplains in southern and eastern Africa, Cape buffaloes can form huge herds of up to 2,000 animals.
2. A badly injured bull may bellow loudly. In about a third of predator attacks, another bull comes to help.
3. A calf nurses from the hindquarters, so its mother can keep moving with the herd while still feeding it.
4. African buffaloes depend heavily on water. In dry areas, a permanent water source must be no more than 20 to 40 km away.
5. Savanna buffalo groups can stay together for a very long time: some have lasted more than 50 years.

The quiz

1. How big can Cape buffalo herds get?

• About ten animals
• Around fifty animals
• Exactly one hundred animals
• Up to 2,000 animals (correct)

On southern and eastern African floodplains, Cape buffalo herds can reach 2,000 animals.

2. What can an injured bull do to get help?

• Bellow loudly (correct)
• Run in circles
• Stamp the ground
• Stay completely silent

A badly injured bull may bellow, and another bull helps in about a third of predator attacks.

3. Why can a mother keep moving with the herd while feeding her calf?

• The calf rides on her back
• The calf nurses from the hindquarters (correct)
• She feeds it at night only
• The herd waits for her

Calves nurse from the hindquarters, which lets the mother keep moving.

4. In dry areas, what is the farthest a buffalo's permanent water source can be?

• About 200-400 km
• About 20-40 km (correct)
• About 2,000 km
• Any distance: it never drinks

In dry areas, permanent water must be within 20 to 40 km.

5. How long have some savanna buffalo groups lasted?

• Over 50 years (correct)
• About 2 years
• Around 10 years
• Only one season

Some savanna buffalo groups have lasted over 50 years.

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