Buffalo – Africa’s Mighty & Resilient Grazers 1. General Description The African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ), often called the Cape buffalo, is one of the continent’s most iconic and formidable animals. These powerhouses can weigh between 500 to 900 kilograms (1,100–2,000 lbs) and stand up to 1.7 meters (5.6 ft) tall at the shoulder. Their broad, heavy horns curve gracefully outward and then up, meeting in a solid, helmet-like shield known as a boss — a feature unique to mature males. Coated in dark brown or black fur, buffalo have a sturdy, muscular build perfectly adapted for survival in the wild. They thrive in savannas, swamps, grasslands, and forests and can be found in over 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa , with strong populations in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli. 2. Behavioral Traits Buffalo are highly social and live in large herds that can number from 20 to over 1,000 individuals during migration. Herds are led by dominant females, while ...