Syncerus caffer
IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Visit us at: Howletts Wild Animal Park
The cape buffalo is the most common of the 4 subspecies of African buffalo. Buffalo form large herds of 50 - 500 individuals to deter predators, but can number thousands in the rainy season.
Want to know more?
Cape buffalo are known for their grumpy and unpredictable nature and can reach speeds of up to 35mph when provoked or startled.
How long do cape buffalo live?
Up to 23 years
How much do cape buffalo weigh?
Bulls: 6 tonnes
Cows: 3 tonnes
How big is a cape buffalo?
300-900kg
Where do cape buffalo live?
Cape buffalo live in the savannas, deserts, and forests of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India
Diet:
Herbivore
What do cape buffalo eat?
Cape buffalo eat a variety of grasses, herbs and shrubs.
Did you know?
Buffalo, like cows, chew the cud to get more nutrients from the grass.
Are cape buffalo endangered?
Cape buffalo are classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Our work with cape buffalo
The cape buffalo herd at Howletts Wild Animal Park are not candidates for future rewilding.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Where to see our cape buffalo
Our cape buffalo herd lives at Howletts Wild Animal Park, nr Canterbury.