Buffalos are not bison

You might think that buffalos and bison are the same animals, but they are distinct species. The American bison, also sometimes called the American buffalo, inhabits the grasslands of North and South America, while the buffalo live in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Buffalos are formidable animals

The African buffalo is one of the largest land mammals2, weighing up to 2,866 pounds or 1,300 kilograms. Moreover, the common buffalo stands 1.7 meters tall and measures 3.4 meters long. Its features help it survive the rigors of its environment.

Buffalos are gentle giants

Despite their intimidating appearance, buffalos are generally gentle and pleasant. They use their strength to protect their herds rather than to intimidate others1.

Buffalos give birth in the rainy season

The gestation period of buffalo mothers lasts nearly 11 months, with the mating season aligned with the onset of the rainy season, which provides abundant resources, such as lush vegetation and water.

Buffalos are excellent swimmers

Despite their size, buffaloes are skilled swimmers. They can swim gracefully and efficiently in the water, floating through their fat-filled bodies, which act like natural life jackets.

Buffalos live for a long time

Wild buffalos can live for two decades, influenced by various factors such as food availability, diseases, predation pressures, and longevity. On the other hand, captive buffalos in zoos, national parks, or farms live for 25 years due to regular feeding and protection from threats.

Buffalos love mud baths

While it may seem leisurely, wallowing in mud helps buffalo survive in their habitats. Since the massive buffalo generate a lot of heat, mud baths help regulate their body temperature, similar to personal air conditioning systems. The mud also protects their skin against the harsh sun.

African buffalos hold elections

Next on our buffalo facts list: Besides their strength and social behaviors, African buffaloes communicate herd decisions by voting. Female buffalos vote in fair, democratic elections to decide where the herd goes next.

African buffalos hold grudges

Like elephants, the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) can remember past events, particularly negative ones. However, if the elephant doesn't forget, the buffalo never forgives.

Buffalos face several threats

Despite its role in balancing the ecosystem, the buffalo faces various threats. One example is the Asian water buffalo, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified as 'Endangered.' Hunters have killed them for their horns and meat, while human settlements and agriculture have destroyed their natural habitat.