{"id":2365,"date":"2014-02-27T08:00:30","date_gmt":"2014-02-27T06:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=2365"},"modified":"2016-08-08T08:16:41","modified_gmt":"2016-08-08T07:16:41","slug":"big-five-buffalo-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acacia-africa.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/27\/big-five-buffalo-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Five buffalo fun!"},"content":{"rendered":"

The buffalo may not rate that highly with safari goers, but these guys have real wildlife appeal. Even, Prince William confessed that he relaxed to the sounds of African Buffalo on his iPhone, so we know you\u2019ll be in a better place once you\u2019ve located this lost leader on the Big Five list. Fast learners, buffaloes quench an awesome amount of water which means you should cross Namibia off your list. Think Botswana, feast your eyes on our list of Big Five buffalo facts and find out where they roam!<\/p>\n

\"Bots_Ani_Buffolow_Kwando_Lodge\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Buffalo:<\/b><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Cape buffalo stands short at only 130\u2013150 cm (51\u201359 inches) tall and has relatively short legs, weighs up to 1,510 lbs) and has a gestation period of 340 days with 1 calf born weighing 40kg (88lbs). The calf remains in the thick vegetation for the first few weeks before making its debut with the herd. Calf mortality is high with only 20% reaching maturity and life expectancy 26- 30 years.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bulls are about 100kg (220 lbs) heavier than cows, and their horns are thicker and usually wider, up to 100 cm (40 inches) across, with a broad shield (only fully developed at seven years) covering the forehead. Older buffalo bulls have a darker skin than the females and the younger males.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cape Buffalo need to drink every day, so are often found close to water and never in the desert. They prefer to eat tall, coarse grass as well as bushes and form large herds up to 1000 individuals all moving together.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cape Buffaloes have rather bad sight and hearing, making them unpredictable and dangerous animals to approach. On the other hand, their sense of smell is excellent.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Male calves leave their mothers when they reach two years, females calves tend to stay in the herd until they produce their own off spring. Males reach sexual maturity at eight years of age and females at five years<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/a>

Image by: Michelle Lewis<\/p><\/div>\n

Where the buffalo roam\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n