H3_W4_010

Date: 2022

Location: Masai Mara, Kenya

Did you know?

The African Buffalo or Cape Buffalo is a large sub-Saharan African bovine and is listed as Near-threatened by the IUCN. The adult Cape Buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature. They have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across the top of the head referred to as a ‘boss’. The African Buffalo’s closest living relative is the Asian Water Buffalo. African Buffaloes engage in several types of group behavior. Females appear to exhibit a sort of ‘voting behavior’. During resting time, the females stand up, shuffle around, and sit back down again. They sit in the direction they think they should move. After an hour or more of shuffling, the females travel in the direction that seems to be the popular option. This decision is communal and does not seem to be based on hierarchy or dominance.

About the picture

This male Cape Buffalo was photographed in Masai Mara in 2022. It was August and raining intermittently leading to some portions of the national park being green. This huge male was part of a large herd that was making their way toward the water when this fellow chose to stop and see what we were up to.

Fun Fact

Unlike other large bovines, the Cape Buffalo has 52 chromosomes. American Bison and domestic cattle have 60. Due to this chromosome difference, domestic cattle or bison are unable to create hybrid offspring with Cape Buffalo.