Buffalo & bulls cross mating

Buffalo & bulls cross mating

Though buffalo face a number of predators in the wild, their biggest threats are humans and food sources. Buffalo spend most of their day grazing, making them susceptible to starvation during droughts. Meanwhile, their prized status by hunters means there’s no shortage of big game safaris that target them. Africa’s natural hunters–particularly, lions and packs of wild dogs–pose a constant threat to buffalo that get separated from the herd.

The African buffalo gives birth to approximately one calf every few years. Mothers remain pregnant for as much as a full year–longer than humans, even! After giving birth, the calf will remain dependent on the mother for as much as another year. Though male buffalo will take no direct role in upbringing, the calves emit a specific cry that will bring all members of the herd to their rescue.

After birth, calves take another four to five years to reach maturity. After maturing, females will typically remain with the herd where they were born, while males will leave for one of the “bachelor” herds. Females will typically begin having offspring around this time.

In the wild, buffaloes typically live for 10-22 years, while living almost 30 years in captivity.

The biggest threat to African buffalo, however, is irresponsible human development. Development, such as carving out cropland or clearing fields for housing and city expansion, cuts up the habitats of the buffalo, making it harder to find food. Since buffalo spend most of their day eating, this can quickly affect populations. It can also put humans at danger from buffalo, as buffalo tear up crops, knock down fences, and spread disease to livestock.

—WATCH—

Buffalo & bulls cross mating