African buffalo are included in the list of the most dangerous animals in Africa.At first glance, these animals are harmless, but if you look at the statistics, the African continent through the fault of buffalo killed more people than all the predatory cats together.This list buffaloes concede superiority only hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Black African buffalo: description
Buffaloes are very large, their growth at the withers reaches 1.5-1.8 meters with a body length of 3-3.5 meters.The tail length of about 80-100 cm. The body is stocky, short legs and strong, the head seems always omitted, since it is below the line of the back.The front of the much more powerful than the back because the front of the hoof is also much wider than the rear.Nature took care so that the legs can withstand tremendous weight of the body.Weight adult animals can be from 500 to 900 kg.What weighs African buffalo, if it is the largest member of the species?The answer to this question is simply amazing: the weight of the animal can be up to 1000 kg!Males are much larger than females.
coat color depending on the subspecies of buffalo.South African members of this genus have a black color, as they mature, he changed to dark brown.Older animals with signs of white circles under the eyes.The females are dark brown in color.These animals are considered to be the largest of this kind, also called Cape buffalo.Other subspecies are smaller and reddish-brown hair.Central residents continent completely black.
Horn of African buffalo deserve special attention, they are very unusual.At the very bottom - grown together and represent a solid bony shield that can withstand even a shot, as the bullet just bounce off him.The shape of horns rather peculiar and beautiful.From the base, and they go down to the sides, and then make a smooth bend and lifted up.The distance between the tips of the horns of about one meter.The females are much smaller and not fused together.
Habitat
African buffalo belong to the family of bovids and form five subspecies.These animals live in the open savannas and in the dense forests.They can also wander to a height of 3,000 meters in the mountains.But if we consider the main habitat, the largest concentrations of buffalo occur in the savanna, where grassy soil and water.Vast herds of buffalo grazing in the vast Africa two centuries ago, and now their population is much reduced.Animals are protected person, live in nature reserves and protected areas.
Lifestyle
wild African buffalo live in large herds, which number several hundred animals.In this large family includes males, females and young.Sexually mature buffaloes are separated from the native herd, to create his own.Older males become very evil and harmful, after 10-12 years of life in the herd are often separated and lead solitary lives.
Without water horned beauties can not hold out for long, so far away from bodies of water do not depart.An adult bull can drink up to fifty liters of water.They feed on plant foods, their main food - grass is rich in fiber.Graze at night, under the scorching sun in the daytime they prefer to rest up in the shade.In any case and at any time, a herd of buffalo puts duty to approaching danger when animals could organize a defense or escape.
African heroes can reach a speed of 55-60 km / h.Swimmers are also good, but they do not like to swim in the water feel less confident.Defending and attacking enemies, older males form a semicircle behind them are young animals.
Reproduction
buffalo mating season occurs during the spring months.Males fight for the female ready to pairing, the strongest wins.Fightin 'men' without sparing himself, even pieces of horn fly away from strong shocks.So young and too old applicants for a lady almost never manage to win.
After 10-11 months, before the new breeding season, females leave the herd in secluded places to quietly produce offspring.
just born calf carefully licked, 15-20 minutes after the mother goes into the herd.Newborn baby buffalo is difficult to call, because he is born weighing about 50 kilograms.Cubs these giants grow quickly and gain weight the first 30 days of life sucker drinks each day for 5 liters of milk.In the second month, the youth starts to graze, but the calves drink milk until six months of age.
African dwarf buffalo
Talking about these majestic animals, I want to talk about this species as pygmy African buffalo.We also know another name - red or mini-forest buffalo.It is the smallest of all kinds.
With the growth in the shoulder a little more than a meter a dwarf member of the genus weighs about 250-280 kg.Animal hair red color, because of this they got their second name - red.Near noticeable bobble ears of fluffy fur.Mini buffalo horns are directed upwards and backwards.The worst natural enemy for them - a leopard.
Interesting facts
buffalo African buffalo symbolize strength and integrity wild savannah.They are mighty idols roam the expanses of Africa, admiration and respect.For these animals, unlike some people never leave your tribesman in trouble.Rushed to help the victim, they are not afraid even lions.Let's look at some interesting details from the life of the buffalo.
• throw at the enemy, buffalo as a weapon uses the horns, which can easily rip open the belly of a huge lion even.Once the enemy is defeated on the ground, a powerful animal is stamped on the victim for 1-2 hours, until there is a solid spot of blood.
• The female buffalo defends its young even at the cost of his life.If a small calf in danger from a predator, then to his defense immediately ceases the whole herd, led by huge old males.
• African buffalo are suffering from small parasites sucking blood.Thick skin does not protect their animals against ticks and horseflies.Help them out in such trouble birds, called voloklyuyami or buffalo.Birds are arranged on the backs of the animals and all the parasites hatch.
