Africa's only cowlike mammal makes its home in a variety of habitats at altitudes up to 13,200 feet. Herds can be as large as 2,000 individuals, which are dominated by large males, when food is plentiful. When food is scare, African buffalo find it advantageous to split up into smaller groups. Members mutually groom each other and make noises to communicate.
Large males can weigh over 1,500 pounds and are usually twice the size of females. Males also carry a larger set of horns on top of their head, and have a thicker neck and a shoulder hump. A small fringe of hairs called a dewlap hangs from the throat. Both sexes are dark brown with hair-fringed ears, a hairless muzzle and a long tail.
Large males can weigh over 1,500 pounds and are usually twice the size of females. Males also carry a larger set of horns on top of their head, and have a thicker neck and a shoulder hump. A small fringe of hairs called a dewlap hangs from the throat. Both sexes are dark brown with hair-fringed ears, a hairless muzzle and a long tail.
