True Buffalo - Facts for Kids

African buffalo have been observed working together to rescue herd members captured by predators like lions!

Buffalo often rub against trees to help scratch itchy skin and remove parasites!

Buffalo create paths through grasslands and forests that are used by other animals for travel!

African buffalo have complex social hierarchies with dominant bulls leading the herd!

Buffalo use their powerful sense of smell to find water sources that may be hidden underground!

Young male buffalo form “bachelor herds” when they leave their birth herd at about 3–4 years of age!

Buffalo cows teach their calves which plants are safe to eat and where to find water!

Buffalo use body language, like ear positions and head movements, to communicate with each other!

Water buffalo can stay submerged in water for up to 6 hours to escape the heat of the day!

African buffalo have been known to ambush and kill lions that have previously attacked their herd!

Habitat & Survival

African buffalo live in a variety of habitats including savannas, woodlands, and forests across sub-Saharan Africa!

Water buffalo prefer wet environments like marshes, swamps, and rivers in tropical and subtropical Asia!

Buffalo can survive in temperatures ranging from 59°F to 108°F (15°C to 42°C)!

African buffalo herds can migrate up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) to find water during dry seasons!

Buffalo create wallows (shallow depressions filled with mud or water) that later serve as mini-habitats for other animals!

Water buffalo spend up to 5 hours per day submerged in water or mud to cool their bodies!

Buffalo have developed resistance to certain diseases that affect other bovids, helping them survive in challenging environments!

African buffalo herds can contain over 1,000 individuals during the rainy season when food is plentiful!

Buffalo prefer areas with access to grazing land, water sources, and some tree cover for shade!

Buffalo dung provides food for dung beetles and nutrients for soil, supporting the entire ecosystem!

Water buffalo create channels in marshy areas that help distribute water through wetland ecosystems!

Buffalo help spread plant seeds across their habitat in their dung, helping new plants grow!

Water buffalo can use their strong horns to defend against predators like tigers and crocodiles!

African buffalo have few natural predators as adults, but lions will sometimes hunt them by working together in prides!

Life Cycle

Buffalo cows usually give birth to one calf after a pregnancy lasting about 11 months — just a little longer than a human pregnancy!

A newborn buffalo calf weighs between 40–50 pounds (18-23 kilograms)! That’s about the same as a big bag of flour!

Buffalo calves begin eating grass when they are just 3 weeks old!

Female buffalo can have their first calf when they are 4–5 years old!

Buffalo calves are usually born during the rainy season when there is plenty of food available!

Buffalo calves can keep up with the herd just hours after being born!

Buffalo calves nurse from their mothers for 6–9 months before switching completely to vegetation!

African buffalo calves are lighter brown than adults and gradually darken as they mature!

Male buffalo reach their full size and weight at about 7–9 years old!

Buffalo cows can continue having calves until they are 15–18 years old!

Buffalo calves are vulnerable to predators like lions, hyenas, and crocodiles during their first few months!

Buffalo calves begin growing their horns at about 1 month of age!

Buffalo calves gain about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kilograms) of weight each day during their first few months!

Buffalo mothers hide their newborn calves in tall grass for the first few days of life!

Buffalo calves learn to swim when they are just a few weeks old!

Buffalo cows form protective circles around calves when predators are nearby!

Buffalo calves begin playing with other calves when they are just a few days old, which helps develop their strength and coordination!

Buffalo cows recognize their calves by sight, sound, and smell!

Buffalo calves stay close to their mothers for the first two years of life!

Buffalo cows sometimes “babysit” each other’s calves while other mothers graze or drink!

Diet & Feeding

Buffalo eat up to 38 pounds (17 kilograms) of vegetation each day!

Buffalo spend about 8–10 hours every day grazing and another 6–8 hours ruminating (chewing their cud)!

African buffalo prefer to eat tall grasses but will also consume leaves, twigs, and bark during dry seasons!

Water buffalo can eat aquatic plants that other grazing animals cannot reach!

Buffalo use their long, rough tongues to wrap around grass and pull it into their mouths!

Buffalo drink up to 12 gallons (45 liters) of water each day!