Buffalo thrive at Londolozi. It is always exciting to sit amidst a large herd of buffalo, staring in awe at the sheer abundance, size and behaviour. There is never a dull moment in a herd like this and it enables plenty of opportunity to sit back relax and soak in raw Africa! I thought I would just put up a few pictures and twin them with a couple of facts…just for facts sake.
Ranger/Accountant David Dampier navigating his way around a herd of Buffalo as they move into the Sand River for a mid day drink.
Cape Buffalo need to drink every day. They weigh anything between 400 and 900 kg, and can live up to 25 years.
A Buffalo in it's happy place.
Buffalo are capable swimmers and often cross deep water in search of better grazing.
This photo shows the defensive weaponry that stands between a pride of lions and a hearty buffalo meal
By living in large herds and eating tall coarse grasses, Cape Buffalo play a vital role in the ecology of the grasslands. Many of the smaller grazers are unable to digest the tall grasses, and the tall grasses may prevent them from getting to the shorter, more palatable grasses in the absence of Buffalo.
If you look closely you will see the incredible number of flies that cover the 'boss' of this Buffalo bull.
Buffalo are non-territorial and extremely sociable animals, living in large mixed herds (having up to 1500 animals). These herds will consist of largely females, their young, and then a number of dominant bulls.
Nose deep in water. Here you can clearly see the width and scale of this bulls magnificent horns.
The hide on a Buffalo bull’s neck is as thick as 2 inches in places; which protects it during battles with other bulls for dominance.
An inquisitive youngster looks on. A perfect example to show how the younger buffalo take on a completely different colour to that of their parents.
It is thought that the lighter coloured skin of the calves helps in camouflage. At Londolozi we regularly see lion, and in fact leopard, target these small Buffalo.
A portion of a large Buffalo herd crosses the Sand River.
For interest sake, I have included a picture of a Water Buffalo, a species found in Asia. The buffalo you will see at londolozi are Cape Buffalo - picture from Google Images
Written and photographed by Adam Bannister
Great photos, especially the photo of the buffalo horns together and I had no idea buff could live up to 25 years. Thanks heaps.
Excellent set of photos and great post Adam. Keep it up!
What super photos Adam. Thank you so much for showing them.
Beautiful photos.