All About the Herd: 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
, African buffalo find it advantageous to split up into smaller groups. Members mutually groom each other and make noises to communicate.
Massive Males: 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.
