File:African buffalo close up - DPLA - b1bb2676b1c19f91559fd46154fc74bc.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Artiodactyla; Family: Bovidae; Genus: Syncerus; Genus species: Snycerus caffer. Animal characteristics: Height: 120 cm; Weight: 320 kg; Identification: The coat of the African buffalo is short and can vary from red to black. It also has thick, bossed horns; Habitat: Forests to semi-deserts; Diet: Herbivore: grass; Reproduction: A cow will produce a single calf after a gestation period of 11 months. She has a new calf every two years; Social Structure: Herd members form very close attachments to each other. The exact size of a herd varies by subspecies. Forest buffalo generally form small groups of about 12 animals, including related females, their offspring, and 1-2 males. Savanna buffalo live in much larger herds; Behavior: The African buffalo is a highly gregarious, herding animal. Most feeding occurs at night, and drinking occurs in the early morning and late afternoon. African buffaloes have been known to aggressively attack when wounded or when guarding their young; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The African buffalo's poor eyesight and hearing is made up for by its strong sense of smell.