Caffer

Caffer is the species epithet in the binomial name Syncerus caffer, which refers to the African buffalo. The animal, commonly called the African buffalo or Cape buffalo, is a large bovine native to sub-Saharan Africa.

Physically, African buffalo are robust and compact, with a shoulder height typically around 1.0 to 1.6 meters and a body weight of roughly 500 to 900 kilograms. The horns are heavy and curved, forming a large boss at the base where they meet, a distinctive feature shared by both sexes.

Habitat and range extend across a variety of landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, woodlands, and grasslands. They favor regions with access to water and are found in many protected areas as well as some unprotected habitats. Diet is largely grazing, with buffalo often feeding on grasses and occasionally browsing on shrubs.

Ecology and behavior are notable for their social structure and mobility. African buffalo typically form large herds led by a matriarch, with seasonal movements in response to forage and water. They have few natural predators beyond large carnivores such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles, and can be susceptible to diseases including bovine tuberculosis and infections transmitted by biting flies. Human-wildlife conflict can occur where buffalo populations intersect with livestock and agricultural areas.

Taxonomy and subspecies are somewhat disputed. Several subspecies have been described, though taxonomic status varies among authorities; the Cape buffalo (often cited as Syncerus caffer caffer) is a widely recognized population, while forest buffalo has been treated as Syncerus caffer nanus or as a separate species by some classifications.

Conservation status at the species level is generally listed as Least Concern by major organizations, reflecting wide distribution and large populations, though certain subpopulations face declines due to habitat loss, disease, and hunting.