Scientific Name and Characteristics of Buffalo

The scientific name of African Buffalo is Syncerus caffer whereas the scientific name of Water Buffalo is Bubalus bubalis. Buffaloes are animals that move in large herds with each herd having about 50 to 500 members. These herds then might form a super-herd to protect themselves from predators. 

Key words: Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, Scientific name, Taxonomy, Mammalia

Classification of Buffalo

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Both African buffalo, scientifically known as Syncerus caffer and Water buffalo, scientifically known as Bubalus bubalis both belong to the class Mammalia and family Bovidae. This family also includes goats, sheeps and antelopes.

Unlike African buffalos, water buffalos are largely domesticated. African buffalos due to their unpredictable nature, are difficult to tame and sometimes only hunted for meat. Hence, almost all water buffaloes in the world are tamed whereas all the african buffaloes are wild. 

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Habitat of Buffalo

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African buffalo can survive almost everywhere there is water. They live throughout Africa, particularly in the countries Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana and more.

Also, water buffaloes can be found on the Indian subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. 

Facts about Buffalo

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The following are some popular facts and characteristics about Buffalo:

• Buffaloes can run at a speed of 35 mile per hour.
• African buffaloes are also called “black death”, as its wild nature leads to numerous injuries and deaths every year.
• Buffalo herds use a kind of “vote” to decide which direction to move in. 
• Buffalos communicate with each other using low- pitched sounds.
• Buffalos give birth only during the rainy season.
• Bulls can weigh up to 2000 pounds and measure up to 12 feet long and 6 feet tall.

Things to Remember

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• The scientific name of African buffalo is Syncerus caffer.
• The scientific name of Water buffalo is Bubalus bubalis.
• Buffalos move in herds.
• They use low pitched sounds to communicate.
• Buffalos are abundantly present all over the world.

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