Information is taken from the game and may change or differ over time. Last updated .
Unlocked at Accreditation Tier 1
Statistics
The Cape buffalo (or Syncerus caffer caffer) inhabits a wide range of ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, open woodlands, floodplains, and grasslands, but it is always closely tied to permanent water sources. Its range extends from eastern and southern Africa through parts of central Africa, wherever suitable grazing and water are available.
In appearance, the Cape buffalo is a massive, powerfully built animal with a dark brown to nearly black coat, a broad muzzle, and strong legs. Adult males are especially distinctive for their thick, curved horns that join at the base to form a heavy bony shield, or “boss,” across the forehead.
Adults are 1.4m to 1.7m tall and measure up to 3.4m in length. Males usually weigh between 500kg and 900kg, while females weigh between 400kg and 600kg.
- The Cape buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities annually.
- Unlike other bovid species, the Cape buffalo is immune to ‘sleeping sickness’; a deadly disease transmitted by the tsetse fly.
- Cape buffalo have excellent memories and have been known to make attacks against lions and hunters that have targeted their herd in the past, especially if a calf has been injured.
- Due to the aggressive nature of the Cape buffalo, all attempts at domestication as a livestock animal have failed.
- Cape buffalo have a symbiotic relationship with a species of bird called the ‘oxpecker’ that removes ticks from their skin.
Habitat
Minimum habitat requirements
Planned population
Space
Barrier
Terrain
Environment
Preferred group ranges
Social
Cape buffalo live in herds made up of related female groups, with bachelor groups and solitary dominant males on the periphery of the female group. A herd can be made up of many of these groups.
Barrel Feeder - Hanging
Barrel Feeder - Large
Grazing Ball Feeder
Hanging Grazer Feeder
Melon Feeder
Scarecrow Feeder
Grab Ball
Large Ball
Mud Bath
Plant Screen
Rubbing Pillar
Skittle
Release
Release requirements
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Mixed Group
Male Bachelor Herd
Conservation
The Cape buffalo is a species with Near Threatened status. Habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and extensive fencing have fragmented populations, restricting access to seasonal grazing and permanent water., resulting in population decline and genetic erosion, particularly in smaller, fenced reserves. Hunting pressure, illegal killing, and conflict with people further strain coexistence in parts of its range. Diseases cause devastating population crashes, including bovine tuberculosis, corridor disease, circulating between buffalo, cattle, and sympatric wildlife. Periodic droughts concentrate buffalo at limited water sources and increase stress and disease transmission.
Conservation strategies focus on maintaining large, connected populations. Protected areas and anti-poaching efforts are central, supported by linking local livelihoods to wildlife through tourism and regulated hunting. Veterinary monitoring and disease management are applied cautiously to balance ecological integrity with livestock health concerns.
Reducing unnecessary fencing, restoring wildlife movement routes, and integrating livestock and wildlife health management is viewed as essential for the long-term resilience of Cape buffalo populations.
Research
| Level | Unlocks | Bonus | Research gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thriving Requirement 1: at least 3 objects or plants with the Trees tag | ||
| 2 | Cape Buffalo Fact Sheet | ||
| 3 | Thriving Requirement 2: Sand terrain | ||
| 4 | Thriving Requirement 3: Food Grade 2; Fertility Level 1 | Fertility (+15%) | Before this level: an Observation Network (Observation Platform) in Great Rift Valley Reserve and this species released in Great Rift Valley Reserve |
| 5 | Thriving Requirement 4: Waterlogged terrain | ||
| 6 | Thriving Requirement 5: African Savannah Social Group; Fertility Level 2 | Fertility (+30%) |
Conservation topics
Life
Reproduction
Lifecycle
Body
1.5 m
1.5 m 680 kg 580 kgBreeding
Cape buffalo mate year-round. A male will track females for signs of oestrus, and upon finding a receptive female, he will defend her from rival males until he is able to mate with her. Males with higher dominance are more likely to successfully guard and mate with females.
The female will give birth to a single calf after a pregnancy of 11.5 months.
Calves remain close to their mother until between 1 to 2 years old. Males will leave their mother’s group and join a bachelor herd at this age, females remain with their mother’s herd.