There are two types of buffalo: the African or Cape buffalo and the Asian Water buffalo. Since Botswana is in Africa this must be a Cape Buffalo. The water buffalo is the largest bovine. It is 8 to 9 feet (2.4 to 2.7 meters) from head to rump with its tail adding an extra 2 to 3.3 feet (60 to 100 centimeters). They weigh a massive 1,500 to 2,650 lbs. (700 to 1,200 kilograms). The African buffalo is smaller, but they are still quite impressive in size. They are 4.26 to 4.92 feet long (130 to 150 cm) from head to hoof and weigh 935 to 1,910 lbs. (425 to 870 kg).
Thanks Bob. I was using the generic (https://www.nikela.org/african-water-buffalo
The African Water Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), also known as the Cape buffalo, thrives on virtually all types of grassland habitat in sub-Saharan Africa. ) but technically you are correct, this is a Cape buffalo - and I have edited the title to appropriately reflect this. Thanks for pointing this out; I too prefer being accurate. Any comments on the picture?
PS: You have taken and posted some really amazing wildlife and landscape photos here which I greatly enjoy. Any pointers on my poor attempts are graciously accepted.
I am a zoologist. They are both buffalo—generic term/genera, but they are NOT the same species.
Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Also known as the African buffalo, these indigenous animals inhabit much of southern and eastern Africa. While a few different subspecies of African buffalo do exist, the Cape buffalo is by far the most common and best known. Among other African countries, Cape buffalo herds roam parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Asian water buffalo or the Asian buffalo, originated in South Asia. During the past several thousand years, humans have domesticated these animals. Domestic and feral invasive buffalo populations now live all over Asia as well as parts of the Middle East, Europe, South America, the South Pacific and Australia.
There are two types of buffalo: the African or Cape buffalo and the Asian Water buffalo. Since Botswana is in Africa this must be a Cape Buffalo. The water buffalo is the largest bovine. It is 8 to 9 feet (2.4 to 2.7 meters) from head to rump with its tail adding an extra 2 to 3.3 feet (60 to 100 centimeters). They weigh a massive 1,500 to 2,650 lbs. (700 to 1,200 kilograms). The African buffalo is smaller, but they are still quite impressive in size. They are 4.26 to 4.92 feet long (130 to 150 cm) from head to hoof and weigh 935 to 1,910 lbs. (425 to 870 kg).
Thanks Bob. I was using the generic (https://www.nikela.org/african-water-buffalo
The African Water Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), also known as the Cape buffalo, thrives on virtually all types of grassland habitat in sub-Saharan Africa. ) but technically you are correct, this is a Cape buffalo - and I have edited the title to appropriately reflect this. Thanks for pointing this out; I too prefer being accurate. Any comments on the picture?
PS: You have taken and posted some really amazing wildlife and landscape photos here which I greatly enjoy. Any pointers on my poor attempts are graciously accepted.
@peter fass
I am a zoologist. They are both buffalo—generic term/genera, but they are NOT the same species.
Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Also known as the African buffalo, these indigenous animals inhabit much of southern and eastern Africa. While a few different subspecies of African buffalo do exist, the Cape buffalo is by far the most common and best known. Among other African countries, Cape buffalo herds roam parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Asian water buffalo or the Asian buffalo, originated in South Asia. During the past several thousand years, humans have domesticated these animals. Domestic and feral invasive buffalo populations now live all over Asia as well as parts of the Middle East, Europe, South America, the South Pacific and Australia.
Classification/taxonomy The taxonomy of buffalo, according to ITIS, is:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Subfamily: Bovinae
Genera and species: Syncerus caffer (African buffalo) and Bubalus bubalis (Asian aka water buffalo)