The buffalo, also known as the bison, is an American species known for being one of the largest animals in North America.
- Buffalos can range anywhere between 300-1100kg and can stand as tall as 6-7ft.
- A buffalo habitat consists of river valleys, plains and prairies with plentiful grasslands, sagebrush and scrublands.
- Buffalos are not usually found at high altitude levels, although the Yellowstone Park bison herd can generally be found at altitudes as high up as 8,000ft. The Henry Mountains bison herd can also be located on the plains of Henry Mountain, which reaches up to about 10,000ft.
- Buffalo are migratory, with some herds migrating directional while other herds migrate altitudinal. Buffalo has been seen traveling on average 2 miles per day.
- Buffalos have a dominant hierarchy among their herds, both among males and females.
- Female buffalos live in herds along with other females, while male buffalo generally leave the herd when they are about three years old.
- The males will live either alone or join another male herd until it is mating season. Mating season usually occurs between July and September.
- The most dominant mate within the first 2-3 weeks of the mating season.
- Approximately 500,000 buffalos currently exist in the population on private lands and approximately another 300,000 buffalo on public land as well.
- According to the IUCN, about 15,000 of these buffalo are free-roaming without being confined by any fencing or enclosures.
- Buffalos have a life expectancy of about 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity.
That photo is an African buffalo not a bison!
wrong Buffalo…you should know the subjects you pontificate about. This beast does not live in North America and the one in NA is called the American Bison.
You said it for me
I believe the creature shown above is an African Cape Buffalo, not a North American Bison. The differences are easy to spot: The Cape Buffalo has horns that are long, stretching laterally to a distance of up to 3 ft, tip to tip. The American Bison’s horns are more curled, similar to those of cattle. Also, the American Bison has a pronounced hump just behind its neck, different from the Cape Buffalo.
You’ve nailed it, Melvin! Good catch and explanation!
Frank,
You need a new photo. The Buffalo shown is native to Africa, it is not the American Bison.
Bison photo from Wikipedia:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bison_bison_Wichita_Mountain_Oklahoma.jpg
Byron
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, buffalo and bison are distinct animals. Old World “true” buffalo (Cape buffalo and water buffalo) are native to Africa and Asia. Bison are found in North America and Europe. Both bison and buffalo are in the bovidae family, but the two are not closely related.
Also, you are showing a picture of a Cape Buffalo, which is NOT found in North America
Incredible, you discuss the North American Buffalo, but have a picture of either an Asian or African water buffalo.
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That’s funy
Now here’s someone that really knows what he’s talking about! He should run for President…can’t do worse than what we have.
Guys, really?? It’s difficult to believe you have any sincere interest in the animal kingdom when you allow an article to be compromised by exhibiting an animal so different from your subject. Get it together! Proof your articles, and ensure those writing have sincere inerests and experience on the subject. Placing the image of a Cape Buffalo in place of a Bison is like writing about a Mustang horse found on Federal lands and exhibiting a donkey from the Middle East!!
You should know your species of Buffalo. You picture an African Cape Buffalo and call it an American Bison!
Note that this photo was NOT taken “where the buffalo roam and the skies are not cloudy all day.” RE: Brewster M. Higley
Big mistake: picture is not American bison. I live in North Dakota and know them.
Folks: I just returned from Africa a week ago and saw a lot of the animal shown in your picture. That is a picture of a Cale Buffalo whereas the information you provide is mostly about the American Buffalo.
Are you testing us? The photo is of a water buffalo. The bison is majestic compared to this creature. Please explain.
I’m sure it was a honest mistake. Kudos to those who knew the correct name and information on this animal. He was probably writing about both or just inserted wrong picture.
The above picture is not a bison or buffalo, it is a picture of a bulldog! I live in Georgia and see them everyday! LOL
Merry Christmas to y’all! I had a rather touchy situation w/ the bloke you shown as a Bison, it clearly is a Cape Buffalo & don’t underestimate them, that is why they are on the Big Five list in Africa!
I think we should get an apology from someone!
You guys are complete idiots !
You have no idea what your
doing ?
The pictures looks more like a bison Or a water buffalo or an ox But no matter they are a wonderful beautiful animals of our world and I hope we get to keep all the animals and creatures that we have.And people stop trying to change them into animals an things that they weren’t intended to be.
I lived in South Africa for 2 years. That is a common water Buffalo