There are two types of buffalo: the African and the Asian water buffalo. They are dark gray or black and look like bulls. The African buffalo is a large animal that can reach 2 to 3.4 meters (6.8 to 11 feet) in length, 0.7 to 1.7 meters (2.3 to 5.6 feet) in height, and weigh between 300 and 861 kilograms (660 and 1900 pounds).
They feed mainly on grass: when grass is scarce, they may eat shrubs and trees. African buffaloes live in large herds that can include up to a thousand individuals. Usually, herds are smaller, with an average of 12 buffalo per herd. When faced by predators, they will form a circle around the young, old, and weak buffalo. This barrier is very effective in preventing predators from reaching buffaloes that are not strong enough to fight.
African buffaloes have poor eyesight and hearing, but have an excellent sense of smell. The average life of the African Buffalo in the wild is 20 years. The bond between a mother and her calf is powerful, and the calf remains completely dependent on its mother for the first year of life.
Buffaloes are reported to kill more hunters in Africa than any other animal. They are known to ambush hunters who have wounded them. They have also been known to attack hunters who have harmed them, even years after the event took place. They are good swimmers and often cross deep waters in search of better grazing.