African Buffalo

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large sub-Saharan African bovine. Syncerus caffer, the Cape buffalo, is the typical subspecies, and the largest one, found in Southern and East Africa. S. c. nanus (the forest buffalo) is the smallest subspecies, common in forest areas of Central and West Africa, while S. c. brachyceros is in West Africa and S. c. aequinoctialis is in the savannas of East Africa. The adult African buffalo's horns, which have joined bases and form a continuous bone shield across the top of the head known as a "boss", are its distinguishing feature. One of the most dangerous animals on the African continent, it is believed to gore, crush, and kill around 200 people every year.

The African buffalo is only distantly related to other larger bovines and is not a domestic cattle progenitor. The African buffalo, unlike its Asian equivalent, the water buffalo, has never been domesticated, possibly due to its erratic temperament. Adult African buffaloes are naturally preyed upon by lions, hyenas, and huge crocodiles. The Cape buffalo, one of the "big five" animals, is prized as a hunting trophy.