The Nile buffalo, also known as the African buffalo or Cape buffalo, is a large bovine species native to sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Bovidae and is closely related to domestic cattle. The scientific name for the Nile buffalo is Syncerus caffer.

Physical Description:
The Nile buffalo is a robust and powerful animal, with males being larger and heavier than females. Adult males, known as bulls, can reach a shoulder height of up to 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) and weigh between 500 and 900 kilograms (1100 to 2000 pounds). Females, called cows, are slightly smaller, with a shoulder height of around 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) and weighing between 400 and 700 kilograms (880 to 1540 pounds).
The body of the Nile buffalo is covered in thick, dark brown or black hair, which becomes sparser with age. They have large, curved horns that are fused at the base, forming a continuous bone shield known as a "boss." The horns can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and are used for defense against predators and during dominance battles within the herd.

Habitat and Distribution:
Nile buffaloes are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a wide range of habitats including grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and forests. They are highly adaptable animals and can survive in both wet and dry environments.
Their distribution extends from South Africa in the south to Ethiopia and Sudan in the north. They can also be found in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique.

Behavior:
Nile buffaloes are social animals that live in herds ranging from a few individuals to several hundred members. These herds are usually led by an older female known as the matriarch. Bulls tend to be solitary or form small bachelor groups until they reach maturity.
Within the herd, there is a hierarchical structure based on dominance. Dominant individuals have access to better resources such as food and water. Nile buffaloes communicate through various vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking.

Diet:
The Nile buffalo is a herbivorous animal with a diet consisting mainly of grasses. They are bulk grazers, meaning they consume large quantities of grass in a day. However, they are also known to browse on leaves, herbs, shrubs, and even aquatic plants when available.

Reproduction:
Breeding in Nile buffaloes can occur throughout the year, although there is often a peak during the rainy season when food resources are abundant. Mating is preceded by courtship rituals where males display their dominance and compete for access to females.
After a gestation period of around 11 months, a single calf is born. The calf remains hidden for the first few weeks of its life before joining the herd. Female calves tend to stay with the herd they were born into, while males eventually leave to join bachelor groups or become solitary.

Threats and Conservation Status:
Nile buffaloes face various threats in their natural habitat. They are hunted by large predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. Additionally, they are susceptible to diseases like bovine tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease. Despite these challenges, the Nile buffalo population is currently stable and not considered endangered. Their adaptability and wide distribution contribute to their conservation status. However, localized declines can occur due to habitat loss, poaching for meat and trophies, and conflicts with humans over resources.  African buffaloes can be found in Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.