Buffalos in Queen Elizabeth National Parki – Buffalos are part of the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They are thought to be a mix between cows and oxen and are found in different types.
There are small forest buffalos, commonly seen in Semuliki National Park, and large Savannah buffalos, often spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley, and Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth has many buffalos, and you can often see them from your lodge feeding on nearby vegetation.
Buffalos live in large groups called herds. A single herd can have over 1,000 animals, mostly females and their young. These are usually followed by bachelor herds and are seen in open Savannah, rainforests, and near rivers.
Mating happens during the wet season. During this time, young bulls return to the main herd to mate. Older bulls do not return, as they cannot compete with stronger males.
Female buffalos can give birth starting at around five years of age. After mating, pregnancy lasts about eleven and a half months. Once born, the calf is breastfed until it can eat grass. Buffalos face threats from carnivores like lions and hyenas, which may injure or kill them.
Buffalos are often covered in mud from wallowing, which can make it hard to see the lighter underside of their bodies. Their coats are usually dark grey or black. To tell males and females apart, look at the horns.
Males have thick horn shields on their foreheads and are larger than females. They can grow up to 3.4 meters in length, 1 to 1.7 meters in height, and weigh between 250 to 850 kilograms. They can live for 15 to 25 years.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority works hard to protect these animals. They punish poachers and teach local communities about the value of wildlife and how to help conserve it.
When you enter the park, you will be given rules to follow. For example, avoid loud noise, which can disturb the animals. Do not pick vegetation, as it is food for the animals.
If you want to film or take photos, you must first get a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This helps control how the country’s natural resources are used.
For a great wildlife experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, be sure to look out for buffalos.
