Volume 12, Plate XXIX / Mammalia (Mammals)

African Buffalo

Bulbalus cafer

The Cape buffalo is entirely distinct from the European animal, more ferocious and never domesticated, exceeding the ox in bulk though not much in height, robust and strongly made with a savage countenance, thinly haired muzzle and beard-like lip hairs. Its horns turn outwards and downwards then recurve upwards, so broad at the base as to cover the whole forehead like a mass of rock; abundant in southern Africa, it is fierce, treacherous, easily irritated and dangerous.