Buffalo are gregarious, occurring in herds of up to several thousand individuals. These herds are relatively stable associations, with the smaller herds forming into larger ones temporarily. Buffalo herds move seasonally in search of adequate grazing and water. There may be family cohesion of females within the herd: family ties in the males do not last beyond three years of age. Old and young bulls may leave the herd and form small bachelor herds, but the two age classes are usually found apart.
There is an established hierarchy, both within bachelor herds and large herds, and old bulls often get harassed, which can result in them becoming solitary. The linear hierarchy is maintained primarily by threat behaviour rather than by serious fighting (see communication), although if this doesn't prove a deterrant then fighting will occur.
Fighting consists of the opponents charging each other and growling, then lowering their heads to take the impact on their horns. Due to their small size, bachelor herds can exploit small food niches such as occur along lake shores, whereas large herds need to have very large home ranges. Herds tend to move to water in the early morning and late afternoon.
Buffalo are inquisitive, and will often approach vehicles to examine them. If a herd is disturbed the individual buffalo will often stampede in unexpected directions. They are considered one of the most dangerous of the African species to hunt, and wounded buffalo have been known to double back and ambush their attackers.
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