What is a group of buffalo called?

A group of buffalo is known as a herd. Buffaloes are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the Bovidae family. There are two species of buffalo: the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the American buffalo, also known as bison (Bison bison).

Herd size can vary depending on a variety of factors. African buffalo herds can range from a few individuals to several hundred. These herds are usually led by a dominant male, known as the bull, with a group of females and their offspring. Younger males may also join the herd but are subordinate to the dominant bull.

American buffalo herds historically numbered in the thousands, but due to hunting and habitat loss, they were nearly driven to extinction. Today, efforts to conserve and restore the American buffalo population have been successful, and there are several herds across North America. These herds also follow a hierarchical structure, led by dominant males and consisting of females and their young.

Hunting pressures, competition for resources, and predator avoidance are some of the reasons why buffaloes live in herds. Their group behavior provides safety in numbers and helps protect vulnerable members, especially calves, from potential predators such as lions or wolves.

Buffalo herds exhibit social behaviors such as grooming, mutual defense, and communication through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. They also migrate in search of food and water, particularly African buffalo herds, which are known for their long-distance movements.

In conclusion, a group of buffalo is called a herd, and they live together to ensure survival, protection, and efficient resource acquisition.