African forest Buffalo
Congo, Africa
While there is only one species of buffalo in Africa, four distinct subspecies exist: The forest buffalo, West African savanna buffalo, Central African buffalo, and the more commonly known southern savanna buffalo (Cape buffalo). The shape and size of the horns distinguish the African forest buffalo from the other subspecies - the African forest buffalo has much smaller horns than their counterparts. African forest buffalo also have relatively small herds with groups of 8–20 individuals being common and rarely exceeding 30. (Cape buffalo can have herds of over 1,000 members). Forest buffalos maintain their red color even as an adults.
Bais are natural forest clearings in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. They are known for being rich in mineral deposits which in turn attract wildlife. They are bare or covered with low-lying vegetation that lies on muddy or sandy ground. Bais are found near watercourses and are vital habitats for animals like buffaloes, elephants, gorillas, and antelopes that come to drink and feed.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.