The African, or Cape, buffalo is a member of the Big 5 for a reason. Weighing in at 800kg, wielding a superior set of horns, and known to charge without warning, the buffalo is considered the most dangerous animal to encounter on foot. Historically, the Big 5 were known as the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt, and it was recorded that buffalo circled back on their hunters, surprising them from behind. They have power in numbers, and use the combined force of their herd to intimidate and chase predators, as they are not quite built for a speedy and agile getaway; however, a buffalo on its own can reach speeds as fast as 60km/h…eventually.
After 10 years old, male buffaloes have passed their prime and are no longer competing for with other bulls for a mate, and they tend to form a small herd of their own, which moves around separately to the primary herds in a home range of only 3-4km. These groups of buffalo bulls are referred to as ‘dagha-boys’, which comes from their undying love for the mud! In Zulu, the word for mud is ‘dagha’, which is how the nickname came about.
Mud wallows are often occupied by these great, big bovines living their leisurely lives. Large, breeding herds of buffalo move between new grazing material and water all the time, but these dagha-boys are much more sedentary and utilise their time by bathing in the mud. Due to the loss of the protection of the herd, these old bulls are at a higher risk of being predated on by lions, and this makes them rather cranky! Dagha-boys are famous for their bad tempers and it is always advised to stay well away on walking safari at Africa on Foot.
In this video made by Dave Jackson at nDzuti Safari Camp in the Klaserie, you can see the dagha-boys busily covering themselves in mud and scratching themselves on nearby ‘rubbing posts’. As luxurious as a mud bath is, it also has an important purpose for these bulls. Buffaloes are prone to skin diseases and often have old battle wounds that are soothed by the mud. Ticks and other parasites that attach themselves to the skin get caked in mud and then scraped off on the rubbing/scratching post afterwards.
Take a look and watch the dagha-boys doing what they do best!
Leave a Comment