Animals of Africa - The Cape Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, is a massive, moody and very dangerous animal. Their main diet is grass but at certain times leaves and buds may make up the greater part of their intake. Despite this vegetarian and somewhat pastoral appearance they are fearsome animals, killing more people than lions or crocodiles ever do. Old lone male Buffaloes will even lie in wait and ambush people and it is a very unwise tourist who walks outside the grounds of their lodge or camp and comes between a herd of Buffalo and their mid-morning drink. They will also take on groups of lions and are known to kill cubs if they come across them, they are ferocious in defence of their own young.