Terrestrial habitat
Cape Buffalo · Planet Zoo 2
Cape Buffalo in Planet Zoo 2: habitat type, biomes, barrier grade, space, temperature, group limits and breeding values — the numbers you need before you place the first rock.
At a glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Native range | Africa |
| Biomes | Savannah, Wetlands |
| Habitat type | Terrestrial habitat |
| Content pack | Base game |
| Adult size | 1.5 m (shoulder height) |
| Adult weight | 680 / 580 kg |
Care requirements
| Requirement | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Habitat temperature | 14°C to 36°C |
| Group size (mixed) | 3–15 |
| Group cap per sex | 1 / 14 |
| Land area | 420m² |
| Shelter area | 15m² |
| Barrier strength grade | 3 |
| Barrier height | 1.25m |
| Climb-proof barrier | No |
| Water barrier allowed | No |
| Terrain mix | Grass 30–100%, Sand 0–30%, Soil 10–40%, Rock 0–20% |
| Periodic food cost | $290.00 |
What this means for the build
- Barrier strength grade 3 with a minimum height of 1.25m is the Zoopedia requirement for this species.
- Keep the habitat between 14°C to 36°C; heaters and coolers are a running cost, not a one-off.
- Terrain mix must stay inside the ranges in the table: welfare checks the painted surface, not the object list.
- Plan at least 420m² of land area before adding shelter and enrichment objects.
- Shelter area of 15m² counts separately from the land area.
- Group size runs 3–15 mixed; overstocking shows up first as social welfare warnings.
Lifecycle and breeding
| Requirement | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Age of sexual maturity | 4 years |
| Gestation / incubation | 11 months |
| Interbirth period | 12 months |
| Litter size | 1-1 |
| Reproduction difficulty | Easy |
| Age of sterility | 16 years |
| Mating system | Polygynous |
| Offspring dispersal | Male offspring |
Companion species
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Thriving with | Nyala, Sable Antelope, Springbok, Thomson's Gazelle, Masai Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Gemsbok, Common Ostrich |
| Neutral with | Wild Boar, Red Deer, Greater Flamingo |
Enrichment that counts
- Food-based: Grazing Ball Feeder, Barrel Feeder - Hanging, Hanging Grazer Feeder, Barrel Feeder - Large, Melon Feeder, Scarecrow Feeder
- Habitat: Grab Ball, Large Ball, Plant Screen, Rubbing Pillar, Skittle, Mud Bath
Next decision
- Open the welfare debugger prefilled with Cape Buffalo
- Sequence research, welfare and breeding for this species
- Check release readiness for this species
Source and version
Zoopedia record captured 2026-10-17 — official Zoopedia entry. Values change with patches; check the version before acting.
FAQ
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What habitat does the Cape Buffalo need?
Terrestrial habitat — biomes: Savannah, Wetlands. Barrier grade 3, minimum height 1.25m.
What temperature does the Cape Buffalo habitat need?
14°C to 36°C
How many Cape Buffalo can live together?
3–15 mixed, cap per sex 1/14.
How long is the Cape Buffalo gestation?
11 months, with an interbirth period of 12 months.