* Grasses: The majority of their diet comes from various types of grasses, including the abundant short grasses found in their savanna habitats.
* Sedges: These are similar to grasses but have a slightly different structure and growth habit. Cape buffalo often graze on sedges when other grass options are scarce.
* Herbaceous plants: This category includes a wide range of non-woody plants, such as legumes, ferns, and wildflowers. These plants provide essential nutrients that contribute to the buffalo's overall health.
* Fruits and leaves: While less common, cape buffalo may occasionally consume fruits and leaves of certain trees and shrubs.
Interestingly, cape buffalo are selective grazers and prefer to eat high-quality vegetation with high nutritional content. This helps them maintain their large size and strong physique.