Least Concern

Cape Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

Least Concern

IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2023 · Est. 900,000 individuals

About the Cape Buffalo

Cape buffalo are among the most formidable animals on the savannah, considered one of the "Big Five." They are keystone grazers that shape grassland structure, and their wallowing creates vital water points for other species.

Region

East Africa

Population

900,000

Trend

Decreasing

Data Year

2023

Key Facts

Weight500–900 kg

Herd sizeUp to 2,000 individuals

SpeedUp to 57 km/h

Lifespan20–25 years

Threats to Survival

Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease and bovine tuberculosis spread between buffalo and domestic livestock.

Hunting

Trophy hunting pressure combined with disease management culls have reduced some populations.

Ecosystem Role

🌱

Grassland engineer

Buffalo grazing patterns create a mosaic of grass heights, providing habitat niches for many smaller species.

Habitat Types

SavannahWoodlandWetlandsGrassland

Found In

KenyaTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabweSouth Africa

Why Africa's Wildlife Matters

Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.

20%

of Earth's bird species in Africa

25%

of mammals found in Africa

3,000+

endemic plant species at risk

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