Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) Fact Sheet: Population & Conservation Status

Population estimates

• Very rough estimate of 56,000 individuals (based on estimate of 60,000 from East 1999 and taking 15% population decline) (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2019)
  • No rigorous estimates
• Forest buffalo subspecies declining across its range (Eniang et al. 2017)
  • Population in Nigeria appears to be threatened (Eniang et al. 2017)

IUCN Status

• At species level, African buffalo listed as Near Threatened (2018 assessment) (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2019)
  • No separate assessment for forest buffalo subspecies

CITES

• Not listed (UNEP 2019)

Endangered Species Act

• Not listed

• Habitat loss resulting from agricultural development and competition from domestic cattle
• Diseases, particularly those transmitted from domestic livestock
• Uncontrolled hunting
• Drought

• See IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group (2019)

Populations of forest buffalo are declining, but are not considered to be in danger of extinction.

Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

Baillie & Groombridge (1996)
East (1998)
Kingdon (1997)
Meester & Setzer (1971)
Wijnstekers (1995)