Problem
Threatened species of Syncerus caffer
Other Names:
Threatened species of African buffalo Nature:
Competition for food sources by non-native species such as goats and cattle have challenged the native African grazers. However, the introduction of foreign diseases from non-native species remains the biggest threat. Currently the national parks of Africa are taking great steps to protect their native wildlife against Bovine Tuberculosis. While this does not have a serious effect on domestic cattle it can decimate the herds of cape buffalo and associated species such as lion and hyaena.
Background:
The cape buffalo inhabits the open savannahs and grasslands near permanent sources of water in eastern and southern Africa. The forest buffalo, a smaller subspecies, is found in the forests of central Africa. Cape buffalo, living in large herds and eating tall coarse grasses, play a vital role in the ecology of the grasslands, enabling many of the smaller grazers to get to the shorter, more palatable grasses.
Syncerus caffer is considered as a "Lower Risk" sub-category "conservation dependent" by the IUCN.
Broader Problems:
Threatened species of Bovidae Organizations:
IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group Subject(s):
Birds, Mammals → Cattle, ungulatesSocietal Problems → Endangered species
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Date of last update
03.09.2018 – 13:36 CEST