Determining the global population of “buffalo” is complex because the term applies to several distinct species across multiple continents. The ambiguity of the common name means a single population figure is misleading, obscuring the different conservation realities for these massive bovids. This article clarifies the species involved and provides current population data for the major groups globally.
Defining the Species Referred to as “Buffalo”
The common name “buffalo” is colloquially applied to three major groups of large mammals, all belonging to the Bovidae family but classified within different genera. In North America, the animal commonly called the buffalo is the American Bison (Bison bison), native to the continent’s plains and forests.
In Africa, the Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a separate species found across savannas and forests. The name “buffalo” is also correctly applied to the Water Buffalo of Asia, which includes the wild species (Bubalus arnee) and the numerous domesticated form (Bubalus bubalis). The historical misnomer of calling the American Bison a “buffalo” originated with early French explorers.
Current Global Population Estimates by Species
Population figures vary drastically depending on the species and management goals. The largest population belongs to the domesticated Water Buffalo, which is not a conservation concern. Their global count was estimated at over 208 million head in 2020, with nearly 96% concentrated in Asia, where they are integral to agriculture.
The African Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) maintains a robust wild population, estimated at over 564,000 individuals as of 2022. Despite this large number, regional declines due to human encroachment have resulted in its classification as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
The American Bison (Bison bison) population has recovered significantly, now standing at approximately 500,000 animals. The vast majority are held in private or commercial herds, not managed for conservation. The population of wild, free-ranging bison is much smaller, estimated to be only between 11,248 and 13,123 mature individuals. The American Bison is listed as Near Threatened, reflecting its dependence on ongoing conservation programs.
In stark contrast, the Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is one of the world’s most threatened large mammals. The global population is alarmingly low, estimated at less than 4,000 animals. This critically small number, coupled with threats to its genetic purity, has resulted in its designation as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Historical Context and Conservation Management
The current distribution and numbers of these species are a direct result of historical pressures and subsequent management actions.
American Bison
The American Bison experienced a dramatic population crash in the 19th century, reduced from tens of millions to fewer than 1,000 animals by the late 1880s. Recovery began in the early 1900s, leading to the establishment of protected herds on federal lands. A genetic challenge remains, as many bison today possess some degree of cattle DNA due to historical cross-breeding with domestic livestock. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining the few remaining genetically pure populations, such as those in Yellowstone National Park, through careful breeding and translocation programs.
African Cape Buffalo
A major historical threat was the rinderpest pandemic in the late 19th century, which decimated populations across the continent. Conservation success followed the eradication of rinderpest, allowing populations in protected areas to rebound. Ongoing management strategies include controlling disease transmission from domestic cattle and mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation as human settlements expand.
Wild Water Buffalo
This species faces a significant struggle for genetic integrity, as small populations frequently hybridize with the numerous domestic Water Buffalo. This mixing dilutes the wild gene pool, posing a persistent threat to long-term survival. Conservation relies on maintaining protected areas in South and Southeast Asia, coupled with efforts to prevent contact between wild and domestic herds.