The African buffalo database

This database provides information on the presence, abundance and distribution of the African buffalo at the scale of the entire African continent. For this purpose, we conducted a literature search to uncover published information. We also carried out an extensive survey of national and international agencies and field experts in the 37 countries that are within the buffalo’s distribution range. We collected abundance data from 163 protected areas or protected area complexes for the period 2001–2021. Abundance data are mainly based on aerial counts using standardized methods, and occasionally on estimates provided by experts. We also obtained information on the presence of buffalo in 711 localities (inside and outside protected areas) for the period 2001–2021. This dataset was used for the purpose of 2 continental reviews of the conservation status of the African buffalo published in 2014 and 2023 (see below).