American Bison (Bison bison)
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of prairie lands to agriculture and development is the biggest threat.
* Disease: Bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, and other diseases can impact populations, especially if in close contact with domestic cattle.
* Predation: While not a major threat, wolves and bears can prey on young or weak bison.
* Hunting and poaching: Illegal hunting and poaching can significantly impact populations, especially in areas with less protection.
* Climate change: Droughts and extreme weather events can impact grazing lands and food availability.
African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of grasslands and woodlands to agriculture and development is a major threat.
* Disease: African buffalo are susceptible to several diseases, including bovine tuberculosis and rinderpest.
* Hunting: Both legal and illegal hunting can impact populations, especially in areas with poor management.
* Human-wildlife conflict: Competition for resources and attacks on livestock can lead to conflict and retaliatory killings.
* Climate change: Droughts and extreme weather events can impact food and water availability.
Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of wetlands and grasslands to agriculture and development is a threat.
* Disease: Water buffalo are susceptible to several diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease and anthrax.
* Overgrazing: Overgrazing by domesticated water buffalo can degrade the environment and lead to soil erosion.
* Human-wildlife conflict: Competition for resources and attacks on livestock can lead to conflict and retaliatory killings.
* Climate change: Droughts and extreme weather events can impact food and water availability.
In general, human activities pose the greatest threat to buffalo populations worldwide. Conservation efforts are vital to protect these iconic animals and their habitats.