Syncerus antiquus Duvernoy, 1851

Giant long-horned buffalo, Giant buffalo, Long-horned buffalo

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Synonym/s: Bubalus antiquus Duvernoy, 1851; Pelorovis antiquus Duvernoy, 1851; Syncerus (caffer) antiquus Duvernoy, 1851; Homoioceras antiquus Duvernoy, 1851

Conservation Status

Extinct

Last record: c. 9,000 BC

The date of extinction of the Giant long-horned buffalo is somewhat debatable. There is general agreement that it survived until 11,000 yBP. However, exactly how much longer it survived is unknown. Rock art dating to 3-4000 years ago may depict this species, but it is inconclusive and may very well show aurochs or domestic cattle.

de Jager et al. (2023) reported a likely ancient introgression of S. antiquus into a Cape Buffalo (S. caffer) population from Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.

Distribution

Africa

Biology & Ecology

Hypodigm

Media

References

Original scientific description:

Duvernoy, G. L. (1851). Note sur une espèce de buffle fossile, Bubalus (Arni) antiquus, découverte en Algérie. C. R. Hebd. Seances Acad. Sci. Paris 33: 595-597.

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