More aesthetic- rather than trophic- rewilding related, but this is the direction that selective breeding for horn size is taking the African buffalo, which in its wild state rarely exceeds a horn span of 45-inches… could it be that S. antiquus genes are still present in some African buffalo populations, and that these can be enhanced like was done in plains zebra breeding back the quagga subspecies?
Does anyone know if S. aniquus fossils are known from South Africa? These buffalo breeding projects in SA have used some zoo animals originating from East Africa to widen their gene pool, and I understand S. antiquus fossils are known from the Rift Valley. Carl Huchzermeyer
I can’t remember hearing that they were breeding buffalo for horns.
I shouldn’t be surprised since they are doing it with pay to shoot lions.