Saiga (Saiga tatarica) conservation strategy in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a living symbol of the Eurasian steppes. Even in the recent past, its total number exceeded a million heads. As a commercial species, it was a source of inexpensive meat and skins for suede. The natural world range of saiga in Eurasia covers the steppe and desert ecosystems of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, as well as Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region in the Russian Federation. It is divided into two subspecies: (Saiga tatarica tatarica) the nominal subspecies and (S.t.mongolica) the Mongolian saiga, which is found only in Mongolia. In 2002, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN) classified saiga as CR-critically endangered. The purpose of this work is to analyze the saiga population dynamics on the territory of Kazakhstan and characterize possible anthropogenic, genetic and environmental factors affecting their numbers, with the rationale for approaches to conserving these animals’ population in Kazakhstan. The article highlights the saiga dynamics of number and distribution over the past decade, the reasons for decline in its number, also discusses specific measures to conserve the saiga in modern conditions, because the current critical situation with saiga in Kazakhstan requires implementing a strategy for its conservation as a species of mammals fauna of the republic.

Untitled

“…Kazakhstan is home to the Betpakdala, Ustyurt, and Ural groups of saigas, which belong to the Tatar ( Eurasian) subspecies (Saiga tatarica), and the Mongolian subspecies (Saiga tatarica mongolica), which, according to A. Serikbayeva et al (2023), is distributed in Mongolia. G. Turlybekova et al (2017) indicates that 95% of the population of the Tatar subspecies of saiga is located in Kazakhstan, while in the Betpakdala and Ural groups there was a 45% increase in livestock, while the Ustyurt population practically disappeared.…”

“…The message of A. Serikbayeva et al (2023) indicate that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) has identified saigas as an endangered species. One of the most effective approaches to the conservation of endangered species is the creation of sanctuaries, nurseries, and other reserves for their breeding.…”

Creation of nurseries and veterinary preventive measures for saigas of Betpakdala and Ural populations in Kazakhstan

“…Kazakhstan is home to the Betpakdala, Ustyurt, and Ural groups of saigas, which belong to the Tatar ( Eurasian) subspecies (Saiga tatarica), and the Mongolian subspecies (Saiga tatarica mongolica), which, according to A. Serikbayeva et al (2023), is distributed in Mongolia. G. Turlybekova et al (2017) indicates that 95% of the population of the Tatar subspecies of saiga is located in Kazakhstan, while in the Betpakdala and Ural groups there was a 45% increase in livestock, while the Ustyurt population practically disappeared.…”

“…The message of A. Serikbayeva et al (2023) indicate that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) has identified saigas as an endangered species. One of the most effective approaches to the conservation of endangered species is the creation of sanctuaries, nurseries, and other reserves for their breeding.…”

“…From other reasons, A. Serikbayeva et al (2023) note the loss of habitats through human industrial activity, snowy winters, lack of food, diseases, and competition with farm animals. But epizootics turned out to be the most dangerous for the saiga population.…”