Dramatic declines in saiga antelope populations

Milner‐Gulland, E. J.; Холодова, М. В.; Bekenov, A. B.; Bukreeva, O. M.; Grachev, Iu. A.; Amgalan, L.; Лущекина, А. А.

doi:10.1046/j.1365-3008.2001.00202.x

Cited by 99 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…S. t. tatarica populations have collapsed (Milner-Gulland et al 2001, CMS 2006a, with habitat loss and overhunting likely responsible for dividing remaining animals into 4 migratory populations (CMS 2006a). Recent studies have assessed the status and movements of S. t. mongolica in Mongolia (Berger et al 2008a,b).…”

Section: Threatened Migrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global decline in aggregated migrations of large terrestrial mammals

Harris

Thirgood²,

Grant³

et al. 2009

Endang. Species. Res.

376

424

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Knowledge of mammal migrations is low, and human impacts on migrations high. This jeopardizes efforts to conserve terrestrial migrations. To aid the conservation of these migrations, we synthesized information worldwide, describing 24 large-bodied ungulates that migrate in aggregations. This synthesis includes maps of extinct and extant migrations, numbers of migrants, summaries of ecological drivers and threats migrants confront. As data are often lacking, we outlined steps for science to address and inform conservation actions. We evaluated migrants against this framework, and reported their status. Mass migrations for 6 species are extinct or unknown. Most remaining migrants (n = 9) occur from 6 locations in Africa, with Eurasia and North America containing 6 and 4 remaining mass migrants, respectively (with caribou/reindeer Rangifer tarandus occurring in both regions). All migrants declined in abundance, except wildebeest and other migrants in the SerengetiMara Ecosystem (SME), white-eared kob and tiang in Sudan, and some caribou populations. Protected areas only contain migrations for 5 species in the SME, chiru on the Tibetan Plateau, and some caribou populations in North America. Most mass migrants track the seasonal and shifting patterns of greening vegetation over expanses of savannahs, steppes, and grasslands. Principal threats include overhunting and habitat loss from livestock, agriculture, and fencing that excludes animals from forage or water. Conservation science overlooks numerous migrations, so many have already disappeared and continue to do so. Key principles for conserving migrants, exemplified by the SME and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), include securing seasonal ranges, resource protection, government support and minimizing fences. This review forms a baseline for initiating conservation action for many ungulate migrations needing attention.

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Section: Threatened Migrationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global decline in aggregated migrations of large terrestrial mammals

Harris

Thirgood²,

Grant³

et al. 2009

Endang. Species. Res.

376

424

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…This is likely due to an overall reduction of available food sources (Milner-Gulland et al 2001). Little is known about population trends on wintering grounds, although wintering populations appear to be declining in Nepal and increasing in India (IUCN 2012a).…”

Section: Himalayan Vulture (Fig 5)mentioning

confidence: 99%

The conservation of Accipitridae vultures of Nepal: a review

Harris¹

2013

J. Threat. Taxa

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Abstract:Of the nine Accipitridae vulture species found within Nepal the IUCN categorises White-rumped, Indian Vulture, Slender-billed and Red-headed Vultures as Critically Endangered and Egyptian Vulture as Endangered. Dramatic declines have occurred since the mid 1990s with the White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture population declining by over 97%. The remaining species are listed as Near Threatened or Least Concern. Veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac has been proven to be a key threat in the region for Gyps vultures and appears likely that it may also affect other Accipitridae vultures. The drug is transferred to vultures via consumption of dead livestock carcass. Ingestion of the drug causes visceral gout and kidney failure, which leads to the birds' death. Consumption of diclofenac and the majority of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are fatal to individuals. Only one NSAID, meloxicam, has been tested and proven safe for vultures. There are other factors such as food shortage in local scale, habitat loss, climate change and pesticides/poisoning that play some role on population decline. Managing vulture conservation across Nepal can be problematic just as it is throughout the Indian subcontinent due to the variable level of protection afforded to vultures through legislation and enforcement in each political region particularly regarding NSAID regulation and use. However, great gains have been made on removing diclofenac from sale within the Indian subcontinent. Continuing and enhancing the holistic conservation approach between all stakeholders, government and non-government organisations, across the species range is required to conserve them for future generations. Indeed, it is likely that a number of species will become extinct if a greater conservation effort is not forthcoming in the very near future.

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“…In the last 25 years, populations of many iconic species such as elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and saiga antelope have decreased dramatically or become locally extinct, and much of this decline is due to illegal hunting for coveted products such as ivory, medicines, and clothing (Emslie et al, 2013;Li et al, 2007;Maisels et al, 2013;Milner-Gulland et al, 2001;Walston et al, 2010). Weak enforcement systems have enabled wildlife to be poached and traded to markets where sales of wildlife and products made from wildlife parts fuel illegal business (Bennett, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%