Dramatic declines in saiga antelope populations

Abstract

We present new data on the size of all the saiga antelope populations; three populations of the subspecies Saiga tatarica tatarica in Kazakhstan, one of S. t. tatarica in Kalmykia, Russia, and two of S. t. mongolica in Mongolia. The data suggest that three populations are under severe threat from poaching and have been declining at an increasing rate for the last 2±3 years. The Ustiurt population in Kazakhstan was relatively secure but is now also under threat. There is evidence of much reduced conception rates in Kalmykia, probably because of selective hunting of adult males. The Mongolian subspecies shows no evidence of recent decline, but is of concern because of the population's small size. The cause of the population declines appears to be poaching for meat and horns, which is a result of economic collapse in the rural areas of Kazakhstan and Kalmykia. We suggest that full aerial surveys be carried out on the Betpak-dala (Kazakhstan) and Mongolian populations, and that funding is urgently required for the control of poaching in all parts of the saiga range.

Protecting Migration Corridors: Challenges and Optimism for Mongolian Saiga

“…Many of these wide-ranging species are threatened or endangered because of over-harvesting, poaching for horns that are subsequently used in traditional medicine, and degradation of pastures by livestock grazing [6]. Saiga are among the unfortunate leaders in terms of population declines, their numbers having dropped more than 95%, from greater than 1,000,000 to less than 50,000 in under two decades [7]. Only two subpopulations remain within Mongolia, totaling approximately 5,000 individuals [7].…”

Historical range, extirpation and prospects for reintroduction of saigas in China

“…Complex migratory behaviours provide a special challenge for conservation and restoration of species126. Such is the case for the saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica ), a migratory species endemic to the semi-arid rangelands of Central Asia and the pre-Caspian78. Two saiga subspecies are recognized: S. t. tatarica in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and S. t. mongolica in Mongolia8910.…”

“…Such is the case for the saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica ), a migratory species endemic to the semi-arid rangelands of Central Asia and the pre-Caspian78. Two saiga subspecies are recognized: S. t. tatarica in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and S. t. mongolica in Mongolia8910. The saiga used to be abundant and has been traditionally hunted for meat, horns and hides since prehistoric times7.…”

“…The saiga used to be abundant and has been traditionally hunted for meat, horns and hides since prehistoric times7. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent heavy poaching led to a 95% reduction in the species’ population size in less than 10 years8, leading to its categorisation as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List in 2002. In recent years, with substantial conservation investment from range states and international conservation bodies, the outlook for the species has improved.…”

“…Saiga horns are claimed to have high value in traditional Chinese medicine for their perceived effectiveness for many diseases14, which now is one of the factors driving heavy poaching78. Records of the use of saiga horns in traditional Chinese medicine can be traced back to the “ Shennong’s Materia Medica ” about 2,000 years ago14.…”