How has the Saiga Antelope’s change from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ come about?
In 2006, when Saiga were facing extinction, the RSPB and international partners co-founded the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative with the Kazakhstan Government and the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan. Since then, we’ve developed satellite collars to track their migration patterns, pinpoint important calving and rutting sites, and identify barriers to their movement. This data is then used to advocate for protection of Saiga habitats.
Why is this species important?
The Saiga acts as a keystone species of the Kazakh steppe grasslands. They prevent under-grazing while creating niche habitats. Saiga also constitute an important food source for predators and scavengers.
What measures are in place to help secure their future?
RSPB staff and experts developed the ‘Strategy for the Conservation and Management of Saiga in Kazakhstan’, facilitated by the Convention on Migratory Species, in May 2023. This presents a road map for the species’ long-term survival, with an emphasis on supporting the communities living amongst Saiga.
