Saiga Antelope
FACTSHEET ON MONGOLIAN SAIGA ANTELOPE
© Undram R.
© WWF-Mongolia / Ts.Tuyatsatsral
The Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is the most threatened and endemic ungulate species. It is one of two sub-species of Saiga; the other (S. t. tatarica) is distributed in Russia and Central Asia.
Common Name: Mongolian Saiga
Scientific Name: Saiga tatarica mongolica
Distribution: Sharga Mankhan Natural Reserve established in 1994, Great Lakes Basin, Western Mongolia, Altai Sayan Eco-region’s Mongolian Part
Population: Saiga survives in only two populations in the Great Lakes basin area of Mongolia. Population of Mongolian Saiga has decreased dramatically over the last 20 years (1980-2003) of 1500-2500 animals occupying only less than 1/5 of its historical range. Once reached 5000 heads in early 1990s, a dramatic population crash to less than 800-1500 animals followed in subsequent years due to an absence of conservation measures coupled with harsh climatic conditions.
Conservation Status:
• “Very Rare” per Law on Fauna (2000);
• “Critically Endangered” per IUCN Red List (2006),
• CITES Appendix II (1994)
Main threats:
• Habitat competition with livestock;
• Poaching;
• Frequent extreme natural conditions (cold winters and droughts)
