Wildlife

Saiga Antelope: Mass Die-offs and Welfare

Saiga antelopes have faced catastrophic population collapses due to disease, poaching, and climate change, raising major welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Over 200,000 saiga died in a single mass mortality event in 2015
The die-off was caused by Pasteurella bacteria triggered by climate anomalies
Saiga populations have partially recovered but remain vulnerable
Poaching for horn continues to threaten recovery
Saiga inhabit the grasslands of Central Asia and Russia

Welfare Considerations

Mass mortality events cause immense suffering at population scale. Saiga dying from haemorrhagic septicaemia experience respiratory distress and rapid death. Climate change is increasing the frequency of conditions that trigger these events. Individual saiga also suffer from poaching wounds and habitat loss.

What You Can Do

Support the Saiga Conservation Alliance
Advocate for climate action to protect vulnerable species
Report illegal horn trade to wildlife authorities
Support research into disease dynamics in saiga populations
Engage with conservation organisations focused on Central Asian steppe ecosystems