Wildlife Conservation

Saiga Antelope: Surviving Mass Die-Off Events

Saiga antelopes in Central Asia have experienced catastrophic mortality events, losing hundreds of thousands of animals in days due to climate-triggered bacterial outbreaks.

Key Facts

In 2015, over 200,000 saiga died in Kazakhstan within days — 60% of the global population
Pasturella multocida bacteria, normally harmless, turned lethal due to unusual heat and humidity
Saiga are listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN
Populations have partially recovered but remain vulnerable
Females give birth synchronously, making calves especially vulnerable to disease events

Welfare Considerations

Mass die-off events represent extreme acute suffering at a population scale rarely seen. Animals suffer fever, hemorrhaging, and rapid organ failure. Climate change is increasing the frequency of conditions that trigger such events, meaning welfare risks are growing.

What You Can Do

Support ACBK (Association for Conservation of Biodiversity Kazakhstan) monitoring programs
Advocate for reduced greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate extremes
Support anti-poaching efforts protecting saiga from horn trade
Donate to Wildlife Conservation Society Central Asia programs