Welfare of Endangered Saiga Antelope in Central Asia

Saiga antelope have suffered catastrophic population crashes and face welfare challenges from disease, poaching, and climate stress.

Key Facts

Saigas lost over 200,000 individuals in a single mass mortality event in 2015
The die-off was caused by a bacterial infection triggered by unusual temperature patterns
Their distinctive proboscis-like nose filters dust and warms cold air
Males are heavily poached for their horns used in traditional medicine
Saigas can run at 80 km per hour to escape predators

Welfare Considerations

Saiga antelope experience severe welfare events from mass mortality episodes caused by climate-triggered disease outbreaks. Survivors in post-die-off populations show altered behavior from group disruption. Poaching for horns targets males, causing extreme sex ratio imbalance and disrupting social structure. Climate change is increasing the frequency of temperature anomalies triggering bacterial disease. These animals suffer at the intersection of multiple anthropogenic threats.

What You Can Do

Support saiga conservation organizations in Kazakhstan and Russia
Oppose traditional medicine products made from saiga horns
Advocate for climate action that reduces extreme temperature events
Donate to mass mortality response programs that assist survivors