Telemetry Monitoring Assists in Saiga Antelope Preservation within Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Conservationists Harness Technology to Protect Endangered Saiga Antelope
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN - Wildlife experts shared insights on the latest satellite telemetry tracking efforts in Kazakhstan, revealing ways to protect the endangered saiga antelope during an online event hosted by Global Rewilding Alliance on May 23.
The event, moderated by Alister Scott, executive director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, featured Albert Salemgareev, Alyona Krivosheyeva, Steffen Zuther, and ACBK's geographic information system and research advisor. They discussed the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan's (ACBK) efforts in restoring the saiga population.
According to the latest data, the saiga antelope population in Kazakhstan has reached a record 4.1 million, with the species primarily residing in the steppes of central and western Kazakhstan.
Alyona Krivosheyeva, ACBK's conservation director, explained that the organization was founded in 2004 and has grown to become the largest national biodiversity conservation NGO in Kazakhstan, with the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative being one of its biggest initiatives.
Last year, Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, led by Vera Voronova, earned the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the Protect and Restore Nature category for unprecedented success in safeguarding the critically endangered saiga antelope.
To protect the saiga, experts first focused on understanding their habitat utilization by gathering data through saiga tagging. Alterations in capture methods were also made to minimize stress for the antelopes since they are extremely sensitive and it is hard to access or legalize suitable drugs in Kazakhstan.
The method of capture now involves chasing an antelope by motorbike for up to four minutes, capturing it with a net, and fitting the collar within another four minutes, all aimed at minimizing the animal's stress.
Satellite telemetry data from tagged saigas played a significant role in supporting efforts to create and expand protected areas in Kazakhstan and identify barriers to saiga migration in the landscape.
Moreover, telemetry data helps determine the true cause and the interplay of factors behind potential conflicts between saigas and farmers, who have voiced concerns about damage to landscapes and crops.
Despite challenges, ACBK continues its efforts to promote saiga coexistence, with a focus on helping the government establish a methodology for assessing the damage caused by saigas to ensure naturally functioning ecosystems are maintained.
The ACBK remains committed to observing and protecting the saiga population to ensure its continued growth and mutual coexistence with local communities in Kazakhstan.
Science and environmental science have played a crucial role in the protection of the endangered saiga antelope in Kazakhstan, as technology, particularly satellite telemetry, has been instrumental in understanding the antelopes' habitat, migration patterns, and interactions with local farmers.
