Mongolian saiga population hits 15,540

Posted on 23 November 2023

The team completed the census in November 2023 and the number of Mongolian saiga population has increased to at least 15,540 individuals. Last year, the census reported there were at least 13,925 Mongolian saigas. As protection improves and the population grows, the Mongolian saiga is expanding its range. 21 individuals were recorded in the Naranbulag soum area of Uvs province, Mongolia, and locals said that they have been located in this area since 2019. The number of other separate populations is also increasing.

The Mongolian saiga antelope is a critically endangered species, which inhabits only in Mongolia. Every year experts from WWF-Mongolia together with Community conservationists for Saiga Network take on the immense task of counting Mongolian saigas to monitor the population. The assessment was performed using internationally recognized line transit method for saiga distribution in the Shargiin Gobi, Khuis Gobi, Durgun steppe, Mankhan soum of Khovd province, Zavkhan soum of Uvs province, and Durvuljin soum of Zavkhan province. According to the experts, they did not met sick and dead Mongolian saigas during the census.
The team completed the census in November 2023 and the number of Mongolian saiga population has increased to at least 15,540 individuals. Last year, the census reported there were at least 13,925 Mongolian saigas. As protection improves and the population grows, the Mongolian saiga is expanding its range. 21 individuals were recorded in the Naranbulag soum area of Uvs province, Mongolia, and locals said that they have been located in this area since 2019. The number of other separate populations is also increasing.
B.Gantulga, Species senior officer from WWF-Mongolia said “The increase of the Mongolian saiga is the result of many years of conservation efforts by the parties. Last summer was pleasant for saiga, unfortunately, it doesn’t happen every year. This winter is likely to be quite severe, thus may put Mongolian saiga population in critical condition again. Therefore, the parties shall continue their strong conservation efforts.”
As of 2014, there were 15,000 Mongolian saigas. Unfortunately, thousands of Mongolian saigas died in 2017 due to the goat plague and dzud (combined effect of the lack of grass, extreme temperature and heavy snowfall). Thus, the reintroduction of Mongolian saiga and the creation of several independent populations can reduce the risk of drought, dzud, and infectious diseases substantially. Researchers also pointed out that the protection of Mongolian saiga range by the State and the reduction of illegal hunting is a way to save this extremely rare species from extinction.

The team completed the census in November 2023 and the number of Mongolian saiga population has increased to at least 15,540 individuals.