Kazakhstan will reconsider the scientific justification for culling 80,000 saigas. Domestic scientists are seeking alternative ways to regulate the population of these animals. The Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources highlighted the need for extensive academic research. Thus, the migration routes, habitats and even the food supply of these antelopes are subject to a large-scale study. According to Serikkali Brekeshev, only after the research results, the final decision regarding the situation with the steppe animals will be made
“It is important to understand that saiga populations cannot increase endlessly in any case and exist stably without their management. Their size will be limited. Firstly, this is the availability of food resources, and secondly, these are periodic mass deaths characteristic of the saiga for various reasons, including diseases. In this regard, for the sake of preserving the saiga, it will be most advisable to maintain the largest possible size of its population with reasonable use, with the continuation of special protection of this species. Such population management requires careful preparation. Therefore, along with the Institute of Zoology, we will begin work on in-depth research and then, upon its completion, we will inform the public. The work will take years,” said Serikkali Brekeshev, Kazakh Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources.
Saigas are not included in the Red Data Book. However, due to conservation measures, they managed to achieve a significant increase - from 21,000 species in 2003 to 1,318,000 in 2022. It is worth noting that 95 percent of the global saiga population is concentrated in Kazakhstan. And now, after criticism from the Head of State, experts seem to realize that the competent control of the saiga population is the task of great significance.
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