Ulaanbaatar
Mongolian saiga population hits 10,077
Environment
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Every
year, experts from WWF-Mongolia together with Saiga Ranger Network take on the
immense task of counting Mongolian Saigas to monitor the population. The team
completed the census in October 2021 and the number of Mongolian saiga
population has increased to about 10,077 individuals. Last year, the census
reported there were approximately 8,500 Mongolian saigas.
The number of Mongolian saigas
is estimated by the linear transect method, with an average of 12,555
individuals in the Shargyn Gobi, Khuisiin Gobi, and Darviin Khooloi, which are
the main distribution areas. At a 95 percent confidence level, there were at
least 9,181 Mongolian saigas. The total number of Mongolian saigas is at least
10,077, with 896 individuals in the small populations of Mankhan, Zavkhan, and
Khomin Tal.
B.Gantulga, species officer
from WWF-Mongolia said “Last summer was pleasant for saiga, unfortunately, it
doesn’t happen every year. Therefore, the parties shall continue their strong
conservation efforts. Also, special preparation should be taken this winter, as
heavy snow falls are expected this winter. It is also important to note the
recent high incidence of infectious animal diseases in the saiga range”
Although the Mongolian saiga
population has grown substantially, this is not a source of relief because the
threats are serious that droughts, overgrazing and infectious diseases could
still have devastating effect on vulnerable population of the Mongolian saiga.
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.
Source: WWF Mongolia
