Hoofed mammals, also called ‘ungulates’, are found throughout forest, grassland, mountain and desert habitats around the world. The saiga antelope Saiga tatarica tatarica, is unique to the steppes of Central Asia, across which it migrates hundreds of kilometres.
Saiga used to occur in herds tens of thousands strong, creating a spectacle comparable to the great migrations of East Africa. It is superbly adapted to the harsh conditions of its steppe and semi-desert habitats, which are among the last remaining wilderness areas in Eurasia.
Despite its ability to endure the extremes of nature, the saiga cannot withstand the increasing human-related pressures from hunting and habitat degradation or fragmentation. The world population of saiga antelope has declined catastrophically in recent years, crashing by 95% from over one million in the 1990s to an estimated 30,000 (in four discrete populations) in 2004. This once common species is now listed as Endangered and is in serious danger of extinction within the next five years.
Indications suggest that the collapse of rural economies across the saiga’s range has contributed to an unsustainable increase in poaching, primarily for the antelope’s horn, an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
Fauna & Flora International is focusing on the relationship between rural livelihoods and increased poaching on the Ustyurt plateau, across which one saiga population migrates seasonally between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Working with local NGOs and in partnership with the Institutes of Zoology, in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and London University’s Imperial College, Fauna & Flora International is helping to implement appropriate local and transboundary conservation initiatives.
Alternative livelihood opportunities are being developed through a small grants programme that focuses on the poorest individuals and groups within a rural Kazakhstan community, in order to reduce poverty-driven poaching. Small grants have supported workshops for a mechanic, a joiner and a welding operation, water pumps for remote pasture for livestock, a greenhouse for vegetable production for local schools, bakeries and sewing guilds.
The research in Uzbekistan is supported by Fauna & Flora International’s ‘Resources for Improved Livelihoods’ project whilst that in Kazakhstan and Kalmykia is part of a Darwin Initiative project led by Imperial College. The alternative livelihoods’ small grants programme is supported by DGIS, Disney Wildlife Fund and Chevron.
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