Kazakhstan's saiga antelope population nears 1 million after dramatic recovery

Kazakhstan's saiga antelope population has surged by over 40% in the last decade, now nearing 1 million animals. The increase has led to large-scale migrations and targeted culling to manage conflicts with farming communities.

Three major saiga populations exist across the country: the Ural group with 2.3 million, the Betpak-Dala with 1.6 million, and the smaller Ustyurt with 78,000. Recently, herds have moved from the Koskol rural district in Ulytau, crossing railway lines into Kyzylorda Region. Over 60,000 of these animals now gather in Syrdarya, with more than 30,000 concentrated in Aral district alone.

The migration follows seasonal patterns, driven by snow cover and food supplies. Since late December, large groups have spread across Aral, Kazaly, Karmakshy, Zhalagash, and Syrdarya districts.

To control crop damage, authorities culled 196,210 saigas last year, processing their meat and horns. In 2023, around 34,000 were removed from Kostanay, Akmola, and North Kazakhstan regions. These measures ran from July to December in five affected areas to ease grazing pressure on farmland.

The saiga population now stands at nearly 1 million, with regulated culls helping balance ecological and agricultural needs. Migration continues as herds seek better feeding grounds, particularly in Kyzylorda's southern districts.