1. Poaching: Saigas have been heavily poached for their meat and horns. Their horns, which are made of keratin, are prized in some Asian markets, leading to illegal hunting and international wildlife trafficking. Despite international bans and conservation efforts, poaching continues to be a significant threat.
2. Habitat Loss: Saiga antelopes inhabit the vast steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia, mainly Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. Their habitats have been degraded and fragmented due to agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, infrastructure development, and mining. The loss of suitable grazing grounds and migratory routes has severely impacted their populations.
3. Diseases: Saigas are vulnerable to various diseases, particularly a highly contagious respiratory disease called pasteurellosis. Epizootic outbreaks of pasteurellosis have led to mass mortalities in large numbers of saigas within a short period. In recent years, several outbreaks have resulted in catastrophic population declines.
4. Climate Change: Changing climate patterns also contribute to the endangerment of saigas. Their habitat regions have been experiencing warming temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These conditions affect the availability and quality of their forage and the timing of their migration, impacting their survival and reproduction.
5. Competition with Livestock: Saigas share their habitats with domestic livestock. Competition for grazing resources, especially during critical periods like spring when new grass emerges, can lead to reduced food availability for saigas. Additionally, transmission of diseases between livestock and saigas poses further threats to their populations.
6. Lack of Genetic Diversity: Saiga antelopes have low levels of genetic diversity due to past population bottlenecks. This genetic vulnerability makes them more susceptible to diseases and reduces their adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
These interconnected factors have resulted in dramatic declines in saiga antelope populations. The species has been categorized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is in urgent need of conservation interventions to prevent extinction.