Protecting migration corridors: challenges and optimism for Mongolian saiga

Abstract

Hunting pressure and habitat loss place the endangered saiga, a type of antelope that was once abundant in central Asia, at high risk of extinction, and make the protection of the migratory routes of Mongolian populations even more critical for conserving the species.

Figure 1. Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica)

Juvenile Mongolian saiga female within the Sharga Nature Reserve. Over-harvesting, poaching for horns, and habitat degradation are among the threats facing this endangered migratory species.

Figure 2. Potential Bottlenecks along Saiga Migratory Corridors

Map of northwestern section of Sharga Nature Reserve, showing nearby soums (towns), roads, and three restricted movement zones outside of the reserve (1: skirting Darvi-Altay soum; 2: passing Darvi Lake; 3: valley less than five kilometers wide connecting Shargyn Govi with Huysiyn Govi). Movements are based on locations of GPS-collared adult female saiga captured within the Reserve boundaries [8].