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Elucidating Climatic Drivers of Mass Mortality in the
Endangered Saiga Antelope
This project will examine the role of climate change in the
aetiology of mass mortality in saigas, as part of a larger
NERC-funded project that aims to enhance population viability by
addressing biotic and abiotic threats.
Initially, the student will utilise data collected during
2015-16 on saiga migration patterns and climatic factors in
relation to die-off sites, to define covariates and address
hypotheses on causation.
Saiga Day was discussed and planned in 2010 at a meeting for the exchange of ideas and best practice held in Uralsk, part of the SOS Saiga! project funded by the People's Trust for Endangered Species and the SOS Fund (see article in Saiga News, Issue 12).
Aimed at raising awareness of saiga conservation among the upcoming generation, Saiga Day has been co-organized with local schools in Uzbekistan since 2008, and features art, drama, sports and more.
In 2011 Saiga Day crossed international borders and was celebrated simultaneously in villages in the saiga antelope's range in Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.