Exploring a Sustainable Trophy Hunting Model for Saiga Antelope of the Betpak Dala Population of Kazakhstan - Brown, MSc Thesis

Brown
Exploring a Sustainable Trophy Hunting Model for Saiga Antelope of the Betpak Dala Population of Kazakhstan - Brown, MSc Thesis
Sustainable conservation solutions and discouraging detrimental practices through alternative livelihood options should bring benefit to both species and communities within their ranges. Trophy hunting coupled with community based wildlife management has the potential to encourage valuing of wildlife resources, allow active participation and empowerment of community groups, and generate revenue for conservation purposes. Hunting levels of 10% of the population, with the majority of the hunt comprising of males in the adult and sub-adult male classes, allowed an annual hunting season. This level of yearly off-take left the population still able to grow and achieve a stable population level at 75% of carrying capacity.

This project focuses on exploring the feasibility of community based trophy hunting of the Betpak-dala population of saiga antelopes (Saiga tartarica). Literature on trophy hunting and community based wildlife management was investigated as well as using a population model to assess approaches to sustainable hunting.