Project leader: Yerzhan Makenovich Toishibekov
Implementation period: 2024–2026
IRN: BR23591114
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The saiga in Kazakhstan is classified as a species subject to hunting and fishing in accordance with Order No. 18-03/106 of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated February 16, 2015. It is a valuable biological resource of great economic importance, serving as a source of export raw materials, meat, and leather products.
For over 40 years, saiga were harvested through state-managed hunting. Following the catastrophic population decline in the 1990s, saiga hunting was suspended, with bans repeatedly extended until 2023. Thanks to conservation measures during this period, the Betpak-Dala population has recovered and even surpassed previous levels. However, this growth has intensified competition with livestock for grazing lands and water sources, and saigas have increasingly entered agricultural fields, leading to conflicts with local communities. As a result, there is a pressing need to regulate population size. The saiga was included in the list of species subject to population control by Order No. 263 of the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 19, 2023. On this basis, state-regulated saiga hunting was reopened in Kazakhstan.
To ensure sustainable use of saiga resources, it is essential to consider a number of key factors—biological (zoological and botanical), economic, social, and environmental—without which true “sustainability” is impossible. The planned comprehensive research under this project is aimed at addressing these challenges.
Relevance:
This program will, for the first time, employ an integrated approach to studying saiga populations, combining field surveys, analytical and veterinary methods, remote sensing, community engagement, and collaboration with authorized agencies and legislative bodies. A comprehensive analysis will include environmental factors—climate, geography, vegetation, and agricultural development of the study areas. The project involves multidisciplinary experts including zoologists, botanists, veterinarians, and GIS specialists. Constant interaction will be maintained with the authorized body, the state enterprise “Okhotzooprom,” and private sector representatives to balance agricultural interests with saiga conservation. Importantly, the project will conduct a comprehensive study of saiga diseases—from ecto- and endoparasites to zoonotic infections—across different seasons and life stages.
For the first time, cryobiological methods will be applied to preserve saiga germplasm, allowing the use of biological materials in future molecular-genetic, biotechnological, and other research aimed at studying and restoring this species.
Program goal:
To develop a system for the conservation and sustainable use of the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saiga populations in Kazakhstan based on comprehensive zoological, ecological, and botanical research.
Program objectives:
- Determine the current spatial structure of the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saiga populations, including the size and location of their winter and summer ranges, calving areas, and migration routes and timing (using both traditional and satellite collar tracking methods).
- Identify areas of competition between saigas and livestock for grazing lands and water sources, assess its scale, and determine where artificial watering points are needed.
- Assess seasonal productivity, forage stock, and carrying capacity of pastures within the populations’ ranges, and create a forage resources database and maps based on field data and satellite-derived vegetation indices.
- Determine the optimal population size of the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saigas based on winter forage availability, the most limiting period of their annual cycle.
- Assess demographic parameters (fertility, mortality, age and sex structure, etc.) and reproduction rates in both populations.
- Identify causes of epizootics and develop an eco-veterinary monitoring system for the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saiga populations.
- Analyze limiting factors (anthropogenic, biological, climatic) affecting population dynamics and develop mitigation measures.
- Develop a mathematical model of saiga population dynamics.
- Design principles and strategies for conservation and sustainable utilization of saiga resources, including harvest quotas, hunting seasons, humane methods, and an information system for accounting and registering semi-captive populations.
- Isolate and culture in vitro somatic cells (fibroblasts) from both populations; perform cryopreservation and expand the national cryobank.
- Analyze the legal framework related to saiga management and sustainable use.
Expected results:
- Analysis of historical and recent data on the spatial structure of saiga populations, with field observations to identify seasonal distribution, migration routes, and timing (using both traditional and satellite tracking).
- Field data on saiga and livestock concentrations will be used to assess grazing pressure and the condition of water sources, identifying areas where artificial watering points are required.
- Seasonal productivity, forage stock, and carrying capacity of pastures will be determined, and a database and forage maps created using field surveys and satellite-based vegetation indices.
- Based on winter forage productivity, the optimal density and population size of the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saigas will be calculated.
- Demographic parameters (fertility, mortality, age-sex structure) and reproduction rates will be established for both populations.
- Analysis of disease factors and causes of epizootics will lead to a monitoring system for saiga health, with diagnostic and prevention methods and identification of transmission pathways.
- Assessment of limiting factors on population dynamics and development of mitigation measures, with special attention to growing anthropogenic pressures.
- Creation of a mathematical model of saiga population dynamics, integrating all major influencing factors.
- Review of saiga conservation practices, refinement of harvest timing, methods, and quotas, and recommendations for improving management.
- Development and refinement of in vitro techniques for isolating and culturing saiga fibroblasts; cryopreservation and inclusion of samples in the national cryobank.
- Legal analysis of the regulatory framework governing saiga conservation and sustainable use, with proposals for improving legislation.
By the end of the program, at least three articles and/or reviews will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at least three papers in journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, along with one monograph and at least three registered intellectual property objects (two certificates of authorship and one utility model patent) in the National Institute of Intellectual Property of Kazakhstan.
PROJECT PARTICIPANTS:
Scientific supervisor: Yerzhan Makenovich Toishibekov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Chief Researcher at the Laboratory of Cryobiology and Germplasm Bank of Wild Animals of Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6060-0612, Scopus Author ID: 54880591400, h-index 3
Responsible project executor: Aleksei Aleksandrovich Grachev, Acting Head of the Laboratory of Theriology, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6051-8299, Scopus Author ID: 57873983000, h-index 3
Project coordinator: Anna Mikhailovna Khamchukova, Researcher at the Center for Biocenology and Wildlife Management, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6301-1810, Researcher ID: HGD-0317-2022, h-index 1
The research team includes specialists from three laboratories and two research centers of the Institute of Zoology: Theriology, Parasitology, Cryobiology of Wild Animals, the Center for Biocenology and Wildlife Management, and the Center for GIS and Remote Sensing.
Section leaders:
Dmitry Viktorovich Malakhov – Head of the GIS and Remote Sensing Research Center, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7844-6569, Scopus Author ID: 36794244500, h-index 8
Konstantin Nikolaevich Plakhov – Head of the Center for Biocenology and Wildlife Management, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8627-2311, Scopus Author ID: 56728663500, h-index 3
Omarkhan Berkinbai – Chief Researcher at the Laboratory of Parasitology, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5017-0559, Scopus Author ID: 57478871200, h-index 1
Aituar Bulatbekovich Tuganbekov – Senior Researcher at the Center for Biocenology and Wildlife Management, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7613-3294
Ivan Gennadievich Frolov – Researcher at the Laboratory of Ornithology and Herpetology, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7907-9166, Scopus Author ID: 57214993398, h-index 2
PROJECT RESULTS:
Summary of 2024 results
Research conducted in 2024 significantly advanced understanding of key aspects of saiga ecology, biology, and population status. The work provided essential data on spatial structure, seasonal migrations, distribution of grazing resources, parasitic and infectious status, and the impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on population dynamics.
Pasture resource assessments identified 84 forage plant species from 18 families, reflecting the saiga’s broad dietary adaptability. Typological classifications of pastures were created, including seasonal distribution and carrying capacity
Pasture resource assessments identified 84 forage plant species from 18 families, reflecting the saiga’s broad dietary adaptability. Typological classifications of pastures were created, including seasonal distribution and carrying capacity. Under increasing anthropogenic pressure, areas of competition between saigas and livestock for grazing and watering sites were identified, emphasizing the need to regulate livestock grazing in saiga habitats.
The analysis of the infectious status of saiga populations revealed the circulation of several pathogens, including foot-and-mouth disease viruses (types A, O, Asia-1), pasteurellosis, theileriosis, brucellosis, and other microorganisms. These findings indicate a high risk of infection spread within dense saiga populations during certain seasons. Parasitological studies identified 57 parasite species, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring to prevent negative effects on animal health and survival.
Particular attention was paid to demographic indicators. The sex-age composition of saigas varies across regions: the proportion of reproductive males is higher in the Betpak-Dala population than in the Ustyurt one. Due to the challenges of sex and age identification in field conditions, results from different observations can vary significantly. Accurate assessment requires large datasets from multiple areas. The best results are obtained through close-range aerial photography from helicopters or small aircraft, but such data remain limited. Reliable estimation of the population’s sex-age structure is especially important for planning sustainable hunting and population management.
The development of a mathematical model of saiga population dynamics revealed a trend toward exponential growth, indicating positive changes in population status. However, a precise model and reliable sustainability forecasts require accounting for numerous factors, including climate variability, human pressures, and pasture quality. The ongoing increase in saiga numbers in some regions underscores the need for an integrated approach to population management, combining monitoring, population control, and habitat protection.
Cell technology research demonstrated successful isolation and cryopreservation of saiga fibroblasts. The establishment of a saiga somatic cell cryobank opened new opportunities for long-term genetic material preservation. The application of advanced cell culture and cryogenic methods enhances the quality of genetic studies and provides a foundation for future biotechnological restoration programs.
The analysis of the legal and regulatory framework revealed the need for revisions and optimization of saiga conservation legislation. Recommendations were developed to improve hunting regulation and anti-poaching measures. Sustainable use of saiga resources can only be achieved through the integration of ecological, social, and economic factors.
Thus, the research conducted in 2024 established an important foundation for further saiga studies. The obtained results not only expand understanding of the species’ biology and ecology but also emphasize the need for comprehensive conservation approaches. Continued interdisciplinary research and integration of modern technologies will enhance the effectiveness of population management and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Modern technological monitoring methods—including GPS collar tracking, drones, thermal imaging, and other advanced remote sensing tools—are planned for implementation in 2025. These methods will provide more accurate assessments of the Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt saiga populations, their spatial structure, and dynamics. The use of such technologies will allow the identification of key seasonal ranges, migration routes, and major calving sites, providing a basis for developing effective conservation strategies for areas of highest population concentration.