Central Idea
- The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
About Saiga Antelope
| Details | |
| Scientific Name | Saiga tatarica |
| Physical Characteristics | Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs |
| Habitat | Primarily found in the steppe region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe |
| Population Distribution | Predominantly in Kazakhstan and Russia, with smaller populations in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia |
| Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
CITES: Appendix II |
| Major Threats | Poaching for horns (used in traditional medicine), habitat loss, and disease outbreaks like pasteurellosis |
| Diet | Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants |
| Breeding | Known for its rapid population growth under favorable conditions; breeds in large herds |
| Migration | Notable for long-distance seasonal migrations |
| Cultural Significance | Featured in the folklore and culture of the local steppe communities |
