Astana: Kazakhstan is grappling with a complex dilemma as the burgeoning population of saiga antelope, once a conservation success story, now poses significant challenges to the nation’s agricultural landscape. Fields are being destroyed by saiga herds, and livestock are losing valuable pastures, leading to fears that the escalating saiga population could severely impact agricultural operations.
According to Global Voices, the Kazakh authorities have taken decisive action, culling over 550 saigas in the initial phase of a population control campaign. This measure comes amid rising tensions between the saiga populations and local farmers, particularly in Western Kazakhstan, home to more than half of the nation’s saiga population, approximately 2.3 million.
Historically, saigas have been emblematic of the Kazakh steppe, having roamed the region for millennia. Despite their near extinction in the past, Kazakhstan has become a sanctuary for these unique antelopes, housing 90 percent of the global saiga population. However, their increasing numbers have ignited conflicts with farmers, who cite competition for water and pastureland as major concerns.
The current population crisis traces back to a drastic recovery fueled by Kazakhstan’s conservation efforts over the past two decades. Saigas were once nearly wiped out due to hunting and poaching, exacerbated by epidemics and the demand for their horns in traditional Chinese medicine. The intervention by Vladimir Lenin in 1919, which banned hunting, and the subsequent establishment of protected areas under the Altyn Dala project, were pivotal in reviving saiga numbers.
Kazakhstan’s government has instituted stringent penalties for poaching, contributing to a remarkable recovery from just 21,000 saigas in 2003 to 1.9 million by 2023. This conservation success has drawn international acclaim, including the prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2024, awarded to the Altyn Dala project for its preservation efforts.
However, the triumph of conservation is now overshadowed by the agricultural sector’s grievances. As the saiga population thrives, farmers argue that the antelopes’ seasonal migrations and grazing disrupt agriculture, causing damage to hayfields and crops. The expansion of farmland, from 22,939 hectares in 2000 to 557,667 hectares in 2023, has further encroached on saiga habitats.
While farmers demand action, the underlying issues extend beyond wildlife. Climate change and human expansion have strained resources, leading to water and pasture shortages. Saigas, despite exacerbating the situation, are not the primary cause. Their ecological role, including soil loosening and plant pollination, is crucial in maintaining the steppe’s health.
Kazakhstan faces a critical juncture. By implementing sustainable wildlife management practices and balancing conservation with economic interests, the nation has the opportunity to transform this challenge into a success story, ensuring the survival and prosperity of its national symbol for future generations.