Rare Saiga Antelopes of "Aralkum"
2025-10-07 12:00:00 / News
The saiga is a rare species on the brink of extinction. It is listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. A Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the saiga, as well as an Intergovernmental Agreement on its protection and reintroduction, have been signed between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
During the spring census in the territory of the "Aralkum" National Park, 57 saigas were recorded. These animals migrate from the northern regions of Kazakhstan, and their population size changes annually depending on weather conditions. The saiga belongs to the Bovidae family and is an even-toed ungulate. The average body length of a male is 110–140 cm, height about 80 cm, and weight up to 40 kg.
The "Aralkum" National Nature Park was established on March 4, 2022, in the Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. It is home to 25 animal species, 4 of which are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan. The saiga is the most common species in this protected area.