Origin
Saiga is a species of antelope that once lived in the vast area of the Eurasian Steppe, from the hilly areas of the Carpathians and the Caucasus to Mongolia and northern China. Today these antelopes can still be found in several areas of Russia, Kazakhstan and Western Mongolia. It is the only species in the genus Saiga.
Depending on the geographical arrangement, two subspecies have been identified within this species: Saiga tatarica tatarica (to which specimens from most regions belong) and Saiga tatarica mongolica (specific to Western Mongolia, represented by approx. 750 copies).
Currently, the number of Saiga antelopes is estimated at 50,000 individuals, which inhabit Kalmykia, three areas of Kazakhstan and two isolated areas of Mongolia.
It is now valued for its fur, meat and horns. Horns are considered the most precious thing of the saiga antelope and are used in Chinese medicine to reduce fever. No wonder it is on the list of endangered animals.
Feed the saiga antelope
Saiga antelopes live in large flocks and feed on grass and a number of plants, which grow in semi-desert, including even a few species poisonous to other animals. They can travel long distances and swim across rivers, but avoid bumpy or steep areas.
It is a herbivorous animal and eats over a hundred different species of plants, including lichens, grass, Cypress.
Appearance Saiga Antelope
In general, the stature of a saiga antelope does not exceed 0.6 – 0.8 m, and the weight varies between 36 and 63 kg, males being larger than females and differing from them by the presence of horns.
Animal horns are highly valued in Chinese medicine, which endangers their lives due to excessive poaching. In 1990, the Cherny zemli nature reserve was established in the Russian Republic of Kalmykia to protect the local population.
The animal's body is covered by a layer of woolly hair, rough and wrinkled, adapted to the climate conditions specific to each season: thus in summer the yellow fur is thinner by up to 70% compared to the white fur in winter.
What sets them apart from all other species in the subfamily Antelopinae is the shape of the nose. Its structure is extremely unusual, oversized and flexible, playing an important role in breathing. With the help of its large nostrils Saiga filters the air, eliminating the dense dust in the summer, or warms the inhaled air in the winter.
Except for the unusual muzzle and horns, it resembles a goat.
Behavior Saiga Antelope
The saiga antelope is a polygamous species, and during the mating period a group of 5-10 females and a single male is gathered. The male is very protective of his harem.
There are frequent fights between saiga males and sometimes they fight to the death.
During the mating season the male does not feed and spends all his energy defending the herd of females. Often the mortality of males reaches 80-90%.
Her biggest enemies are carnivorous steppe animals and Wolves.
Breeding Saiga Antelope
The mating season begins in November, when the tapii begin to fight each other for supremacy. The winner becomes the leader of a herd of 5 to 50 females, with whom he mates. In spring, females give birth, in most cases two foals and rarely one.
Saiga antelope the female reaches maturity at 7-8 months, and the males at 2 years. The mating season runs from November to December. The gestation period lasts 5 months and gives birth to 2 Cubs.
Puppies begin to eat grass at the age of 4-8 days, and breastfeeding lasts at least a month and a maximum of four months. In captivity they do not breastfeed other cubs than their own, but in the Wild this behavior has been observed.
The lifespan of a saiga antelope is 6 to 12 years.
