Threats

Uncontrolled illegal hunting for horns and meat has led to the catastrophic fall in the number of Saiga antelopes. A second significant threat is the destruction of key habitats and traditional migration routes. Also, Saiga antelopes are susceptible to several diseases. The unusually extremely warm and wet environment is one of the reasons leading to the drastic drop in the number of Saiga antelopes.

Conservation

Saiga antelopes are included in the ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)’ Appendix II.

Source: IUCN