Details
Saiga tatarica
The saiga antelope is a herd-forming herbivore of Eurasian grasslands and drylands. Diurnal herds move widely with the seasons.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses semiarid steppe and desert edges, favoring open flat country. Continuous grassland routes are essential for seasonal movement.
Body length is about 100-140 cm and weight about 26-69 kg. A large drooping nose, pale coat, and the male's translucent horns are distinctive.
Diurnal animals travel in herds that can move rapidly across open ground. When alarmed, the group runs together.
It is herbivorous, eating grasses, forbs, shrubs, and salt-tolerant plants. Movements track seasonal vegetation in dry country.
During the rut, males compete for access to female groups. Calves are born in a short seasonal pulse and soon stand and follow.
Its status is listed as Critically Endangered. Poaching, disease, and blocked migration routes make whole-herd protection important.
