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We utilized a two-phase analysis using deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) to create an automated technology that enabled us to detect and count saigas (Saiga tatarica) in satellite images with a resolution of 0.3–0.5 m/pixel (Eros-B 2012; 2013 and Beijing KA 2022 satellites). In the first phase, the satellite image is automatically divided into sections and checked for the presence or absence of clusters of objects (the "classification" phase). Then, during the second phase, only the fragments of the satellite image where at least one saiga was previously found are analyzed (the "detection" phase). The method was calibrated by training a neural network on the results of the preliminary processing of archival satellite images from 2012 and 2013, carried out manually by zoological experts. When we tested the DCNN work with a "confidence threshold" of 0.3, we identified 1284 saigas on the entire model satellite image, while a zoological expert manually identified 1412 saigas. For practical use and to assess the effectiveness of this method, we counted saigas on a 2022 image covering two adjacent specially protected natural areas (PAs) located in the Republic of Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region (Russian Federation). The results are presented with different "thresholds of confidence." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Many species have suffered anthropogenic range contraction and no longer occupy all available suitable environmental conditions. This is particularly problematic for the construction of habitat suitability models (HSMs), which assume that a species' contemporary range reflects its full species–environment relationship. HSMs therefore risk underestimating suitable environment areas, and misinforming conservation decisions. Incorporating historic (centuries‐old) records partly reduces this bias, but even these records are also subject to human disturbance. We incorporated fossil records of the critically endangered saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica, L., 1776), alongside historic and current records, into current and future habitat suitability models. Saiga has experienced drastic range contraction and may have a truncated species–environment relationship. The results allowed us to test whether its current habitat provides optimal environmental conditions, or whether saiga should be considered a refugee species. Location: Northern Hemisphere. Taxon: Saiga tatarica (Bovidae, Artiodactyla). Methods: We collated historic and fossil saiga occurrence records from published literature, museum archives and global databases. Modern occurrence records were obtained from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessment. Four bioclimatic variables were downloaded from Worldclim.org. HSMs were generated through Maxent, using the maxnet package in R. Three HSMs were developed: present only, present historic and present fossil. Each of these models was projected onto current and two future (2070) climate change scenarios. Results: Saiga fossil records increased the predicted suitable environment area by 783% and 1416% for current and future climate projections respectively. Our results suggest the saiga is not a refugee species but occupies only a portion of its potential environmental niche. The saiga's contemporary range is predicted environmentally suitable throughout all models and projections, and therefore in situ conservation management is recommended. Main Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of incorporating fossil records into HSMs to better understand species–environment relationships and develop more robust conservation strategies for appropriate endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Captivity alters the locomotor behavior of wild artiodactyls and affects the mechanical loading of the calcaneus; however, the resulting adaptive changes in calcaneus morphology have not been sufficiently studied to date. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and mechanical adaptive variations in the calcaneus of Saiga tatarica to understand further the functional adaptation of the calcaneus in wild artiodactyl to captivity. Materials and Methods: Paired calcanei from autopsy samples of six captive wild artiodactyls (S. tatarica) and six domesticated artiodactyls (Ovis aries) were divided into skeletally immature and mature groups using X-ray evaluation of growth plate closure. High-resolution microcomputed tomography revealed a calcaneal diaphyseal cross-section. The mechanical and nanomorphological characteristics of the trabecular bone were determined by atomic force microscopy. Results: The percent cortical bone area (%CA), cortical thickness ratio (CTR), and Young’s modulus (E) differed between species in the immature groups but not in the mature groups. S. tatarica had significantly higher growth rates for %CA, CTR, and E in the mid-shaft than O. aries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The calcaneus morphology of S. tatarica converges with that of domesticated O. aries during ontogeny. These results indicate that the calcaneus of wild artiodactyls can undergo potentially transitional changes during the short-term adaptation to captivity. The above parameters can be preliminarily identified as morphological signs of functional bone adaptation in artiodactyls.

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766, S) is a prominent ungulate mammal species inhabiting Central Asia. Over the latter half of the 20th century, saiga populations, including the Volga-Ural (Kazakhstan) population, experienced a continuous decline. However, there was a resurgence in their numbers in the 1980s. This study aims to assess the present status of saiga populations, particularly the Volga-Ural (V-U) population, by analyzing existing retrospective data. Our findings reveal that during the 21st century, the saiga population has increased in two key regions: the Volga-Ural and Betpak-Dala (B) populations. Notably, the Northern-Western Population (NWP) habitat saw a drastic 50-fold decline in population, while other populations decreased by 2.0-5.0 times. Despite this decline, the NWP habitat exhibited higher juvenile saiga yields compared to other regions. The resurgence of saiga populations has been significantly influenced by the support of the Government of Kazakhstan, along with the effective efforts of international wildlife conservation organizations and local community engagement.

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766, S) is a prominent ungulate mammal species inhabiting Central Asia. Over the latter half of the 20th century, saiga populations, including the Volga-Ural (Kazakhstan) population, experienced a continuous decline. However, there was a resurgence in their numbers in the 1980s. This study aims to assess the present status of saiga populations, particularly the Volga-Ural (V-U) population, by analyzing existing retrospective data. Our findings reveal that during the 21st century, the saiga population has increased in two key regions: the Volga-Ural and Betpak-Dala (B) populations. Notably, the Northern-Western Population (NWP) habitat saw a drastic 50-fold decline in population, while other populations decreased by 2.0-5.0 times. Despite this decline, the NWP habitat exhibited higher juvenile saiga yields compared to other regions. The resurgence of saiga populations has been significantly influenced by the support of the Government of Kazakhstan, along with the effective efforts of international wildlife conservation organizations and local community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a living symbol of the Eurasian steppes. Even in the recent past, its total number exceeded a million heads. As a commercial species, it was a source of inexpensive meat and skins for suede. The natural world range of saiga in Eurasia covers the steppe and desert ecosystems of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, as well as Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region in the Russian Federation. It is divided into two subspecies: (Saiga tatarica tatarica) the nominal subspecies and (S.t.mongolica) the Mongolian saiga, which is found only in Mongolia. In 2002, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN) classified saiga as CR-critically endangered. The purpose of this work is to analyze the saiga population dynamics on the territory of Kazakhstan and characterize possible anthropogenic, genetic and environmental factors affecting their numbers, with the rationale for approaches to conserving these animals’ population in Kazakhstan. The article highlights the saiga dynamics of number and distribution over the past decade, the reasons for decline in its number, also discusses specific measures to conserve the saiga in modern conditions, because the current critical situation with saiga in Kazakhstan requires implementing a strategy for its conservation as a species of mammals fauna of the republic.

Promoting public participation is a practical move to strengthen wildlife conservation. This study focuses on saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), an endangered species which has received international concern. Based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior and a sample of 536 Chinese residents aged 16–40 collected through an online survey, we applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to explore the predictors of the behavioral intention to participate in saiga antelope conservation. The results show that perceived behavioral control is the most influential predictor that contributes to the value of the behavioral intention, followed by injunctive norm, attitude to participation, knowledge of saiga antelope, experience of wildlife conservation, and attitude to saiga antelope, altogether explaining 48.4% of the variance of the behavioral intention. To promote public participation in saiga antelope conservation, strengthening science popularization and broadening the channels of participation are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade in wildlife is increasingly moving online, which creates significant challenges for monitoring. Numerous reports have highlighted the extent of the trade but they rarely present a methodology to facilitate replication or any form of meta-analysis. Here we present a systematic approach to surveying online trade in wildlife that builds on the well-established systematic evidence review approach. We apply this approach to investigate the online trade in saiga antelope Saiga tatarica horns on Russian-language websites. Of the 419 advertisements, the majority (217, 52%) were from Ukraine, followed by Russia (122, 29%), and were largely offers to sell (254, 61%), and represented one-off advertisements. Trade was identified on 89 websites, with the majority being on classified ads websites (68, 76%), auction.violity.com being the most popular site (156, 37%). Prices varied significantly depending on the country and how the horn was being offered (i.e. by weight or length). It is clear that saiga horn is being traded over the internet, with Ukraine and Russia comprising c. 80% of advertisements on Russian-language websites. Individuals with single advertisements dominate, suggesting website fidelity, although website usage is country-specific, potentially reflecting domestic trade. This suggests country-specific interventions could be particularly effective. A systematic approach for investigating online wildlife trade provides a clear and transparent methodology, and, given data collection is resource-intensive, allows studies to be replicated so that trends can be identified. However, this is only possible if published studies report the methodology used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting public participation is a practical move to strengthen wildlife conservation. This study focuses on saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), an endangered species which has received international concern. Based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior and a sample of 536 Chinese residents aged 16–40 collected through an online survey, we applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to explore the predictors of the behavioral intention to participate in saiga antelope conservation. The results show that perceived behavioral control is the most influential predictor that contributes to the value of the behavioral intention, followed by injunctive norm, attitude to participation, knowledge of saiga antelope, experience of wildlife conservation, and attitude to saiga antelope, altogether explaining 48.4% of the variance of the behavioral intention. To promote public participation in saiga antelope conservation, strengthening science popularization and broadening the channels of participation are suggested.

The paper presents analytical review of data concerning the reasons for mass deaths of saiga antelopes in Kazakhstan. It was demonstrated that the data on saiga antelope disease etiology are contradictory: pasteurellosis (bovine haemorrhagic septicemia), anaerobic enterotoxemia, ruminai tympany, tryptophan-induced bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia and unknown virus. It means that when investigating the reasons of mass morbidity and mortality in wild ruminants the data of epidemic survey, remote clinical examination, post mortem lesions and results of laboratory tests of pathological samples from dead and killed animals were taken into account. To study the reasons of mass deaths in wild ruminants it is necessary to involve highly qualified specialists experienced in this pathology research. It was shown that clinical and pathological samples collected from dead and killed wild animals shall be tested according to the procedure of precise testing centres also for the purposes of excluding infections pathology and intoxications of different nature.

The saiga antelope was one of important components of the Pleistocene steppe-tundra faunal complex. Although the species is critically endangered now and inhabits several isolated regions in Central Asia, it was widely spread in the Pleistocene in Europe, across Asia up to North America. Such a broad spatial and temporal distribution caused that many authors described several morphological forms. Most often, two forms are recognized and assigned to the species rank as Saiga borealis and S. tatarica, or in the subspecies rank as Saiga tatarica borealis and S. t. tatarica. The former became extinct at the beginning of the Holocene, and the latter has survived to the present. To comprehend the morphological diversity of this genus, we conducted extensive morphometric analyses of the cranial material of saiga covering the whole region of its distribution. The study showed that S. borealis was larger in several length skull dimensions and occipital region than S. tatarica, which in turn showed larger diameters of the horncore base. Moreover, we found a significant decrease in many skull measurements of saiga since the Middle Pleistocene till modern times, which was probably associated with the appearance of unfavourable climatic and ecological conditions. The observed significant distinctions between the Pleistocene and recent forms as well as between some geographical subgroups indicate that the saiga population was subjected to temporal and spatial differentiation, the former factor being more important for variation of the saiga skull than the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Captivity alters the locomotor behavior of wild artiodactyls and affects the mechanical loading of the calcaneus; however, the resulting adaptive changes in calcaneus morphology have not been sufficiently studied to date. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and mechanical adaptive variations in the calcaneus of Saiga tatarica to understand further the functional adaptation of the calcaneus in wild artiodactyl to captivity., Materials and Methods: Paired calcanei from autopsy samples of six captive wild artiodactyls ( S. tatarica ) and six domesticated artiodactyls ( Ovis aries ) were divided into skeletally immature and mature groups using X-ray evaluation of growth plate closure. High-resolution microcomputed tomography revealed a calcaneal diaphyseal cross-section. The mechanical and nanomorphological characteristics of the trabecular bone were determined by atomic force microscopy., Results: The percent cortical bone area (%CA), cortical thickness ratio (CTR), and Young's modulus ( E ) differed between species in the immature groups but not in the mature groups. S. tatarica had significantly higher growth rates for %CA, CTR, and E in the mid-shaft than O. aries (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The calcaneus morphology of S. tatarica converges with that of domesticated O. aries during ontogeny. These results indicate that the calcaneus of wild artiodactyls can undergo potentially transitional changes during the short-term adaptation to captivity. The above parameters can be preliminarily identified as morphological signs of functional bone adaptation in artiodactyls., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Jing, et al.)

A simple and reliable molecular assay to identify sex would be valuable for the management and conservation of critically endangered species such as the antelope Saiga tatarica. To this end, we developed a duplex PCR system to co-amplify the SRY-related HMG box and the ZFX/ZFY genes in a single reaction. The amplification of HMG-box produced a 162 bp amplicon for the male sagas, and none for the female. In contrast, amplification of ZFX/ZFY genes resulted in 739 and 854 bp amplicons for the male and a single 854 bp amplicon for the female. Thus, the duplex PCR assay produced three amplicons for male sagas and one for the female. Blind testing further demonstrated the reliability of this assay system, which could also be used for the sex determination of other herbivores, including buffalo and sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the species composition and community structure of helminths in saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) was performed using multi-year (1979-2013) data collected from the “Askania Nova” Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine. During this period, 31 saiga antelopes of different ages (7 calves, 24 adults) were examined; totally, more then 63,900 helminth specimens were collected and identified by morphological criteria. Levels of saiga infection by nematodes were from 39 to 671 EPG (207±132 SD); seasonal fluctuations in saiga infections were insignificant (Mann-Whitney test; p>0.05).

Abstract: Stopping declines in biodiversity is critically important, but it is only a first step toward achieving more ambitious conservation goals. The absence of an objective and practical definition of species recovery that is applicable across taxonomic groups leads to inconsistent targets in recovery plans and frustrates reporting and maximization of conservation impact. We devised a framework for comprehensively assessing species recovery and conservation success. We propose a definition of a fully recovered species that emphasizes viability, ecological functionality, and representation; and use counterfactual approaches to quantify degree of recovery. This allowed us to calculate a set of 4 conservation metrics that demonstrate impacts of conservation efforts to date (conservation legacy); identify dependence of a species on conservation actions (conservation dependence); quantify expected gains resulting from conservation action in the medium term (conservation gain); and specify requirements to achieve maximum plausible recovery over the long term (recovery potential). These metrics can incentivize the establishment and achievement of ambitious conservation targets. We illustrate their use by applying the framework to a vertebrate, an invertebrate, and a woody and an herbaceous plant. Our approach is a preliminary framework for an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Species, which was mandated by a resolution of IUCN members in 2012. Although there are several challenges in applying our proposed framework to a wide range of species, we believe its further development, implementation, and integration with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species will help catalyze a positive and ambitious vision for conservation that will drive sustained conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Critically Endangered saiga antelope Saiga tatarica faces an uncertain future, with populations dwindling from epidemics in its range countries, and ongoing demand for its horns in the traditional Chinese medicine trade. Singapore is a major hub for the global trade in saiga horn and an important consumer country, with saiga horn products widely available in the domestic market. Despite this, little is known about the consumers that drive domestic demand. Before interventions are carried out, it is important to understand who the consumers are, and their motivations. We conducted an investigation into consumption prevalence and consumer demographics, knowledge and motivations. We surveyed 230 Chinese Singaporeans, through a combination of face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Recent consumption incidence (in the previous 12 months) was relatively high, at 13%. Younger respondents (18–35 years) had the highest prevalence of recent consumption (25%), often as a result of influence from an older family member or friend. Bottled saiga horn cooling water was the most popular product among recent users (50%), followed by horn shavings (31%) and tablets (13%). Awareness of conservation issues and regulations was uniformly low. Awareness raising may have an effect in reducing consumer demand in Singapore. However, given the exploratory nature of this study, it is best used to guide and inform future research underlying behavioural change interventions in a relatively understudied but important consumer group, Chinese Singaporeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saiga tatarica horns have been traditionally regarded as having medicinal properties. However, reports are rare about an effective and convenient identification assay. The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate a molecular diagnostic assay of S. antelope horns with COI sequences as a molecular marker. Genomic DNA extracted from S. antelope horns was used as templates. The amplification system of COI regions was established and optimized. The PCR assay was accurate and specific. All these results obtained indicate that the COI sequences could be used to identify Saiga tatarica horns successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate grasslands have suffered disproportionally from conversion to cropland, degradation and fragmentation. A large proportion of the world's remaining near-natural grassland is situated in Kazakhstan. We aimed to assess current and emerging threats to steppe and semi-desert biodiversity in Kazakhstan and evaluate conservation research priorities. We conducted a horizon-scanning exercise among conservationists from academia and practice. We first compiled a list of 45 potential threats. These were then ranked by the survey participants according to their perceived severity, the need for research on them, and their novelty. The highest-ranked threats were related to changes in land use (leading to habitat loss and deterioration), direct persecution of wildlife, and rapid infrastructure development due to economic and population growth. Research needs were identified largely in the same areas, and the mean scores of threat severity and research need were highly correlated. Novel threats comprised habitat loss by photovoltaic and wind power stations, climate change and changes in agriculture such as the introduction of biofuels. However, novelty was not correlated with threat severity or research priority, suggesting that the most severe threats are the established ones. Important goals towards more effective steppe and semi-desert conservation in Kazakhstan include more cross-sector collaboration (e.g. by involving stakeholders in conservation and agriculture), greater allocation of funds to under-staffed areas (e.g. protected area management), better representativeness and complementarity in the protected area system and enhanced data collection for wildlife monitoring and threat assessments (including the use of citizen-science databases). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Pleistocene, the saiga antelope, a nomadic, non-territorial, herding species, inhabited vast areas of Eurasia and North America; its distribution was at its maximum extent in the last glaciation. Now, it is restricted to a few isolated populations in Central Asia. Two main forms of saiga were recognised: Saiga borealis and S. tatarica . The former became extinct at the beginning of Holocene, the latter has survived since the Pleistocene to the present. They are regarded either as two species or as two subspecies of S . tatarica . Our comparison of skull and horn measurements of many Eurasian specimens, including literature data, revealed significant differences between these taxa. S . borealis was larger than S . tatarica in terms of some cranial measurements, whereas S . tatarica was characterised by a greater diameter of horncore base. However, the distinction involved only a few metric features and the ranges of all the analysed measurements overlapped at least partially, indicating that the two taxa may not be true species. Our analyses also showed that the skull of S . tatarica had become smaller since the Pleistocene in terms of several measurements, which was probably associated with the climate and palaeogeographical changes at the end of the last glaciation and a decrease in the population size. We found significant differences between the various geographical subgroups of S . borealis and S . tatarica only in some measurements. The observed dissimilarities between S . borealis and S . tatarica correspond most probably to subspecies level and may have resulted from a biogeographical differentiation of the saiga populations in the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lingyang Qingfei Wan produced by Beijing TongRenTang is a long-standing and popular medicine in China and international pharmaceutical markets. Concerns continue to be raised about the legality of usage of saiga antelope, which was defined as endangered species by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora legislation and internal legislation in China. Therefore, the alternative pill in which substitutes saiga antelope with goat in the formula of Lingyang Qingfei Wan was developed. In order to authenticate the origin of animal contents in Lingyang Qingfei Wan and its alternative pill, molecular diagnostic assay was utilized by mtDNA polymorphism analysis. Four universal primer pairs containing mtDNA 12SrRNA, 16SrRNA, cytochrome b gene and cytochrome oxidase I were employed to obtain species-specific sequences of saiga antelope and goat, and multiple species-specific primer pairs for saiga antelope and goat were used to identify the animal origin in patent pills according to nucleotide polymorphisms between the two species. In additions, alternative techniques were attempted surrounding dilemmas of low concentration of target DNAs and presence of PCR-inhibitory substances in organic ingredients within complex pill. Results revealed that all species-specific primers could be successfully used for authentication of animal origin within complex pill, and sample preprocessing was critical during experimental manipulation. Internal positive control was an efficient and cost-effective way to assist in monitoring the potential interference from inhibitory substances which existed in the highly processed pills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the genetic diversity of the only captive Saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica) population in China, 40 umbilical cord samples were collected and mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (microsatellite) variabilities were assessed. Both of the markers revealed low genetic variability (or high genetic homogeneity) within the population. The microsatellites yielded monitoring ranges of 2-6 alleles. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.28 to 0.83, and the expected heterozygosities were between 0.27 and 0.71. The Shannon information index (Shannon I) and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) presented overall means of 0.87 and 0.43, respectively. The gene diversity was 0.49. We found only two haplotypes in the population, and the haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 39.1% and 1.13%, respectively. Founder events, bottlenecks and inbreeding have contributed to the low genetic variation observed in this population. Our findings revealed the extent of genetic diversity maintained in the present population and the urgency of implementing a protection plan, introducing animals from other populations to enhance saiga's genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out an in-depth analysis of a media campaign designed to raise awareness of the ecology and conservation of the Critically Endangered saiga antelope Saiga tatarica in the Pre-Caspian region of Russia. We carried out 250 semi-structured interviews in eight villages. The effectiveness of the campaign was assessed using change in opinion over the previous 3 years as an attitudinal indicator and amount pledged for saiga conservation as a measure of behavioural intention. The campaign induced positive changes in attitudes and behavioural intention. Reinforcement was important, with people's retention of information about saiga conservation from the campaign being positively correlated with their level of ecological knowledge about the species. Similarly, behavioural intention towards the saiga was more likely to be positive in individuals who had a high level of exposure to the species and/or had been subject to two or more different conservation interventions. Level of attitudinal change was dependent on an interaction between the date when the media campaign was carried out and the age of the respondent. We conclude that public awareness campaigns, if designed to take into account the socio-demographics and cultural background of the target audience, can be an effective method of improving attitudes towards conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim Long-distance migrations of terrestrial animals, driven by needs such as food, water and escaping predators and harsh climatic conditions, are widely known phenomena. The saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica tatarica) migrates over long distances in the semi-arid rangelands of Central Asia. Both the saiga’s range and its populations have been severely affected by socio-political and land use changes over the last century, related to the formation and dissolution of the Soviet Union. We identified ecological drivers of saiga migration, compared four populations in terms of differences in the geographical characteristics of their ranges and the factors affecting habitat selection within the seasonal ranges. Location Kazakhstan and pre-Caspian Russia. Methods Using 40 years of direct observations, we tested for differences between the four saiga populations’ ranges in terms of precipitation, seasonal productivity and topographical variables using discriminant analyses. We tested hypotheses concerning the drivers of migration to their seasonal ranges and assessed the impact of peak and average values and the predictability of drivers of habitat use within the seasonal ranges using logistic regressions. Results Three of the four populations migrate in a similar way, following a latitudinal gradient driven by seasonal changes in productivity, which is closely related to broad-scale differences in precipitation. Intermediate productivity and its low interannual variability determine habitat selection within the seasonal ranges of all the populations. Main conclusions Migration of all four populations is driven by productivity and precipitation. The migrations in Kazakhstan are still intact despite major recent disruption to the populations, whereas their status in the pre-Caspian region is unknown. All four populations are under severe threat from habitat loss, poaching, lack of protection and gaps in ecological knowledge. A better understanding of the drivers of saiga migration at multiple scales is a key step towards addressing these threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global population of saiga Saiga tatarica, categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, declined by .95% at the end of the 20th century, resulting in several conservation initiatives to protect the species. Previously used methods to monitor population trends were inadequate to assess numbers of saiga properly. We report findings from the first survey for Mongolian saiga S. tatarica mongolica to utilize statistically rigorous methodology, using line transect distance sampling in 2006 and 2007 to obtain population estimates in and around the Sharga Nature Reserve, the southern part of the species' current range. We estimate a density of 0.54 and 0.78 saiga km-2 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Our best models suggest that 4,938 (95% confidence interval, CI=2,762-8,828) saiga occupied the 4,524-km² study area in 2006 and 7,221 (95% CI=4,380-11,903) occupied the 4,678-km² study area in 2007. Although these estimates, with their large confidence intervals, preclude an assessment of the impacts of conservation initiatives on population trends, they suggest that the Mongolian saiga population is larger than previous reports based on minimum counts, and adequate to support in situ population recovery. Modifications to the survey protocol hold promise for improving the precision of future estimates. Distance sampling may be a useful, scientifically defensible method for monitoring saiga population trends and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts to stabilize and recover populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The involvement of the unique saiga nose in vocal production has been neglected so far. Rutting male saigas produce loud nasal roars. Prior to roaring, they tense and extend their noses in a highly stereotypic manner. This change of nose configuration includes dorsal folding and convex curving of the nasal vestibulum and is maintained until the roar ends. Red and fallow deer males that orally roar achieve a temporary increase of vocal tract length (vtl) by larynx retraction. Saiga males attain a similar effect by pulling their flexible nasal vestibulum rostrally, allowing for a temporary elongation of the nasal vocal tract by about 20%. Decrease of formant frequencies and formant dispersion, as acoustic effects of an increase of vtl, are assumed to convey important information on the quality of a dominant male to conspecifics, e.g. on body size and fighting ability. Nasal roaring in saiga may equally serve to deter rival males and to attract females. Anatomical constraints might have set a limit to the rostral pulling of the nasal vestibulum. It seems likely that the sexual dimorphism of the saiga nose was induced by sexual selection. Adult males of many mammalian species, after sniffing or licking female urine or genital secretions, raise their head and strongly retract their upper lip and small nasal vestibulum while inhalating orally. This flehmen behaviour is assumed to promote transport of non-volatile substances via the incisive ducts into the vomeronasal organs for pheromone detection. The flehmen aspect in saiga involves the extensive flexible walls of the greatly enlarged nasal vestibulum and is characterized by a distinctly concave configuration of the nose region, the reverse of that observed in nasal roaring. A step-by-step model for the gradual evolution of the saiga nose is presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A transmission model was devised for trichostrongyloid nematodes of saiga antelopes and domestic sheep in Kazakhstan. The framework extends previous models by including seasonal migration of saigas, contact with separate populations of sheep, and climate-driven stochasticity in herbage biomass and in the development, survival and migration onto herbage of free-living larvae. The model was parameterised for the contrasting life histories of Marshallagia, Haemonchus and Nematodirus, three important parasites of saigas and sheep in the region, and was successful at predicting broad qualitative patterns of infection dynamics in sheep and saigas. Parasite transmission between saigas and sheep was predicted to be most important for Marshallagia (from sheep to saigas in the south in winter, and onward transmission to sheep in the north in summer) and Haemonchus (from sheep in the north in summer via saigas to sheep further south in autumn). Model predictions for winter transmission of Marshallagia infection in saigas were consistent with field data, which showed that saigas culled before they have grazed the winter range carry lower burdens of this parasite than older animals. The model provides a mechanistic explanation for its predictions, which will assist hypothesis formation, and further the epidemiological basis of efforts to control parasite transmission between wildlife and livestock in both directions. A similar modelling approach could prove useful in other situations where detailed mechanistic models of parasite transmission are inappropriate in the face of parameter uncertainty and spatio-temporal variation in climate and host density. This is likely to include the majority of wildlife-parasite systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]