
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
saiga
Regions
KazakhstanMongolia
Population
900,000
Habitat
Grasslands, steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
26 to 46 kilograms ... and 6 to 10 years in the wild
Regions
Kazakhstan, Mongolia
The Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica) is an antelope species native to the Eurasian steppe grasslands and semi-arid deserts. Recognizable for its distinctive large nose, or proboscis, the Saiga faced a dramatic population decline primarily due to habitat loss, poaching for its horns, and disease outbreaks, putting it on the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts saved this species and projects are underway to protect remaining populations and restore their habitats to ensure the survival of this unique species.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
Citations