Kazakhstan in talks with Russia over saiga antelope summer migration

Tengrinews.kz - Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Erlan Nysanbayev has revealed plans regarding the regulation of the saiga antelope population.
Nysanbayev emphasized that despite the growing saiga population, measures to protect the animals will remain a priority.

"We will continue safeguarding saiga antelope while also enhancing protection for agricultural lands. We plan to recruit 112 new staff positions and secure an additional 44 positions, primarily funded from non-budgetary sources. The saiga range has expanded, but there is an insufficient number of inspectors, particularly for the Ural population. Historically, the Ural population reached a peak of 298,000 individuals. Today, after the birthing season, it exceeds 2 million. Therefore, our focus is on strengthening the protection of agricultural lands," Nysanbayev stated during a government briefing.

He also noted ongoing discussions with Russian counterparts about the saiga's historical migration patterns.

"Historically, the Ural or Volga-Ural saiga population migrated to the Russian Federation during summer. This is confirmed by scientists from both countries. We are negotiating to ensure the animals' unhindered passage to their historical summer grazing areas, which could also alleviate pressure on agricultural producers," the minister added.

Earlier, rumors claiming that meat from dead saiga antelopes found in the Atyrau region is being sold illegally for 13,000-15,000 tenge per carcass have been denied by the district's veterinary service.
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