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WATER, LAND AND FOREST RESOURCES

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Madiyar Tolgambayev 1 , Mukhtar Baybatshanov 1 ORCID , Darkhan Akimzhanov 1 ORCID , Talgat Kerteshev 1 ORCID , Zhanar Kussainova 1

1 NJSC "Kazakh National Agrarian Research University"

doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42 pp. 411-419 Admitted 03.10.2025 Published 30.12.2025

Abstract

The article comprehensively examines the current population numbers, distribution range, and dynamics of the three main saiga (Saiga tatarica) populations inhabiting Kazakhstan: Betpak-Dala, Ustyurt, and Ural groups. Special attention is given to the modern methods used for population assessment. In particular, ground-based transect surveys, aerial monitoring, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were employed to collect extensive data. These data were processed using statistical correction coefficients, which enabled highly accurate estimations of population size and distribution.During the assessment, seasonal migration routes, aggregation areas, and demographic structure of the saiga populations were taken into account. The study revealed that although saiga numbers have increased compared to the early 2000s, the overall population remains in an unstable condition. The Betpak-Dala population is the largest, yet it remains highly vulnerable to external threats. The Ustyurt population requires special protection due to increased ecological pressure. While the Ural population is relatively stable, its range is gradually shrinking as a result of human economic activities.The article also proposes a set of measures aimed at preserving the species and stabilizing its population. Legal aspects include strengthening wildlife protection laws, intensifying anti-poaching efforts, and specifying penalties for violations. From an organizational perspective, it is recommended to enhance population monitoring, improve coordination between scientific institutions and non-governmental organizations, and expand the overall system of ecological observation.

saiga endemic population biotechnology monitoring abiotic factors mammals biotic factors poaching colony migration

01 Introduction

The full text of the article is available for download in PDF format on the right panel.

02 References

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Citation Links

[1]Tolgambayev, M. et al. 2025. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister natigeler. 4 (108) (Dec. 2025), 411–419. DOI:https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42.
(1)Tolgambayev, M.; Baybatshanov , M.; Akimzhanov , D.; Kerteshev , T.; Kussainova , Z. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister natigeler 2025, No. 4 (108), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42.
Tolgambayev, M., Baybatshanov , M., Akimzhanov , D., Kerteshev , T., & Kussainova , Z. (2025). RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister Natigeler, 4 (108), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42
TOLGAMBAYEV, Madiyar; BAYBATSHANOV , Mukhtar; AKIMZHANOV , Darkhan; KERTESHEV , Talgat; KUSSAINOVA , Zhanar. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister natigeler, [S. l.], n. 4 (108), p. 411–419, 2025. DOI: 10.37884/4-2025/42. Disponível em: https://journal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1127. Acesso em: 17 oct. 2026.
Tolgambayev, Madiyar, Mukhtar Baybatshanov, Darkhan Akimzhanov, Talgat Kerteshev, and Zhanar Kussainova. 2025. “RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN”. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 4 (108) (December): 411-19. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42.
Tolgambayev, M. (2025) “RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN”, Izdenister natigeler, (4 (108), pp. 411–419. doi:10.37884/4-2025/42.
[1]M. Tolgambayev, M. Baybatshanov, D. Akimzhanov, T. Kerteshev, and Z. Kussainova, “RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN”, Izdenister natigeler, no. 4 (108), pp. 411–419, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.37884/4-2025/42.
Tolgambayev, Madiyar, et al. “RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN”. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 4 (108), Dec. 2025, pp. 411-9, https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/42.
Tolgambayev, Madiyar, Mukhtar Baybatshanov, Darkhan Akimzhanov, Talgat Kerteshev, and Zhanar Kussainova. “RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN”. Izdenister natigeler, no. 4 (108) (December 30, 2025): 411–419. Accessed October 17, 2026. https://journal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1127.
1.Tolgambayev M, Baybatshanov M, Akimzhanov D, Kerteshev T, Kussainova Z. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister natigeler [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 30 [cited 2026 Oct. 17];(4 (108):411-9. Available from: https://journal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1127
1.Tolgambayev M, Baybatshanov M, Akimzhanov D, Kerteshev T, Kussainova Z. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RATIONAL USE OF THE SAIGA POPULATION IN KAZAKHSTAN. Izdenister natigeler. 2025;(4 (108):411-419. doi:10.37884/4-2025/42