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The status and prospects for conservation of the Mongolian saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

Anna A. Lushchekina ,
S. Dulamtseren ,
L. Amgalan  and
Valery M. Neronov
S. Dulamtseren
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 51, Mongolia.
L. Amgalan
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 51, Mongolia.
Valery M. Neronov
Affiliation:
Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 117071, Russia. Fax: 00 7 095 129 1354.
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Abstract

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Data are presented on the changes in distribution and abundance of the Mongolian saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica in the last few decades, based on an analysis of the literature and the authors' field observations. The subspecies has suffered a considerable decline in its range because of hunting and competition with domesticated stock. In 1997 a survey was made of almost all the known range, which consists of two disjunct areas and covers a total of 2200 sq km. A total of 609 animals was recorded and analysis of the census results suggests that c. 1300 saiga remain in total. The authors recommend strengthening the nature reserve established in 1993 in the Shargyn Gobi, and creating several sanctuaries outside this area, where Mongolian saiga from the main remaining population could be reintroduced. These measures would enhance prospects for the survival of this endemic subspecies of the semideserts of western Mongolia.

Keywords

ConservationhuntingMongoliaSaiga tatarica mongolicasemi-desertsteppethreats
Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 33 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 21 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1999

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