The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
E J Milnergulland - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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using theory and evidence to design behaviour change interventions for reducing unsustainable wildlife consumption
People and Nature, 2021Co-Authors: Hunter Doughty, Kathryn Oliver, Diogo Verissimo, Janice Ser Huay Lee, E J MilnergullandAbstract:1. Efforts to shift unsustainable human behaviour are at the crux of many conservation interventions, particularly when addressing illegal or unsustainable wildlife trade. These efforts, often in the form of behaviour change interventions, have proven largely unable to counteract this pervasive issue, however, leading to calls for more robust intervention designs. 2. In behavioural science fields like public health, design processes that integrate human behaviour theory and evidence from data collection are often developed to ground behaviour change interventions within a strong understanding of the context, thus supporting interventions that are efficient and have a higher likelihood of success. 3. Here, we detail the foundational process of designing an intervention around the use of a wildlife product by a particular group: Singaporean consumers of Saiga horn (from the Critically Endangered Saiga tatarica). 4. We employ both qualitative and quantitative data, along with human behaviour theories and past literature on the study system, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the many influences driving this target audience to purchase Saiga horn products. 5. We use this insight to identify the key influences to leverage in a behaviour change intervention: those that are both the most powerful and the most amenable to change. 6. This work provides a reproducible process which can be used by other intervention implementers, highlights the often complex intricacies of socially-influenced behaviour, and demonstrates why a methodical understanding of these intricacies is invaluable when attempting to shift human behaviour for conservation goals.
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evaluating the effectiveness of a public awareness campaign as a conservation intervention the Saiga antelope Saiga tatarica in kalmykia russia
Oryx, 2012Co-Authors: Caroline Howe, Olga Obgenova, E J MilnergullandAbstract: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. © 2012 Fauna & Flora International.
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evaluating the relative effectiveness of alternative conservation interventions in influencing stated behavioural intentions the Saiga antelope in kalmykia russia
Environmental Conservation, 2011Co-Authors: Caroline Howe, Ruslan Medzhidov, E J MilnergullandAbstract:Evaluating the relative effectiveness of different conservation interventions is difficult and rarely undertaken. Conservation of the critically endangered Saiga antelope in the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia) provides a unique experimental set-up that was used to disentangle this issue. This study uses the amount pledged for conservation, adapted from contingent valuation methods, as a measure of behavioural intention to contribute to Saiga conservation, to evaluate conservation effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 250 individuals in eight villages exposed to traditional 'fences-and-fines' conservation, livelihoods enhancement (social engagement) or low-level media coverage. The intervention employed had a direct effect on amount pledged for Saiga conservation. Social engagement programmes decreased protest-bidding behaviour but resulted in low amounts pledged for Saiga conservation. Those exposed to media coverage pledged the greatest amounts on average, whilst those exposed to traditional conservation had both a high level of protest bidding and low pledges from those who pledged something. The primary reason given for protest bids was that the government or international community should pay for conservation. This may be a relic from the Soviet era, and may explain low pledges for conservation under social engagement. Ecological knowledge strongly affected amount pledged. The results were influenced by cultural and demographic factors, including residence time, exposure to Saigas, age, wealth and knowledge regarding conservation. This study is unusual in disentangling the effect of a conservation intervention from other factors, and proposes using amount pledged for conservation as a practical tool for evaluating the effectiveness of projects aimed at increasing awareness and promoting positive behavioural intentions towards conservation. It provides support for media awareness-raising as a successful conservation intervention.
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conserving a moving target planning protection for a migratory species as its distribution changes
Journal of Applied Ecology, 2011Co-Authors: Navinder J Singh, E J MilnergullandAbstract:Summary 1. Conservation of declining migratory species is a challenging task, as the factors that may have determined their past distribution may not determine their current and future distribution. Saiga antelope Saiga tatarica populations have massively declined due to poaching. The species is now beginning to recover in Kazakhstan and protected areas are being implemented. Using 25 years of aerial monitoring data, we identified changes in the spring distribution and predicted densities of Saiga to prioritize areas for protection under scenarios of climate change together with changes in disturbance and population size. Conserving the spring distribution is critical as spring calving aggregations are of particular importance to population viability. 2. The current distribution is strongly influenced by disturbance, whereas climate had a stronger influence in the past. The area of highly suitable habitat has halved and become fragmented in the last decade. The existing and proposed protected areas are relatively complementary and perform well under most scenarios of future change. However there is a need to widen the geographical scope of protected area planning if potential future high suitability areas are to be effectively protected. 3. Climate change interacts with other factors to determine the distribution of suitable habitat within and outside protected areas. Scenarios in which conservation has increased Saiga population size and density tend to show limited impacts of climate change, while scenarios in which the Saiga population fails to recover and disturbance continues show, worsening patchiness and reduced suitable habitat. 4. Synthesis and applications. We provide evidence for changing distribution and density of a migratory species over a large spatio-temporal scale, and suggest that future distribution may be more constrained and spatially heterogeneous. These results have important implications for designing future conservation measures for migratory species, such that areas that robustly show high suitability under a range of potential scenarios of change can be included in protected area expansion plans. Protected area placement based only on current, rather than projected distribution risks wasting opportunities for proactive conservation, particularly for a highly disturbed, recovering species likely to be affected by climate change.
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tracking greenery across a latitudinal gradient in central asia the migration of the Saiga antelope
Diversity and Distributions, 2010Co-Authors: Navinder J Singh, Iu A Grachev, A B Bekenov, E J MilnergullandAbstract: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.
Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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outbreak of peste des petits ruminants among critically endangered mongolian Saiga and other wild ungulates mongolia 2016 2017
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Mathieu Pruvot, Samantha Strindberg, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Amanda E Fine, Buyanaa Chimeddorj, Charlotte Hollinger, Batchuluun Damdinjav, Gantulga Bayandonoi, Bodisaikhan Khishgee, Batkhuyag SandagAbstract:The 2016-2017 introduction of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) into livestock in Mongolia was followed by mass mortality of the critically endangered Mongolian Saiga antelope and other rare wild ungulates. To assess the nature and population effects of this outbreak among wild ungulates, we collected clinical, histopathologic, epidemiologic, and ecological evidence. Molecular characterization confirmed that the causative agent was PPRV lineage IV. The spatiotemporal patterns of cases among wildlife were similar to those among livestock affected by the PPRV outbreak, suggesting spillover of virus from livestock at multiple locations and time points and subsequent spread among wild ungulates. Estimates of Saiga abundance suggested a population decline of 80%, raising substantial concerns for the species' survival. Consideration of the entire ungulate community (wild and domestic) is essential for elucidating the epidemiology of PPRV in Mongolia, addressing the threats to wild ungulate conservation, and achieving global PPRV eradication.
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diet and habitat of the Saiga antelope during the late quaternary using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios
Quaternary Science Reviews, 2017Co-Authors: Jonathan Jurgensen, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Dorothee G Drucker, Anthony J Stuart, Matthias Schneider, Herve BocherensAbstract:Abstract Saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica ) is one of the typical late Pleistocene species of the cold and arid mammoth steppe that covered a large area of northern hemisphere. The species is currently endangered and persists only in small areas of Central Asian steppe and desert ecosystems. The investigation of the ecology of the Pleistocene Saiga using stable isotope ratios (δ 13 C, δ 15 N) aimed to decipher how different their diet and habitat were from those observed nowadays in relict populations. Up to 76 samples of bone collagen of ancient Saiga from Western Europe, Siberia and Eastern Beringia were analysed and compared with 52 samples of hair and bone collagen of modern specimens from Kazahkstan, Russia and Mongolia. The δ 13 C values of the ancient Saiga do not exhibit a clear trend over time. They cover the same range of values as the modern ones, from a C3-dominated to a C3-C4-dominated mixed diet (including probably Chenopodiaceae). In contrast, the δ 15 N values of fossil Saigas are more variable and lower on average than the extant ones. The lowest δ 15 N values of ancient Saiga are found around the Last Glacial Maximum, reflecting the influence of the cold conditions at that time. On the other hand, fossil Saiga occupying the same regions as the historical and modern populations exhibit high δ 15 N values similar to the modern ones, confirming ecological continuity over time. Modern Saiga is thus occupying just one of its potential diverse habitats they used in the past. Therefore, the extant Saiga is not a refugee species confined to a suboptimal habitat. During the late Pleistocene, the Saiga occupied a separate niche compared with the other ungulates of the mammoth steppe. However, this species could also adapt to a lichen-dominated diet normally seen in reindeer, leading to an isotopic overlap between the two species in south-western France and Alaska around the Last Glacial Maximum. This adaptation allowed a geographical expansion that does not correspond to a habitat-tracking episode. Hence, the realized niche currently observed for the Saiga is reduced compared with their potential capacity for adaptation, a crucially important factor for the conservation of this endangered species.
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calving location selection patterns of Saiga antelope in mongolia
Journal of Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Julie K. Young, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Todd K Fuller, J BergerAbstract:Habitat selection for calving by ungulates is an important behavioral trait because it affects neonate survival. Generally, ungulate calving site selection varies by vulnerability to predators, local topography, habitat quality and level of human disturbance. The Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is endemic to Mongolia where a threatened population of ∼7000 exists in the northern Gobi Desert. We analyzed factors that could affect selection of Saiga calving locations in the Sharga Nature Reserve, western Mongolia, using data obtained from ground surveys over 4 years between 2008 and 2012. Multiple factors explain calving location selection by Saiga antelopes, based on the results of a generalized linear mixed model within a use availability framework. Individual Saiga females preferred calving locations that were away from settlements and closer to water sources and avoided steeper slopes in comparison with random locations. These results demonstrate that the choice of calving locations for Saiga antelope is driven by both internal and external factors. Understanding which factors influence calving location selection for Saiga provides insights to protect important habitats.
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changes in grouping patterns of Saiga antelope in relation to intrinsic and environmental factors in mongolia
Journal of Zoology, 2013Co-Authors: Julie K. Young, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Todd K Fuller, Amanda E Fine, Buyanaa Chimeddorj, J BergerAbstract:Factors that affect group sizes in large ungulates are generally poorly understood for species from remote regions. Understanding grouping patterns is important for effective species management, but is lacking for the endangered Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica). We studied seasonal changes in the group size and social structure of Saigas in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors in western Mongolia during 2009–2012. To identify group size and composition, we observed Saigas monthly while conducting monitoring surveys, and weekly while tracking radio-collared animals. We observed 9268 individuals; median group size was 6.5 (se = 1.7; range = 1–121), and groups of 1–5 animals were most common. Seasonality exerted strong effects with the smallest groups in June and largest in December. The largest mixed and nursery groups formed during pre-rutting and summer seasons, respectively, but no seasonal differences were detected for bachelor groups. The best fitting model, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, predation rate and season as covariates, explained ~76% of the variation in monthly ‘typical’ group size. Our results are concordant with studies of other arid-adapted ungulates and suggest vegetation productivity, predation rate and biological cycles are responsible for Saiga grouping patterns in Mongolia.
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factors affecting survival and cause specific mortality of Saiga calves in mongolia
Journal of Mammalogy, 2013Co-Authors: Julie K. Young, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Joel Berger, Amanda E Fine, Badamjav Lkhagvasuren, Peter Zahler, Todd K FullerAbstract:Factors affecting juvenile survival are poorly known in the world’s most northern antelope, the endangered Saiga (Saiga tatarica), yet these factors are fundamental for understanding what drives population change. We monitored Mongolia Saiga (S. tatarica mongolica) calves in Sharga Nature Reserve, western Mongolia, during 2008–2010. Our results showed that male and single calves were heavier than females and twins, respectively. However, we identified no significant differences in seasonal or annual survival rates between sexes or between singletons and twins. Litter size and birth mass varied among years, and there was a negative relationship between these variables. Survival of calves during the 1st year was best explained by the covariates of year and litter size (confounded with body mass), suggesting that interannual variation in environmental conditions influenced twinning rates and body mass, and might play a key role in 1st-year survival. We identified 3 sources of mortality—predation by raptors, foxes (red fox [Vulpes vulpes] and corsac fox [V. corsac]), and lynx (Lynx lynx). Most predation was attributed to raptors, such as golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus). Our results point to both environmental and biotic factors affecting survival of juvenile Saiga.
J Berger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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calving location selection patterns of Saiga antelope in mongolia
Journal of Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Julie K. Young, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Todd K Fuller, J BergerAbstract:Habitat selection for calving by ungulates is an important behavioral trait because it affects neonate survival. Generally, ungulate calving site selection varies by vulnerability to predators, local topography, habitat quality and level of human disturbance. The Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is endemic to Mongolia where a threatened population of ∼7000 exists in the northern Gobi Desert. We analyzed factors that could affect selection of Saiga calving locations in the Sharga Nature Reserve, western Mongolia, using data obtained from ground surveys over 4 years between 2008 and 2012. Multiple factors explain calving location selection by Saiga antelopes, based on the results of a generalized linear mixed model within a use availability framework. Individual Saiga females preferred calving locations that were away from settlements and closer to water sources and avoided steeper slopes in comparison with random locations. These results demonstrate that the choice of calving locations for Saiga antelope is driven by both internal and external factors. Understanding which factors influence calving location selection for Saiga provides insights to protect important habitats.
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changes in grouping patterns of Saiga antelope in relation to intrinsic and environmental factors in mongolia
Journal of Zoology, 2013Co-Authors: Julie K. Young, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Todd K Fuller, Amanda E Fine, Buyanaa Chimeddorj, J BergerAbstract:Factors that affect group sizes in large ungulates are generally poorly understood for species from remote regions. Understanding grouping patterns is important for effective species management, but is lacking for the endangered Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica). We studied seasonal changes in the group size and social structure of Saigas in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors in western Mongolia during 2009–2012. To identify group size and composition, we observed Saigas monthly while conducting monitoring surveys, and weekly while tracking radio-collared animals. We observed 9268 individuals; median group size was 6.5 (se = 1.7; range = 1–121), and groups of 1–5 animals were most common. Seasonality exerted strong effects with the smallest groups in June and largest in December. The largest mixed and nursery groups formed during pre-rutting and summer seasons, respectively, but no seasonal differences were detected for bachelor groups. The best fitting model, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, predation rate and season as covariates, explained ~76% of the variation in monthly ‘typical’ group size. Our results are concordant with studies of other arid-adapted ungulates and suggest vegetation productivity, predation rate and biological cycles are responsible for Saiga grouping patterns in Mongolia.
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capture of ungulates in central asia using drive nets advantages and pitfalls illustrated by the endangered mongolian Saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica
Oryx, 2010Co-Authors: J Berger, Kim M. Murray, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Mike R Dunbar, Badamjav LkhagvasurenAbstract:The study of mammals suffering intense poaching in remote areas poses an increasingly difficult conservation challenge, in part because the extreme flightiness of such species complicates safe capture. The benefits of handling (an opportunity to obtain biological information and attach radio collars) must be weighed against stress to the animals and potential capture-related mortality. In parts of Central Asia this problem is not trivial, as populations have been heavily harvested and opportunities for restraint are often limited. Mongolian Saiga Saiga tatarica mongolica , being both Endangered and poached, typifies these issues. Here we describe capture protocols for adult females handled quickly and without anaesthesia. Using multiple vehicles driven at high speed, individual Saiga were isolated from groups and herded into nets. Chase time was linearly associated with rectal temperature (P
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protecting migration corridors challenges and optimism for mongolian Saiga
PLOS Biology, 2008Co-Authors: J Berger, Julie K. Young, Kim Murray BergerAbstract:Migrations are an important ecological phenomena rapidly declining throughout the world [1]. Within many ungulate populations, migration is a polymorphic trait; animals can cover either long or short distances, pass across broad swaths of land such as those of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), or squeeze through bottlenecks as narrow as 120 meters as described for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) [2,3]. Given that the persistence of terrestrial migration is challenged primarily by anthropogenic forces, protection is often possible, assuming the availability of appropriate knowledge concerning movements, threats, and meta-population structure, and the willingness to implement coincident conservation actions that involve local decision makers. Here, we illustrate these issues by profiling an endangered species—the Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica; Figure 1), highlighting the importance of protecting movement routes in light of habitat, human culture, and other sources of population risk. Figure 1 Mongolian Saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica)
A A Lushchekina - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Saiga populations of russia and kazakhstan current status and retrospective analysis of some biological parameters
Arid Ecosystems, 2021Co-Authors: Yu T Karimova, A A Lushchekina, V M NeronovAbstract:Since the beginning of the 20th century, the number of Saigas (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766) sharply decreased twice as a result of human activity. After the first decrease, all four Saiga populations (the Northwest Pre-Caspian, Ustyurt, Volga–Ural, and Betpakdala) recovered, and they numbered more than 1 million heads by the 1970–80s. However, after the second decrease (since the beginning of the 21st century), an increase in the number of these ungulates has been noted only for two populations, the Volga–Ural and Betpakdala. The goal of the study is to analyze the biological parameters of the four populations and to identify the differences that allowed the Saigas inhabiting the Volga–Ural interfluve and Betpakdala to overcome population depression and to recover their numbers. At the end of the 20th century, the economic situation in the countries inhabited by Saigas promoted poaching among the population, which led to a sharp decrease in the total number of these ungulates down to 50 000. The area of the main range decreased by 50 times for the Northwest Pre-Caspian Saiga population and by 2.4–5 times for the other three populations. The distance of seasonal migrations, as well as animal involvement, also decreased. The Saiga population of the Northwest Pre-Caspian has become practically sedentary. The low-number periods are characterized by a decrease in herds of different sizes found throughout the year; herds with less than 50 animals were registered in 56–100% of cases. In the early 2000s, the main biological parameters characterizing the four Saiga populations were comparable. Moreover, the proportion of adult males and the yield of young animals per female in July–August were higher in the population of the Northwest Pre-Caspian in comparison to the other three (11.5 ± 1.9% and 0.81 ± 0.18 ind. vs. 8.7 ± 3.8% and 0.48 ± 0.40 ind., respectively). The increase in the Volga–Ural and Betpakdala populations is mainly due to their effective protection and the education of the local people with the support of the Kazakhstan government and international foundations, which significantly reduce the poaching pressure.
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biological features of the northwest pre caspian Saiga population at different sizes
Arid Ecosystems, 2020Co-Authors: Yu T Karimova, V M Neronov, A A Lushchekina, Yu N Pyurvenova, Yu N ArylovAbstract:The abundance of the Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766) in the Northwest Pre-Caspian region has remained at an extremely low level over the past 20 years. Comparison of some biological parameters of the population for periods with different numbers of animals made it possible to reveal a number of low-population features. Thus, along with a decrease in the number of Saigas (from 800 000 heads in 1958 to 4500 in 2016), its habitat area also decreased (from 60 000–70 000 to 2000–3000 km2, respectively), and a significant part of the population transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle in the protected areas of the Chernye Zemli ecoregion. A long-time deficiency of sexually mature males in the population (less than 10%) led to a decrease in its growth and, consequently, to a decrease in its number. At the same time, the total fecundity of females decreased (from 1.27 ± 0.25 calves in years of high abundance to 0.92 ± 0.39 recently) due to an increase in barrenness in different age groups caused by the lack of males in the population. Males prevail over females in newborns (51.9 and 48.1%, respectively). The increased weight of newborn Saiga calves (100 g on average for both males and females) and their decreased mortality in the first days after birth (under favorable weather conditions) indirectly indicate the normal course of embryogenesis and a sufficient quantity and quality of feed. An increase in the proportion of sexually mature stags will lead to an increase in the population number, as the reproductive functions of the population practically did not change during the period of its depression.
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Current state and prospects of preserving Saiga antelope in Northwest Pre-Caspian region
Arid Ecosystems, 2013Co-Authors: V M Neronov, N. Yu. Arylova, M. Yu. Dubinin, T. Yu. Karimova, A A LushchekinaAbstract:To identify the main factors that affected a catastrophic decrease in the population of the Saiga antelope in the Northwest Pre-Caspian region from 800 000 heads in the middle of the past century to about 5000 heads in Spring 2012, long-term data about the Saiga antelope biology and the condition of its habitat were analyzed. The results obtained by modern procedures can be used to plan measures for preserving and restoring the population of the Saiga antelope in Russia.
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population dynamics of a key steppe species in a changing world the critically endangered Saiga antelope
2012Co-Authors: V M Neronov, A A Lushchekina, Tatiana Yu Karimova, Nadezhda Yu ArylovaAbstract:At the end of 1950s the population of the Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) in the North-West Pre-Caspian region counted over 800,000 individuals. Estimates of 2008 suggested that about 18,000 Saigas were left, in a reduced range area, and after the severe 2009–2010 winter the population has declined to only 8,000 animals. To understand the present conditions a detailed study was conducted using our own field observations (2003–2008), all available literature data over more than 50 years, and long-term data of several meteorological stations located in the area of Saiga habitation. Results show that the main reasons for the catastrophic decline in Saiga numbers were decreases in the number of adult males and in general fertility of the females. Juvenile mortality in recent years stayed within the limits of long-term fluctuations. The weight of newborn Saigas does not differ (and presently is even higher) from that at the end of the 1950s. Comparison of our observations with data on fluctuations in average annual temperature and rainfall showed that there was no direct effect of climatic factors on the state of this population. Accordingly, in the North-West Pre-Caspian region additional measures should be urgently taken to secure the survival of this unique ungulate.
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monitoring population productivity in the Saiga antelope
Animal Conservation, 2009Co-Authors: Aline Kuhl, A A Lushchekina, Iu A Grachev, A B Bekenov, Atle Mysterud, B S Ubushaev, E J MilnergullandAbstract:Effective conservation requires a good understanding of factors causing variation in population growth rate. We here analyse the relationship between female age and fecundity in the Saiga antelope Saiga tatarica tatarica, a critically endangered ungulate of the Eurasian steppes and semideserts, at both individual and population levels. Annual variation in age structure and twinning rates was investigated using long-term datasets, sampling a total of 3308 females in four populations over more than 40 years. Further, a new non-invasive method is presented, estimating twinning rates from both calves and placentas encountered during calving aggregation transects. At an individual level, the most parsimonious model for twinning rates included three age classes (1, 2 and ≥3 years); however, the model with only two classes (1 and ≥2 years) was competitive and particularly useful for monitoring because these two age classes can reliably be determined by direct observation in the field. Among yearlings, 77.4% were fecund and 11.7% twinned, whereas among older females 94.6% were fecund and 72.6% twinned. At a population level, annual variation in age structure (proportion ≥2 years) correlated well with annual variation in twinning rate except in the north-west Pre-Caspian population. Our results suggest that the recent poaching-driven collapse in Saiga numbers has potentially resulted in reductions in fecundity, which will have an impact on population growth rate. Our results highlight the potential for monitoring of twinning rate using non-invasive calving aggregation transects as a cost-effective additional tool to population counts for monitoring the status of this critically endangered species. These monitoring methods are also potentially transferable to other ungulate species.
Batkhuyag Sandag - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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outbreak of peste des petits ruminants among critically endangered mongolian Saiga and other wild ungulates mongolia 2016 2017
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Mathieu Pruvot, Samantha Strindberg, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Amanda E Fine, Buyanaa Chimeddorj, Charlotte Hollinger, Batchuluun Damdinjav, Gantulga Bayandonoi, Bodisaikhan Khishgee, Batkhuyag SandagAbstract:The 2016-2017 introduction of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) into livestock in Mongolia was followed by mass mortality of the critically endangered Mongolian Saiga antelope and other rare wild ungulates. To assess the nature and population effects of this outbreak among wild ungulates, we collected clinical, histopathologic, epidemiologic, and ecological evidence. Molecular characterization confirmed that the causative agent was PPRV lineage IV. The spatiotemporal patterns of cases among wildlife were similar to those among livestock affected by the PPRV outbreak, suggesting spillover of virus from livestock at multiple locations and time points and subsequent spread among wild ungulates. Estimates of Saiga abundance suggested a population decline of 80%, raising substantial concerns for the species' survival. Consideration of the entire ungulate community (wild and domestic) is essential for elucidating the epidemiology of PPRV in Mongolia, addressing the threats to wild ungulate conservation, and achieving global PPRV eradication.
