Why Saigas Die: Expert Explains the Causes and Reassures Kazakhstanis
Photo: gov.kz
The saiga deaths being actively discussed on social media may be part of a natural process rather than an emergency, Orda.kz reports.
Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Gaisa Absatirov believes the sharp growth of the saiga population has led to competition for food and water. In such conditions, natural population-control mechanisms begin to take effect. According to him, animal numbers cannot grow indefinitely, as they are limited by available resources and environmental conditions. When those resources become scarce, part of the population, especially young animals, may die.
He cited the example of the fall of 2023, when about 250 saigas died in the West Kazakhstan region. The main cause was identified as lack of food.
According to the expert, the saiga population has grown sharply, and the animals have begun competing more intensely for food and water. When resources are insufficient, natural self-regulation mechanisms take effect, and part of the population, especially young animals, dies.
An additional factor this year has been ticks, which affect both wild and domestic animals. At the same time, research found no signs of infectious diseases in the dead saigas.
The expert stressed that such cases are a manifestation of natural population self-regulation and not necessarily a catastrophe.
Original author: Elvira Ivannikova
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