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One of the aims of this study was to identify, and assess, different potential monitoring methods in order to identify the most cost effective, and sustainable, monitoring method for saiga populations in Uzbekistan. This study identified many problems that conservation managers can face and suggested ways that these can be overcome.
Human behaviour is the key driver of all major threats to the natural environment. Recognising its importance is fundamental if conservation practitioners are to tackle biodiversity loss and implement successful solutions.
An expedition went to the remote Ustyurt population in western Kazakhstan during May 2004, to investigate the status of the antelope at a particularly vulnerable time in its life cycle, when the majority of the population historically migrates into a restricted range to form aggregations in which the females give birth in a mass calving event.
Anecdotal evidence from other Saiga populations suggests that at low densities this behaviour changes, with females choosing to give birth away from the shelter of an aggregation.
A survey of two villages in West Kazakhstan was conducted to assess respondent's attitudes, knowledge and willingness to volunteer to conserve saiga. The impact of attending saiga awareness and education events was also assessed. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was found to be an effective framework for ascertaining the drivers of behavioural intention. From this, recommendations were made for future conservation interventions in the region, as well as recommendations for future research which may be of interest to the wider field of conservation.