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The study provides an insight into how knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intent may have been influenced by the campaign, and the major variables which may influence the success of the campaign. Additionally, it aims to outline how 'external' conservation measures and processes are judged by local people, and how this impacts their success.
This study aims to investigate the potential for participatory
monitoring of the saiga in the Russian Republic of Kalmykia, a
stronghold for one of the five remaining populations. A pilot
project was set up and monitors were selected from villages
neighbouring two nature reserves. They recorded observations of
saiga on an opportunistic basis, and twice a month spent some time
deliberately searching for saiga as a measure of effort.
Attitudinal surveys were performed to ascertain local people's
opinion of the participatory monitoring scheme, and costs were
compared with those of rangers at the reserves. Both monitors and
rangers were assessed in terms of their accuracy when counting
saiga.
The main aim of this study was to identify saiga distribution in Kalmykia during winter and spring, based on data from a participatory monitoring programme. Models were produced to identify the drivers of distribution and predict likely areas of saiga occupancy.
The data collated from participatory monitoring is evaluated and
analysed alongside data from wildlife rangers in the region and an
annual aerial survey using a maximum entropy habitat suitability
modelling approach. Improvements to the monitoring techniques
covered are discussed. Participatory monitoring is found to be an
effective tool for monitoring the saiga antelope.