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Elucidating Climatic Drivers of Mass Mortality in the
Endangered Saiga Antelope
This project will examine the role of climate change in the
aetiology of mass mortality in saigas, as part of a larger
NERC-funded project that aims to enhance population viability by
addressing biotic and abiotic threats.
Initially, the student will utilise data collected during
2015-16 on saiga migration patterns and climatic factors in
relation to die-off sites, to define covariates and address
hypotheses on causation.
The Saiga Conservation Alliance in association with Gala Film
Studio have produced a short film showing how people lived side by
side with the saiga antelope on the Ustyurt plateau in Uzbekistan
for hundreds of years. Recently however, economic development in
the region began to negatively impact wildlife.
There is hope!
A new 7352 km reserve named Saigachy has been established with
3456 km given 'protected' status and a further 6 'strictly
protected' areas within it.
The reserve was developed in consultation with the Saiga
Conservation Alliance to offer protection to saigas, while
introducing renewable and alternative energy to the region and
offering local people education, jobs and…