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This section features people who have been recognised for making a major contribution to saiga conservation. They come from all walks of life throughout the world, but are united in their passion for this species. Their dedication to the saiga antelope is an inspiration. Please contact us if you would like to nominate a saiga hero.
Yuri Arylov, Centre for Wild Animals, Republic of Kalmykia
'Mere enthusiasm is not enough to feed a saiga!' - Y.
Arylov
Yuri Nimeyevich Arylov is the Director of the Centre for Wild
Animals in the Republic of Kalmykia, a Doctor of Biology, a
Professor at the Kalmyk State University and an honoured worker of
science of the Republic of Kalmykia.
It is obvious that saigas have been Professor Arylov's passion
for many years. His range of interests in science are wide, having
been actively engaged for the last 24 years in studying ungulate
ecology, in particular saigas, game ranching, environment
protection, and ecological education for different sectors of the
population.
'To meet saigas was a great piece of luck and a good sign for
me!' - A. Salemgareyev
Albert Salemgareyev is Technical Coordinator of the Altyn Dala
Environmental Protection Initiative under the Association for the
Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK). He started work
with this organization as a project assistant in 2007 when he was a
student.
The editor of Saiga News interviews Albert Salemgareyev
Albert's research interests embrace informatics, biodiversity,
hiking, bird-watching, photography and video filming (which turned
into his profession.)
Dr Yuri A. Grachev is Senior Fellow at the Institute of Zoology
of the Ministry of Education and Science in Kazakhstan, and
Candidate of Biological Sciences.
The editor of Saiga News interviews Yuri Grachev
Yuri's interests include the ecology, conservation and use of
mammals, mainly ungulates and carnivores. He has worked in this
research area since 1962, and is author of many articles about
saigas, including the monograph "Saiga (origin, systematics,
ecology, conservation, use)", published in Moscow in 1998.
He is a world expert on saiga ecology and behaviour, and someone
who saiga researchers globally view with deep respect and
admiration.
Anatoly Khludnev is Director of the Stepnoi State Nature Reserve
in the Astrakhan region of Russia. He was an officer in the Russian
Army and his is now a retired lieutenant colonel.
The editor of Saiga News interviews Anatoly Khludnev
For the last 10 years, Anatoly has been devoting all his time
and energy to the conservation of this unique antelope from the
steppes of the north-western pre-Caspian region.