Species profile: Saiga antelope

An otherworldly ungulate in danger of disappearing

Characteristics

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is distinguished primarily by its prominent, trunklike nose, which reveals itself to be a true multitool. In summer, the nose filters out the desert dust from the environments and cools the air, which can reach ambient temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, to prevent heatstroke. In winter, on the other hand, inhaled air is warmed up in the nose, to protect the lungs and brain from damage through the extremely frigid temperatures.

The animals grow to be up to 79 centimetres tall and reach body weights of 20 to 40 kilogrammes for females and 30 to 50 kilogrammes for their male conspecifics. The males are also equipped with horns, approximately 55 centimetres in length.

Diet and reproduction

Saiga antelopes feed primarily on grasses. When insufficient grasslands are available, they also eat herbs, lichens and shrubbery.

The females reach sexual maturity at seven to eight months old, their male counterparts somewhat later. The mating period transpires in December and calves are born after five months. Normally, saiga antelopes bear twins, but females pregnant for the first time will often only bear one calf. The calves are already highly agile shortly after birth, and are soon able to run.

Habitat and lifestyle

Saiga antelopes reside in the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia. The last populations live in Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. They were once also found in Ukraine and China, but have meanwhile become extinct in the wild there. The herds typically spend their summers in the north and the winters in the south of their distribution areas.

They belong to the migratory species and normally congregate in large herds of up to 1,000 animals. The antelopes are primarily active during the day and can cover up to 120 kilometres daily during their migrations. Not only are they good endurance runners, but also fast sprinters, capable of reaching speeds of 80 kilometres per hour. This helps them flee from predators.

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