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Tengrinews.kz - Efforts to regulate the saiga population have officially begun in the West Kazakhstan region, citing the regional akimat (local government administration).
According to the authorities, the saiga culling will be carried out until November 30, 2025. The main goal is to maintain the natural balance and protect pastures and agricultural land from damage.
Around 40 specialists are involved in the operation. Four teams have been formed, each equipped with three vehicles — a total of 12 vehicles are being used.
According to an aerial survey conducted this year, about 2.3 million saigas inhabit the region. Based on scientists’ calculations, no more than 20 percent can be culled without harming the population, which is roughly 460,000 animals.
The meat from the captured animals will be sent for processing at specially designated facilities. In the future, other meat-processing plants are also expected to be involved.
The West Kazakhstan region’s akimat explained that the uncontrolled growth of the saiga population causes significant damage to agriculture and disrupts ecological balance. The work is being carried out under a government resolution in compliance with all legal and environmental regulations.
For context, the culling of saigas in Kazakhstan was suspended in February 2024. At the time, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev said the decision came after consultations with local scientists and international experts. He had predicted then that the saiga population could grow by another 40 percent.
Saiga meat to be processed in West Kazakhstan region
