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Tengrinews.kz – A video showing dozens of dead saiga antelopes floating in a river is circulating on social media.
According to the video's author, the incident occurred in a river in the Aktobe region.
“So many saigas drowned. It’s horrifying. The whole river. No matter how far you go—everywhere—dead saigas. Just full of them,” the person says in the video.
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This is not the first mass death of saigas. Earlier, footage showed thousands of dead animals, which scientists attributed to harsh environmental conditions. Normally, natural mortality is about 20% per year, but this time it reached 40–50%.
The Ministry of Ecology previously reported that the largest number of saiga deaths was observed in their natural habitat range: Ulytau, Karaganda, Kyzylorda, Atyrau, and West Kazakhstan regions. Officials stated the deaths were linked to natural causes, and under current procedures, the carcasses must be disposed of.
In October 2023, saigas were officially added to the list of animals subject to population control. As stated by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, culling has begun.
At the same time, until November of this year, saiga culling is being carried out in the West Kazakhstan region. The reason cited for the culling is the preservation of the natural balance, as well as the protection of pastures and agricultural lands from damage.
