Kazakhstan's Saiga Boom: Ecological Success Turns into Agricultural Crisis

Kazakhstan Faces Ecological Paradox: Booming Saiga Antelope Population Threatens Agriculture Kazakhstan is grappling with an unexpected challenge: the rapid growth of its saiga antelope population, once a conservation success story, is now causing significant damage to agriculture. The issue came to a head at a recent meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Agrarian Issues, where heated debates ensued. "The problem of saigas is becoming more complex year by year," said Akylbek Sagitov, a deputy of the West Kazakhstan regional maslikhat. Sagitov highlighted the massive increase in saiga numbers, from 1.62 million in 2023 to an estimated 4 million in 2025, causing billions of tenge in damages to farms. Farmers like Galymkhan Sakhanov from Akmola region described the situation as terrifying, with saigas overwhelming fields despite efforts to deter them. "People are working to the limit from dawn till dusk," Sakhanov stated, illustrating the immense pressure on farmers. However, scientists argue that controlled hunting might be necessary for the saiga's survival, as many animals are dying from starvation due to overgrazing. This highlights the complex balancing act between conservation and agricultural needs. The debate underscores the challenges of managing wildlife populations and the need for a comprehensive strategy that considers both ecological and economic factors. Finding a solution requires collaboration between farmers, scientists, and policymakers to ensure the long-term health of both the saiga population and Kazakhstan's agricultural sector.