In the run up to ‘GIVING TUESDAY’ next week we are lauching a short appeal to help the brave rangers who will be protecting saigas in the coming freezing conditions.

WINTERY SAIGA FACTS

* Saigas live in harsh conditions, which can range from 30^o in the summer to -40^o in the winter.

* During the winter their coats change from a rich chestnut colour to white in order to help camouflage them against the snow.

* Their large noses help warm up the freezing air before it reaches their lungs.

* Mating occurs in early to mid-December, when males defend harems of up to 30 females.

 

WINTER CHALLENGES FOR SAIGAS

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  Photo: E. Polonskiy

  In Mongolia, winter 2017 threatens a phenomenon known as “dzhut”, where deep snow is covered by a layer of ice, making it extremely difficult for saigas to feed on the vegetation underneath, and to move freely around.

• Competition with nomadic livestock for food.
• When the snow is deep saigas cannot escape poachers and so are relatively easy prey. In Kazakhstan poachers have been reported to use snow mobiles in these conditions.

 

SAIGA HEROES

Rangers across the entire saiga range, from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, Russia and Mongolia all face the same challenges:

• Well equipped poachers, (with snow mobiles and camouflage)
  

  Photo: ACBK

• Extreme conditions for days at a time, (down to -40degrees)
• Ensuring saigas have food and access to water
• Vehicles inadequately equipped for the harsh conditions
• Lack of appropriate clothing and accessories (warm, protective clothes)
• Lack of technical equipment

 

We are raising funds to provide:

• Protective clothing such as thermal underwear, gloves, balaclavas, hats.
• Night vision goggles/binoculars
• Winter camouflage clothing
• Petrol

PLEASE DONATE HERE TO HELP US SUPPORT SAIGA RANGERS THIS WINTER