Project
Solar-Powered Wildlife Watering Systems on the Ustyurt
Access to water is an important conservation issue across the dry steppe and desert landscapes used by saigas. SCA has explored this in different parts of the species’ range, looking both at existing water infrastructure and at practical ways of improving access to water for wildlife.
An earlier example came through SCA’s Young Conservation Leaders programme, when Aibat Muzbay assessed active and inactive artesian wells in Kazakhstan and considered where additional water points might be needed in saiga habitat. His work helped build understanding of the distribution and condition of water infrastructure relevant to saigas.
In Uzbekistan, SCA is now developing a separate practical project on the Ustyurt Plateau. The programme proposes installing six donated solar-powered pump systems at existing wells along important saiga movement routes in and around Saigachiy Reserve. Using solar power means the systems can operate in remote areas without mains electricity or regular fuel deliveries.
SCA is coordinating the conservation planning, working with Saigachiy Reserve rangers and local partners to identify suitable sites, support installation, and monitor wildlife use. Camera traps will be used to assess whether saigas and other species are visiting the watering points and whether the intervention is providing a useful conservation benefit.
The project combines practical habitat management with monitoring, allowing SCA and its partners to test whether solar-powered watering points could become a useful tool for managing saiga habitat on the Ustyurt.
With thanks to our funders
This project is currently being developed with support from donors and partners contributing equipment and co-funding for installation, monitoring, and field implementation.
Project partners
The project is being developed with Saigachiy Reserve rangers, local conservation partners in Uzbekistan, technical suppliers, and other organisations supporting saiga conservation on the Ustyurt Plateau.
Year by year
Key project milestones
Explore the project’s journey over time. Click each year to discover key activities, developments, and milestones.
Camera traps will be used to record saigas and other wildlife visiting the watering points, helping SCA assess whether the approach is effective and whether it could be expanded elsewhere on the Ustyurt.
SCA is working with reserve staff and local partners to identify suitable wells, plan installation, and integrate the systems with wider wildlife monitoring and habitat management.
SCA developed plans to install six donated solar pump systems along important saiga movement routes in and around Saigachiy Reserve.
SCA began developing the use of solar-powered pumps at existing wells on the Uzbek Ustyurt as a practical way of improving water access for wildlife in remote areas.
Through SCA’s Young Conservation Leaders programme, Aibat Muzbay assessed active and inactive artesian wells and the need for new water points in Kazakhstan. The work helped build understanding of water availability in saiga habitat.
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