The campaign focused on the areas where Mongolian saigas have recently returned to their historical ranges. With the species making a comeback in these areas, it has become increasingly important to engage local herders, who live near the saiga habitat. The campaign aimed to not only raise awareness about the saiga’s presence and its ecological importance but also to promote better pastureland management practices.

As part of its Mongolian saiga antelope conservation efforts, WWF-Mongolia successfully organized a mobile awareness campaign in Uvs Province in January 2025. What made this campaign unique was that it was led by 40 local young herders, who traveled by camel and horse to reach remote communities. These young messengers shared materials and raised awareness about the Mongolian saiga and its conservation.
The campaign focused on the areas where Mongolian saigas have recently returned to their historical ranges. With the species making a comeback in these areas, it has become increasingly important to engage local herders, who live near the saiga habitat. The campaign aimed to not only raise awareness about the saiga’s presence and its ecological importance but also to promote better pastureland management practices.
According to the campaign organizers, the young herders visited around 200 households, distributing informational materials and conducting brief surveys. Of the 140 herders surveyed, 88 percent said they were aware of the saiga to some extent. Many also expressed happiness about the saiga’s return to their ancestral habitat.
Local residents and herders welcomed the campaign, especially because it was carried out in a traditional manner—by herders on horseback and camelback, rather than using modern vehicles. Elders in particular praised this approach, noting that it reflected the environmentally friendly mobility of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and helped revive traditional practices.
Campaign organizers emphasized that combining awareness about the Mongolian saiga with the concept of sustainable pastureland management allows for a more holistic understanding of environmental issues. They believe this approach can help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and foster coexistence. Looking ahead, they also highlighted the potential for collaborating with eco-clubs in local schools to further strengthen public awareness and conservation efforts.

Young herders are active in saiga conservation

Share This!

Help us spread the message

The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

Young herders take the lead in saiga conservation efforts