To address this emergency, WWF-Mongolia, in cooperation with local partners, implemented biotechnical measures to support the saiga population. Hay was provided at key points within the saiga range to ensure the animals had access to food during the harshest months.The hay used in this intervention was harvested from a 10-hectare section of a larger 91-hectare fenced area established by WWF-Mongolia and partners near the center of Khukhmorit soum in Gobi-Altai province.

In recent years, the frequency and severity of dzud—a harsh winter phenomenon unique to Mongolia—have increased significantly due to ongoing climate change. These extreme conditions, marked by poor plant growth during the summer and heavy snowfall in winter, pose a serious threat to Mongolia’s endangered species, particularly the Mongolian saiga antelope.
One stark reminder of the risks occurred during the dzud of 2001–2002, after which only 750 saigas were recorded within their natural range. The winter of 2024–2025 proved especially difficult, with snowfall levels across the saiga habitat exceeding those of previous years. The snow cover severely limited the animals’ access to natural grass and forage, putting the population at risk once again.
To address this emergency, WWF-Mongolia, in cooperation with local partners, implemented biotechnical measures to support the saiga population. Hay was provided at key points within the saiga range to ensure the animals had access to food during the harshest months.
The hay used in this intervention was harvested from a 10-hectare section of a larger 91-hectare fenced area established by WWF-Mongolia and partners near the center of Khukhmorit soum in Gobi-Altai province. Originally built to reduce sand movement and combat desertification, the fenced zone also served as a sustainable source of forage during the crisis.
To evaluate the effectiveness of this emergency measure, camera traps were installed at three designated feeding sites. These cameras confirmed that saiga herds accessed the hay regularly. Between February 15 and March 6, saigas were observed arriving daily, not only feeding on the hay but also lying down to rest—indicating the sites provided both nourishment and shelter.
While not a long-term solution, such biotechnical interventions are a crucial part of risk mitigation efforts to safeguard endangered wildlife during extreme climatic events. WWF-Mongolia recognizes the importance of continuing to implement and improve these emergency measures as part of a broader conservation strategy for the Mongolian saiga.

Biotechnical measures for Mongolian saiga antelope

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Winter relief for Mongolian saiga