Posted on January, 27 2026

Each year, experts from WWF-Mongolia, in collaboration with the Community Conservationists Network for Saiga, undertake the challenging task of monitoring the saiga population. This annual assessment uses the internationally recognized line transect method and covers the saiga’s entire range across four provinces. The latest survey, conducted in late October 2025, recorded at least 28,857 individuals—up from 23,215 in October 2024. This achievement reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts by WWF-Mongolia, local stakeholders, and donor organizations, supporting both the population increase and the species’ gradual return to its historical range.

B.Gantulga, Biodiversity manager of WWF-Mongolia, stated, “Recent conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of environmental and human influences, such as improving water accessibility, law enforcement, disease prevention, and community engagement have contributed to the recovery of the saiga population in Mongolia. However, the species remains fragile. New challenges, including infectious diseases and the expansion of linear infrastructure, have emerged alongside known threats like habitat degradation from livestock overgrazing, poaching, and harsh climate conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to maintain and intensify comprehensive conservation efforts to prevent the extinction of this endangered species in Mongolia”.

A 2025 WWF-Mongolia survey counted 1,659 saigas in three areas of their historic range—Khyargas Lake Valley, Altan Teel Valley, and Khomiin Tal—showing a stable population.