Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica) populations numbered over one million as recently as the early 11000s, but have now been reduced to no more than 40,000. They are now recognized as endangered by the IUCN (World Conservation Union). Their drastic decline is due to poaching for illegal trade in horns (for Asian medicine markets), uncontrolled hunting for meat, habitat destruction and obstacles to migration. The primary threat is overhunting.

The agreement and action plan were agreed to by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and formally signed by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Nature Protection, as well as by the Mongolian Minister of Environment, IUCN, the CMS Secretariat and WWF.

“This agreement and action plan will effectively help to protect the Saiga," said CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth.

"Restoring its habitat is a first step to increase its scattered populations. Collaboration between regional and international organisations, government authorities, local communities and our NGO partners is essential to turn today’s agreement into a real recovery in Saiga population.”

The action plan now commits the governments and cooperating organizations to the recovery of the species’ populations through Central Asia. An alliance of signatory states, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), CMS, and non-governmental organizations including WWF, and local communities will work together on a number of conservation efforts, including setting up a monitoring programme. These animals undertake seasonal migrations from summer pastures in steppe grassland to winter pastures in desert areas. A regional conservation plan and strategy to be implemented at an international level will now enhance transboundary cooperation and exchange of information.

The action plan commits governments and partners to enhance enforcement and anti-poaching efforts, along with public education. and work with local communities to reduce poaching and illegal trade. Restoring the Saiga’s habitat throughout its entire range is also a priority of the Action Plan agreed by the governments, including establishing new protected areas. During their seasonal migrations they face serious obstacles such as irrigation channels and roads.

“Urgent transboundary cooperation is needed to ensure the conservation of this species," said Dr Susan Lieberman, Director of WWF's Global Species Programme. "We applaud the action of governments to work together to benefit both the Saiga antelope and local communities who share its habitat.”