Influence of semi-voluntary conditions of detention on the behavior, adaptive reactions and reproductive activity of Saiga Antelope (Saigatatarica)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Innovation Technology Faculty, NAO "Karaganda Technical University named after Abylkas Saginov", Karaganda, Kazakhstan

2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Geography, Karaganda University named after Academician E.A. Buketov, 28 University Street, Karaganda 100026, Kazakhstan

3 Department of Sports and Pedagogical Disciplines, Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports, E.A. Buketov University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan

4 Dean of Higher School of Natural Sciences, Pavlodar Pedagogical University named after Alkey Margulan, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan

5 M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Higher School of "Natural Science and Pedagogy" Department of "Biology and Geography", Shymkent, Tauke khan 5, Kazakhstan

6 Head of the Biology Educational Program of Higher School of Natural Sciences, Pavlodar Pedagogical University named after Alkey Margulan, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan

7 Associate Professor of Higher School of Natural Sciences, Pavlodar Pedagogical University named after Alkey Margulan, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan

8 Department of Zoology, NC JSC Karagandy University named after E. A. Buketov, 28 University Street, Karaganda 100026, Kazakhstan

9 Higher School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University, Astana, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2025.8918

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of semi-voluntary housing conditions on the behavior, adaptive responses, and reproductive activity of saiga (Saiga tatarica) in Kazakhstan. With a decline of 95% in the population of this endangered species over the past three decades, there is a need to maximize captive breeding programs as one of the main conservation strategies. Over 24 months, 80 adult saigas were studied in two contrast groups: semi-voluntary (500-hectare enclosure with minimal human intervention) and conventional captivity (20-hectare enclosure with frequent human contact). Behavior (sampling scans and event recording), physiological stress indicators (hair cortisol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and reproductive characteristics (hormonal assays, pregnancy rates, lamb survival) were assessed using standard methods. The findings showed that the semi-voluntary group experienced a 42% increase in natural locomotor behaviors (p < 0.001), a 41% drop in hair cortisol (p < 0.001), and a 34% elevation in male testosterone metabolites at mating time. Pregnancy achievement during the first estrous cycle was 78% versus 49% in the control group (p < 0.01), and lamb survival to weaning was 73% (versus 48%) in the semi-voluntary group. Focal observations supported the tight correlation between the reduction of stress signs and the improvement of reproductive parameters (Rc = 0.82, p < 0.001). The results indicate the exceptional importance of semi-voluntary conditions for the reduction of chronic stress, maintenance of natural behavior, and success of reproduction in saigas. Application of this model in Kazakhstani breeding centres will possibly enable us to establish viable populations for reintroduction into the wild.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 23, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 627-633

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