In the Karaganda region and Ulytau, hundreds of dead saiga antelopes have been found — authorities cite adverse weather conditions, lack of food, and death while crossing a river on thin ice as the causes of the mass die-off.
According to the Telegram channel "Vechernyaya Karaganda" citing the Republican State Enterprise "Okhotzooprom", 505 saiga carcasses were discovered on the Zhamankon River in the Nurinsky District of the Karaganda region. It is noted that the cause of death was adverse weather conditions and lack of food.
"To prevent the spread of infections, all carcasses of the dead saiga will be disposed of by burial in a Beccari biothermal pit in accordance with sanitary standards," the statement said.
In turn, the press service of the Department of Natural Resources and Nature Management Regulation stated that the death of the saiga resulted from natural migration — the animals were unable to cross the river on the thin ice.
"In spring, natural causes affecting the saiga population are determined by the biological characteristics of the species. After mating, males weaken, and young animals may not withstand cold weather. This is a natural process that occurs annually and is linked to natural selection within the population," the department reported.
It is noted that employees of the Karaganda Regional Territorial Inspectorate of Forestry and Wildlife, Okhotzooprom, the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, the Department of Emergency Situations of the Karaganda region, the Department of Natural Resources, veterinarians, staff of the akimat, and environmental police are at the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile, the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 67 saiga carcasses were found at the Kengir Reservoir in the Ulytau region.
"Sanitary measures are ongoing in the area of the spillway and the 'Sputnik' dacha complex. Rescuers are surveying the coastal area and taking steps to prevent environmental damage," the ministry stated.
Recall, earlier the akimat of the Ulytau region reported the disposal of over 3,000 saiga after footage of dead animals at the Kengir Reservoir circulated online.