The saiga is an ancient inhabitant of the steppe that has survived since the Ice Age and the time of the mammoths. In 2003, only around 21,000 remained in Kazakhstan. According to the 2026 population count, their number has now reached 4.689 million.
In this episode, you will discover how the saiga is adapted to life on the steppe, how its unusual nose helps it survive, and what makes its migration and calving season unique. How did Kazakhstan bring the species back from the brink of extinction? How are roads, railways and border fences affecting its ancient migration routes? We also explore the new challenges created by the rapid growth of the saiga population and the search for a balance between wildlife conservation and human needs.
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