How do saiga antelopes respond to snowstorms and shortages of food?

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a mammal that has evolved specific survival strategies to cope with the harsh conditions of its steppe habitat. Because saigas are unable to move through snow deeper than approximately 40 cm (16 inches) and struggle to dig through compacted snow or ice, they are highly vulnerable to severe winter weather.12

To respond to snowstorms and food shortages, the saiga utilizes two primary survival mechanisms:

• Migration: The species is capable of migrating great distances in a short period to escape snowstorms or regions where forage is scarce.2
• Rapid Reproduction: The saiga exhibits a very rapid maturation to a reproductive state. This allows populations to recover quickly following periods of heavy mortality caused by environmental crises.2

Despite these adaptations, the species remains susceptible to extreme weather events; for instance, the hard winter of 2009–10 contributed to a significant population decline in the Pre-Caspian region.1