Weight
kg
Size
cm
Lifespan
years
Population
individuals
With its remarkably long, flexible nose, the saiga antelope, Saiga tatarica, is one of the most distinctive animals of the Central Asian steppes. This nomadic antelope roams vast open landscapes, from arid steppes to semi-deserts, moving with the seasons in search of grasses, vegetation and water.
Once brought to the brink of extinction by a dramatic population decline, largely driven by poaching for its horns, the saiga is now making a remarkable comeback. Extensive conservation measures in Kazakhstan have led to a spectacular recovery in numbers. However, the species remains vulnerable to mass die-offs, disease, extreme weather conditions and poaching.
Discover this extraordinary animal, its nomadic way of life and the remarkable story of its conservation.
Scientific name: Saiga Tatarica
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Saiga
Distribution/habitat : today, the saiga is found primarily in Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, with a more limited presence in Uzbekistan. It inhabits the vast open landscapes of Central Asia, including dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts. It generally avoids rugged terrain and dense vegetation, favouring flat, open ground that allows it to move quickly and undertake seasonal migrations. A nomadic and migratory species, the saiga can travel hundreds of kilometres during its seasonal movements. Some migrations can extend to around 1,000 km, depending on weather conditions and the availability of resources.
Diet: the saiga is a herbivore. Its diet includes a wide variety of plant species, primarily grasses, but also herbaceous plants, shrubs and other vegetation adapted to arid environments. More than a hundred plant species have been recorded as part of its diet.
Weight: approximately 21–51 kg, with variations depending on sex and individual characteristics.
Height: the body measures approximately 108–146 cm in length. Shoulder height ranges from around 60–80 cm, while its short tail typically measures 6–13 cm.
Lifespan: Data on longevity remain limited. Available estimates generally suggest a lifespan of around 10–12 years in the wild.
Conservation status: The saiga is no longer classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its current global status is Near Threatened (NT), following the assessment published in 2023. In 2023, the saiga underwent a major change in conservation status: the IUCN reclassified it from Critically Endangered (CR) to Near Threatened (NT), following the remarkable recovery of populations in Kazakhstan. However, the IUCN highlights significant uncertainty in the available data and warns that mass die-offs or a resurgence in poaching could jeopardise this progress.
Individuals: an estimated 4.69 million saiga antelopes lived in Kazakhstan in spring 2026, according to aerial survey data. The population was distributed across three main groups: the Ural, Betpak-Dala and Ustyurt populations.
Demographic trend: Increasing, although significant fluctuations remain possible. The saiga’s recovery in Kazakhstan is one of the major recent success stories in the conservation of wild mammals. The population in Kazakhstan has grown from approximately 21,000 individuals in 2003 to several million today. This recovery is largely attributed to stronger anti-poaching measures, population monitoring and conservation initiatives. However, the situation remains fragile. Saigas are particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks and mass die-offs, severe winters, extreme weather conditions, habitat fragmentation and poaching. Major die-offs were recorded in 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2016.
Sources: IUCN — International Union for Conservation of Nature, Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative
Photo: Larisa Artemyeva
At MAURICE, every creation bears the scientific name of a living species. It is our way of bringing a little piece of the wild into everyday life, while reminding us that behind every name lies a story, a beauty and, sometimes, a fragility worth protecting.
The saiga antelope, Saiga tatarica, inspired this MAURICE dog poop bag holder. Like this extraordinary antelope of the Central Asian steppes, instantly recognisable by its distinctive nose, this creation celebrates the species that stand apart from all others and deserve to have their stories told.
Designed and handcrafted in France with respect for traditional craftsmanship, the holder combines upcycled leather and gold-finish brass details, transforming an everyday essential into an object that is as practical as it is elegant. A creation designed to accompany your walks in style, while discreetly carrying the name of a fascinating species.
Through its creations, MAURICE seeks to build a connection between the world of dogs and cats and the infinitely wider world of wildlife. Every accessory becomes a small invitation to discover a species, appreciate what makes it unique and remember the richness of the natural world around us.
