The Impact of Changes in Forage Vegetation for Saiga (Saiga Tatarica) On Natural Pastures in The Steppe Zone of the West Kazakhstan Region

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of recent climate changes and reduced anthropogenic pressure on the vegetation cover in the steppe regions of Russia and Kazakhstan, particularly focusing on the effects on saiga (Saiga tatarica) populations. By the late 1990s, a significant shift towards the dominance of grasses and the reduction of herbaceous plants in semi-arid and arid regions was observed, which has likely diminished the nutritional quality of pastures for herbivores such as saiga. Herbaceous plants generally offer higher protein and better digestibility than grasses, which contain high levels of lignin and silica, complicating digestion for ruminants like saiga. The study explores the reactions of saiga to these changes in vegetation, given their preference for herbaceous plants over grasses. Field studies were conducted from 2019 to 2022 in the steppe zone of Western Kazakhstan, employing geobotanical surveys to analyze the composition and abundance of plant species. Results showed that in grass-dominated communities, herbaceous plants made up only 10-20% of the projective cover, while grass communities reached 70-90%. Chemical analyses of forage plants indicated that grasses from the Poaceae family, although abundant, provide lower nutritional value due to their high fiber and lignin content. In contrast, certain herbaceous plants showed higher protein content, making them more beneficial for saiga. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between grasses and forbs in pasture ecosystems to support the nutritional needs of saiga and ensure their long-term survival. It also emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of vegetation changes and saiga population dynamics, as increased saiga numbers may put further strain on available pasture resources. This study employs an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing modern methods for analyzing the chemical composition of forage and GIS technologies for pasture monitoring. For the first time, climate changes and their impact on the saiga's forage base are considered, along with practical solutions for sustainable use of pasture ecosystems. The introduction of bioremediation technologies enhances pasture productivity and helps preserve rare species.