Kazakhstan aims to cull Saiga population

Saiga population is to reach 2.6 million in Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nyzanbayev, ecology and natural resources minister said, Kazinform Agency correspondent reports. 

The Saiga population reached the historic high, required to be regulated. They numbered a mere 21 thousand in 2003 falling from 1.2 million in 1993. Their number has reached 1.9 million thanked to the state support, said Nyzanbayev.

The minister went on to say that a Saiga population count is expected next spring. Their number is to surpass 2.6 million in line with the flash estimate of 30 percent.

According to him, Saiga populating Ural steppes in West Kazakhstan region is likely to stand at 300 thousand, and Betbak dala desserts around 800 thousand.

Thus, their population needs to be regulated as 337 thousand are to be hunt down and captured.

Earlier it was reported that West Kazakhstan would start selling saiga meat.