Two Decades of Saiga Antelope Research: what have we Learnt?

This chapter provides another such historical and personal perspective, on the relationship between research and conservation action for the saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) based on the work done by E. J. Milner-Gulland (EJMG) and her collaborators over the period 1990-2012. It describes the changes in the region's socio-political and ecological landscape and how they have affected saigas. The chapter describes the research carried out by us and their collaborators on the ecology of the saiga and on the effects of profound social, political, and economic changes on the species. Conservation research is set within an ever-changing ecological, social and political landscape. It outlines the conservation approaches which have been adopted over the last two decades. Finally, the chapter reflects on the lessons that one have learnt over the last two decades of saiga research and conservation, and how they might translate to other antelopes, and other conservation targets more widely.