Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Saiga Population on Pasture Ecosystems and Agriculture

The article discusses the issue of pasture degradation in the West Kazakhstan region, which has been caused by a significant rise in the population of saigas (Saiga tatarica). The study aims to quantify agricultural losses and establish the relationship between saiga numbers and ecosystem changes. The research methodology incorporates field observations, agroecological observations, and mathematical analysis. Data were collected in areas heavily affected by saiga migration in 2024. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. The results showed that hay yield decreased by 14 kg/ha for every additional 1,000 saiga individuals. The greatest losses were recorded in the Bokeiordinsky district, where grazing pressure exceeded 62.5%. It was concluded that urgent measures are needed to regulate the saiga population, restore degraded land, and introduce rotational grazing. Mechanisms for the adaptive management of wild populations that take into account the interests of the agricultural sector were proposed. The findings obtained can provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making in agricultural and environmental policy within the region.