Kazakhstan has announced plans to donate 1,500 wild saiga antelopes to China, helping reintroduce the species to parts of western China where they’ve been extinct for over 75 years. The announcement was made by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in June 2025 and reflects a major conservation partnership between the two countries. Saiga populations in Kazakhstan have seen a dramatic recovery—from fewer than 30,000 in 2003 to over 4.1 million today—thanks to long-term conservation efforts such as the Altyn Dala Initiative, which won the 2024 Earthshot Prize. Scientists will oversee the transfer to ensure the saiga are safely relocated and placed in suitable habitats in China.
This marks a significant step for cross-border wildlife conservation. China has tried for decades to revive its saiga population using small captive groups, but these efforts faced setbacks due to limited genetic diversity. With the arrival of these wild saiga from Kazakhstan, experts are optimistic about restoring viable herds in their native grasslands, including areas in Xinjiang and potentially Qinghai and Inner Mongolia. Conservationists stress that success will depend on securing undisturbed steppe habitats and maintaining long-term ecological monitoring to support the saiga’s adaptation and survival. More