bibliography: Smagol, V. 2017.The sex-age structure of the Askanian saiga population Saiga tatarica Linnaeus, 1766. Proceedings of the National Museum of Natural History. Vol. 15: 33–36.

doi: http://doi.org/10.15407/vnm.2017.15.033

author(s): V. Smagol https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-2354-4348

affiliation: F. E. Falz-Fein Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova”, NAAS of Ukraine (Askania-Nova, Ukraine)

address: V. Smagol; F. E. Falz-Fein Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova”, NAAS of Ukraine, Parkova St. 15, Askania-Nova, Chaplynka district, Kherson region, 75230, Ukraine; e-mail: smagol19750@ukr.net

Summary:
Based on research results it was determined that the semi-free saiga population has been formed and stably breeding in Askania-Nova for about 40 years. It independently determines the trophic base, keeps the sex-age structure of the herd close to that in natural populations. The mating is based on the principle of free selection of sexual partners. The proportion of different age-sex groups in the population is the following: males 24.7 ± 1.06 %, females 43.6 ± 3.29 %, and juveniles 31.7 ± 3.27 %. The average sex ratio in adults is 1:1.8 with the dominance of females. Factors limiting the existence of the species are not related to human impact. The existence of the population is mainly depends on favorable climate conditions during winter, in particular absence of ice crusts and high snow cover. A significant part of adult saiga males, compared to natural populations, reflects the absence of stress factors such as poaching and large predators in Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve.

Keywords:
saiga, sex-age structure, population, semi-free breeding, Askania-Nova.

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