Meet the “saiga babies” with a smile.

Meet the “saiga babies” with a smile. In Uzbekistan, “Saiga Day” is traditionally celebrated. But this year, due to the self-isolation regime due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to celebrate this environmental holiday in an original way. The tradition of celebrating “Saiga Day” originated in Karakalpakstan about ten years ago. The timing of all events was not chosen by chance: during this period, small saigas are born. Currently, active actions are needed to preserve and protect the symbol of the steppe ecosystems of the Ustyurt Plateau, a unique creation of nature – the saiga. According to the classification of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the saiga is classified as an endangered or critically endangered species. In 2008, the saiga was included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The beautiful lyre-shaped horns of the saiga – the decoration and tournament weapon of the males – are the cause of all the saiga's troubles. For centuries, saiga horn has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The reason for the sharp decline in the saiga population is illegal hunting for saiga meat and horns. To acquaint people with the unique relict antelope, its characteristics, talk about why saigas are in trouble now and how they can be helped – this is the main goal of environmental events on Saiga Day. I would like to believe that this species can still be saved. It has a fantastic ability to survive, high fertility, the ability to move long distances in search of better places, and is unpretentious to food and water. All that is needed is to give the saiga a chance to save itself. He expects help and protection from us. In connection with the self-isolation regime and existing working conditions, employees of the NGO “EKOMAKTAV”, leaders of Steppe clubs and teachers, with expert support from the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Alliance for the Conservation of Saiga Antelope, exciting tasks and competitions were developed and offered. To increase interest and awareness among children and their parents, three competitions are being launched, designed for different age categories. A coloring book has been prepared for younger schoolchildren. For older students, recommendations have been developed for independently preparing an environmental book, options for its design and content. Anyone can take part in the “Youth for Saiga” smartmob. To increase the reach of participants, popular instant messengers and social networks will be actively used. Saigas also live in Kalmykia and the Astrakhan region of Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Of course, “Saiga Day” will definitely be celebrated in these regions, decorating and complementing this holiday with its wonderful folk color and traditions.