ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF WILD ANIMAL IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE AND DAMAGE REDUCTION MEASURES

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 4, 409 - 422, 30.10.2025

Kanbibi Nursapina Aigul Kazambaeva Gulshat Aiesheva Saltanat Yessengaliyeva

Abstract

This article assesses how the combined effects of rapid agricultural land‑use expansion and the saiga (Saiga tatarica) migrations influence Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and evaluates sustainable land‑use solutions that reconcile production and biodiversity goals. Drawing on data from the Ministry of Ecology and field studies in the West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and Kyzylorda regions, we quantify direct financial losses from crop damage, costs of restoring fences, irrigation and farm buildings, as well as foregone yields. Spatial analysis and statistical modeling identify three “hot” vulnerability clusters and seasonal loss dynamics (up to 60% in summer, ~16% in spring). The research spans five annual migration cycles and incorporates stakeholder consultations with farmers and conservation authorities to refine interventions. Practice-oriented measures are proposed – protected migration corridors aligned with traditional routes, farmer compensation schemes and integrated population- management strategies (scientific monitoring, local co-management, economic incentives) – to harmonize biodiversity conservation with sustainable agriculture.

Keywords

Saiga antelopes , Economic damage , Agriculture , Migratory corridors , Compensation , Population management.

Ethical Statement

This study did not require approval from an ethics committee as it did not involve human participants, animals, or sensitive personal data. All data used in this research were obtained from publicly available sources.

Supporting Institution

This study was conducted as part of scientific project AP23486846, “Economic assessment of the impact of wild animal populations (saigas) on agriculture and ways to reduce damage,” funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan under budget program 217 “Development of Science, Subprogram 102” Grant Funding for Scientific Research” for 2024- 2026 of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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