Mongolian saiga

The Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is a subspecies of saiga antelope endemic to Mongolia. It was originally described as a full species, but later the initial author moved it to its current taxonomic position. It has also been considered a subspecies of Saiga borealis, but that has been shown to be incorrect.

The Mongolian saiga can develop a sandy colour. The coat develops a pale, grayish-brown colour in winter, with a hint of brown on the belly and the neck. The ventral parts are generally white. The hairs, can grow as long as 40 – in winter. This forms a 12 to 15 cm long mane on the neck. Two distinct moults can be observed in a year, one in spring from April to May and another in autumn from late September or early October to early December.

The population of Mongolian saiga has steadily increased after a viral infection from livestock killed 60% of the population in Mongolia in 2017.