The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), a keystone migratory species of the Central Asian steppes and deserts, is increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation due to the rapidly expanding transport infrastructure in Kazakhstan, which hosts approximately 95% of the species’ global population. This study provides a spatial assessment of railway and road infrastructure across the contemporary ranges of the Betpaqdala, Ustyurt, and Ural saiga populations. Using the literature and our field data from the 1980s to the present day, combined with geographic information system (GIS)-based analysis of 80,427 km of roads and 4021 km of railways, we have quantified infrastructure densities and identified critical barriers to saiga migration using kernel density and minimum convex polygons (MCP) estimations. The results reveal a negative connection between infrastructure density and occurrences of saiga herds, particularly in the Ustyurt population, where a high railway density coincides with severely reduced migratory activity and a reduction in this population’s winter range by 79.84% since 2015. Major railways such as Sekseuildi–Zhezqazgan, Zhezqazgan–Zharyk, and Shalqar–Beineu intersect essential migratory pathways and have contributed to significant range contraction, subpopulation isolation, and northward shifts in seasonal habitats. In contrast, the Ural population (subject to minimal railway infrastructure interference) has shown robust demographic recovery. While roads are more widespread, their impact is less severe due to greater permeability. However, upcoming projects such as the China–Europe transit corridor and the “Center–West” regional development corridor could amplify future threats. We recommend immediately implementing wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including overpasses and ecological corridors, to preserve the connectivity of saiga ranges and support the long-term conservation of this ungulate species.

A forward-looking review of innovative bridge materials enabling wildlife crossings, integrating engineering resilience with saiga migration conservation needs.

Currently, there is a rapid and continuous decline in wild animal populations, which threatens accelerated loss of biodiversity on a global scale. Along with in situ conservation strategies, ex situ conservation measures such as germplasm cryopreservation should be widely applied. Cryopreservation in combination with assisted reproductive technologies can become an important means of successfully preserving the biodiversity of the animal world. Methods based on obtaining cell cultures are of great importance in scientific research. The resulting cell lines can be frozen and stored in containers with liquid nitrogen for many years. Such cell and tissue biobanks represent a viable source of genetic material and living cells that offer numerous opportunities for further research. The aim of this study was to investigate the scientific basis for cryopreservation of somatic cells of tugai deer, which is a species in need of special protection. Studies were conducted on the viability of tugai deer fibroblasts using various cryopreservation methods. The viability of frozen-thawed tugai deer fibroblasts was determined, and it was shown that the most effective cryopreservation of this species fibroblasts was the use of a cryoprotectant 1.5 M ethylene glycol and a slow equilibrium freezing mode using a programmed freezer.

This article provides insight into the distribution, elevational occurrence, and habitat associations of three species in the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan Mountains: the Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus), Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica ornata), and Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul). From January 2012 until July 2025, we compiled 221 records based on camera trapping, visual observations, snow tracking, and questionnaire data, classified according to SCALP criteria. Research results revealed the Turkestan lynx to be the most widely distributed species, occurring across all the main river valleys and gorges of the Western and Northern Tien Shan and occupying various altitudinal zones and habitat types, with a predominance of coniferous forests and shrubs. The Asiatic wildcat was primarily associated with foothills, river valleys, riparian forests, and shrublands, but obtained camera-trap records indicate residence and stable population within the forest belt. Pallas’s cat was observed mainly in the Northern Tien Shan with isolated records in the Karatau Mountains, and occupied low mountains with smooth slopes, low hills, cliffs and rock outcrops. Maintaining habitat integrity and conducting long-term monitoring will be essential for assessing population dynamics and maintaining species diversity of Felidae under environmental change.