Saiga Antelope

The Saiga Antelope is a critically endangered species native to the steppes of Central Asia, known for its peculiar, oversized, bulbous nose. This unique nose, which looks almost cartoonish, serves a practical purpose—helping to filter out dust in the summer and warm cold air during the harsh winters. Despite its ancient lineage, the Saiga is not widely recognized outside of conservation circles. Once ranging across a vast area, it has seen a dramatic population decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and disease. In 2015, a tragic die-off event wiped out nearly 200,000 individuals in just a matter of weeks, drawing attention to their fragile existence. With only a small population left, the Saiga remains one of the most mysterious and lesser-known animals in the world, yet it plays a vital role in its ecosystem, grazing on the plains of Central Asia.

The Saiga Antelope, with its bizarre, bulbous nose, is an almost mythical creature that few people outside of conservation circles have ever heard of.