Mongolia – 2011 – 500 Tugrik – Saiga Tatarica Mongolica (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 1 oz
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Quality: Antique finish
Mintage: 2’500 pcs.

The Saiga was very common in Europe and Asia during the last ice age. Even in Canada and Alaska bone fragments of this antelope type were found.

A distinction is made between two species – the western „Saiga Tatarica Tatarica“ and the „Saiga Tatarica Mongolica“ which is only found in Mongolia. This vegetarian’s most remarkable feature is its snout-shaped nose. Only the males carry horns. In winter this animal’s fur turns greyish-white and is also significantly thicker than its red-brown summer coat. Unfortunately both species are much endangered. In the past millions of Saigas lived on the earth. At the beginning of the 20th century they were almost extinct.

Once the Saiga was put under species conservation the population grew over two million up until 1950 again. Since the 70’s the population has dropped drastically again due to poaching, excessive hunting and bereavement of their living environment. It is said that today less than 100.000 animals wander through the steppes of Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The efforts which should increase the population again are huge. One can only hope they are successful.