Kazakhstan to officially begin exporting saiga horns in 2026

Around 20 tons of saiga antelope horns — for which poachers killed the animals — have accumulated in the warehouses of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Minister Yerlan Nyssanbayev told journalists that the horns are planned for export in 2026.

«During population regulation, the horns are cut off and registered in the information system at carcass collection points and local akimats. They are then transported under security to Almaty, where special refrigeration facilities have been built. These facilities maintain specific temperature and air-humidity conditions. Each horn is numbered, labeled and has its own traceability record,» the minister said.

Use of profits from the sale of saiga horns

In accordance with international agreements on wildlife conservation and trade, Kazakhstan is permitted to export a maximum of 10 tons of saiga horns per year. The sales scheme will be developed jointly with the Ministry of Trade.

«I think we will hold an auction in a few months and sell the horns,» Nyssanbayev said.

According to the minister, the income from the sale of horns will be used to preserve biodiversity, protect saigas and purchase means of transport.