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Carl the Saiga Antelope
With their large heads, yellowish horns, a unique nose, and a height no taller than a goat, the saiga antelope is a rare species native to eurasia. Saigas are prehistoric and expert migrationists. Carl the Saiga also is a scientist, just like the esteemed astrophysicist who he is named after, Carl Sagan.
Type: Mammal
Population: <50,000
Height: 2.5 feet tall
Habitat: Forests & Grasslands
Weight: 20-50kg
Scientific Name: Saiga Tatarica
Since the last ice age, Saiga antelopes have roamed the whole of Europe and Asia. However, hunting has caused a great loss. The largest loss of these beautiful creatures occurred between 1990 and 2010. Since then there has been a stabilization due to conservationists.
The saiga antelope’s light yellowish coat actually turns white during the winter. And the unique elephant-like nose structure is actually similar to the nose of whales in terms of shape and biology. 2/3rds of all saiga births are twins.
During summer migrations, a saiga's nose helps filter out dust kicked up by the herd and cools the animal's blood. In the winter, it heats up the frigid air before it is taken to the lungs. There is evidence that the saiga micro-trunk nose aids in communication and choosing mates as well!
