The conservation programme known as the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (Altyn Dala means ’golden steppe’ in Kazakh) created an integrated network of protected grassland habitats reserves extending through central Kazakhstan. Over 5.2 million hectares have already been legally protected, but Altyn Dala plans to increase this by up to five million hectares. This network protectedd and restored vast areas of steppe grassland and semi-desert that make up the typical landscapes of Central Asia. Historically, saiga antelope and other grazing mammals, such as kulan (wild asses), helped to maintain these grasslands and the continued existence of these grazers is crucial to preserving this area, of of the largest remaining natural grasslands left in the world.