Saiga Antelope

Mongolias rare Saiga antelope is a bizarre animal with a truly preposterous, yet purposeful, proboscis. This novel nasal apparatus means the antelope looks at first glance to be all nose, or a real-life version of Alf. The bizarre snout is thought to warm air before it is inhaled, and also filters dust from its bleak surroundings. This living relic once roamed throughout North America and much of Eurasia, instead of its limited current range in the central Asian steppes. The amazing creature is unfortunately critically endangered due to high levels of poaching. The Saiga Conservation Alliance is spearheading efforts to restore populations, and welcomes public support.