This year, three key state nature reserves of Turkmenistan, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, celebrate significant anniversaries since their establishment: the Badhyz Reserve celebrates its 85th anniversary (founded in 1941), the Kopetdag Reserve celebrates its 50th anniversary (1976), and the Koytendag Reserve celebrates its 40th anniversary (1986).
These specially protected natural areas have long become not only reliable repositories of the country’s unique biological diversity, but also vital hubs of long-term scientific observations. Fundamental research of natural complexes and strict practical measures for their protection are closely intertwined here, contributing to preservation of rare ecosystems, endemic plant and animal species, as well as unique geological and landscape features for future generations.
Elena Dolgova’s article published in the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ (16 January 2026) tells about these reserves and their pearls — from the majestic Kopetdag arch to the pistachio savannahs of Badhyz and the mysterious Koytendag Mountains with their caves, dinosaur tracks and legends. The material vividly reveals the beauty, ecological value and historical significance of these territories, emphasizing the role of the government in their preservation and development.
Here is this inspiring story about Turkmenistan’s natural heritage, a true treasure of Central Asia:
Exploring and preserving the natural heritage
Elena Dolgova
This year, three state nature reserves under the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan celebrate jubilees since the beginning of their activities – Badhyz (established in 1941 – 85 years old) Kopetdag (1976 – 50 years old), Koytendag (1986 – 40 years old), . Within their borders, long-term observations of natural complexes are conducted, where scientific research is combined with practical measures to strictly protect the country’s natural heritage.
Juniper is an ornament of the Turkmen nature
In addition to mountain ecosystems, the Kopetdag Nature Reserve covers vast areas within the Mane-Chaache and Gurykhovdan sanctuaries. It also manages two groves of walnut Karayalchi and pistachio Charlik as natural sites. The diversity and value of the Kopetdag flora are reflected in the fourth edition of the Red Book of Turkmenistan, which includes up to 40 plant species found within the boundaries of the nature conservation area. The evergreen Turkmen juniper, or juniper, is widespread in the Kopetdag mountains. It is the main forest-forming tree species, one of the indicators of the sustainability of natural complexes and landscapes. The National Forest Program has planned the artificial cultivation of juniper seedlings for their subsequent return to their native area – in the Kopetdag middle and highlands.
The properties of the breed are resilience, longevity. The trees over 600 years old can be found in the natural conditions, on average, 300-400-year-old trees predominate. And this is not surprising, because juniper grows extremely slowly, forms dense wood saturated with resinous compounds, which no woodworm takes. Its needles exude phytoncides and aromatic volatile essential compounds, and in the shade of the juniper crown, in the midday summer heat, the air seems several degrees cooler, which creates comfortable conditions for herbaceous plants and protection from the winds. Juniper also affects the terrain, penetrating deeply into the cracks of rocks, strengthening rocky slopes, delaying mudflows, washing away the soil layer with streams of meltwater and rains.
Strong, durable, and resilient, juniper wood has served as a primary fuel source for centuries. It burns with an intense, long-lasting heat comparable to saxaul or coal. In pottery production, it was highly prized for its ability to reach temperatures of 1000°C without producing soot. Consequently, during the era of the Great Silk Road, juniper charcoal was a valuable commodity. Historically, the wood was also essential for construction—particularly for lining wells, where its natural antibacterial properties kept water fresh for years. Today, as a Red Book species, the juniper is strictly protected by the state, and its removal from the wild is prohibited.
The place where the “wind rises”
The Paropamiz foothills, encompassing the Badhyz and Karabil elevations, feature unique natural hay meadows and a complex topography of endorheic (drainless) basins and deep ravines. The local microclimate is characterized by seasonal extremes and high winds, though sufficient precipitation supports high levels of biodiversity. The region is a hotspot for endemism; species such as the Badhyz tulip and various local beetles are exclusive to this habitat.
The reserve’s primary landmarks are the Kushka and Pulikhatun pistachio groves, alongside the vast Yeroylanduz endorheic depression and its surrounding rugged hills. Along the southern rim of the depression lie remarkable volcanic remnants, while the eastern boundary is defined by the Gyzyljar fault—a deep tectonic rift stretching 18 kilometers. Its name reflects the canyon’s striking spring transformation, when the landscape “glows” with the fiery red of mass-blooming poppies.
The avian world is exceptionally diverse: the savanna is home to the golden eagle, bearded vulture (lammergeier), Barbary falcon, and little bustard, as well as the Eurasian stone-curlew, short-toed snake eagle, and black vulture. Predators and mammals such as the honey badger, caracal, goitered gazelle (jeyran), urial (mountain sheep), and Indian crested porcupine roam these lands. Rare inhabitants include the hill ant, pinkish madais butterfly, Turkmen gecko, and the elusive mouse-like hamster.
In 2014, a Presidential Decree significantly expanded the reserve’s territory, establishing ecological corridors that integrated the Pulikhatun, Gyzyljar, and Chemenabit sanctuaries into a unified complex. This legislative move, aligned with the Law “On Specially Protected Natural Territories,” also strengthened the conservation status of the Koytendag State Reserve.
Koytendag — land of wonders and legends
The rare flora and fauna of the Koytendag Mountains captivate biologists and seasoned travelers alike. Here, steep canyon walls are home to the Turkmen juniper and the Zeravshan juniper—a species found nowhere else in Turkmenistan. On the rocky plateaus, one encounters “bristling” cushions of thorny honeysuckle, while spring brings a vibrant display of yellow saffron and wild iris. In the cool shade of the rivers and waterfalls below, the delicate adiantum fern flourishes.
The region’s wildlife is equally remarkable. The elusive Turkestan lynx, a Red Book species, prowls the heights, and the majestic screw-horned goat (markhor) makes its only Turkmen home in these peaks. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the markhor population is steadily rising—a triumph celebrated by both the reserve staff and the nation’s ecological community.
This part of the Lebap province is a tapestry of sacred history and folklore, where every legend is anchored to a specific landmark or monument. The landscape is dotted with “hero stones”—massive boulders reportedly hoisted onto pedestals by ancient local giants—and the venerable Unabi grove, a protected enclave of centuries-old jujube trees.
Beneath the surface lies a vast, miles-long network of karst caves. These mysterious labyrinths remains largely unexplored, hiding secrets within their depths. The presence of karst lakes and water-filled sinkholes points to a massive subterranean hydraulic system that sustains the Kugitang blind char, a rare, eyeless relict fish found nowhere else on Earth.
Perhaps the most captivating site is the Plateau of Dinosaurs. Here, fossilized tracks preserve the movements of prehistoric lizards from 150 million years ago, a time when the region was a lush, shallow tropical sea. Recently, similar “track-bearing” fields were discovered near the sulfur quarries in Gaurdak. Like the famous Khojapil tracks, these Upper Jurassic limestone footprints offer a silent, stony record of a world long gone.
The Umbar-dere gorge greets travelers with the refreshing mist of a spectacular thirty-meter waterfall. Nearby, Darai-dere stretches for 29 kilometers as the region’s longest canyon; its winding riverbed nurtures a lush corridor of greenery, transforming the entire gorge into a vast, natural garden. Towering above it all is Ayry-Baba, the highest peak in Turkmenistan. Reaching an elevation of 3,139 meters, this peak acts as a majestic “cloud catcher,” where patches of snow often linger until the heat of May.
The landscape is also rich in sites of local spiritual and historical significance. In the Khoja-karaul-dere gorge, an ancient 800-year-old mulberry tree stands as a living monument. Known to locals as “Gyzyltut baba,” this venerable tree is treated with deep reverence.
The reserve is managed by four sanctuaries – Garlyk, Khojapil, Khojaburjibelent and Khojakaraul, the complex includes a museum, plant and zoological nurseries. ///nCa, 17 January 2026