Reserves of Turkmenistan
Badhuz wildlife sanctuary was founded in December 1941 on initiative of the famous zoologist professor M.I. Rozanov in order to save kulans (wild asses). Still in the XVIII century herds of these uncommonly robust animals inhabited the plains of Central Asia from the Aral sea in the north to the Paramiz spurs in the south.
But in the first half of the XX century not more than 150 heads survived only in Badhyz. Similar lot has befallen the pistachio-tree, which grove formerly extended in Central Asian foothills and lowlands. However, having been exterminated everywhere, the pistachio-trees have lasted out in the arid zones in the south of Tadjikistan and in Turkmen Badhyz.
The area of Badhyz wildlife sanctuary is 87 680 hectares. It includes three game-preserves: Chemenibit, Pulikhatun and Kyzyljar. In spring bright-green grass carpet, decorated with blossoming poppies, tulips and high ferula (the umbelliferous family), extends here. But already in May summer comes and then only verdures of pistachio-trees umbels are seen. At that time pistachio-trees extremely remind the African savannah.
About 70 species of plants including endemics, i.e. growing only in this corner of the planet, are available in the reserve flora: Atraphaxis badhysi, Afghanistan fig, Kushka tulip, the rarest Badhyz pistachio with small foetus and a number of other species.
The flora is rich as well. As concerns the mammals, excluding kulans, numerous jeirans and mountain sheep - urials, inhabit here. Wolves, striped hyena, caracal and very rarely leopard represent beasts. Black vulture, osprey, buzzard, bustard-beauty, numerous flocks of pink starlings dominate among birds.
39 species of reptiles including Chernov snaky lizard, grey giant lizard, cobra, etc., are registered in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. In the fauna of the reserve invertebrates more than 1300 species of insects are found, whereof 108 species are endemic.
A Museum of nature and a scientific library function in the wildlife sanctuary. In accordance with «Standard regulations on state wildlife sanctuaries» approved by President S.A. Niyazov, Badhyz wildlife sanctuary exercises the status of a research institution.
Within 60-year period of operation the scientists have published hundreds of monographs, brochures and more than four thousand scientific papers, investigations have resulted in defending of 47 theses for degree of candidat and doctor.
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Tarantula eight eyes
Pink starling - Maina
Badhuz canyons
Local arkhar
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