Close to eighty per cent of Turkmenistan is covered by the Karakum, the desert of black sands, an immense expanse of dunes, clay plains and salt depressions crossed by the longest artificial canal in the world. To the south, the Kopet Dag mountains mark the border with Iran and hold juniper woodland, wild pistachio and a fauna of Iranian affinity that includes the Persian leopard. In the southeast, the Badhyz plateau keeps open pistachio woodland and steppe that make up the last great refuge of the kulan, the Asiatic wild ass of Central Asia. In the west, the Caspian coast and the bay of Kara-Bogaz-Gol, a hypersaline lagoon connected to the sea by a narrow channel, hold Caspian seals and large concentrations of wintering waterbirds.
Nature in Turkmenistan
National animal: The Akhal-Teke horse, the national animal, present on the state coat of arms
Did you know?
The Akhal-Teke horse, bred in these oases for more than three thousand years, is one of the oldest horse breeds in existence and shows a unique feature: the structure of its hair refracts light in such a way that its coat looks metallic, with golden or silver sheens depending on the angle. It is the country's national animal, appears on the state coat of arms and has its own annual festival.
Biodiversity profile
Conservation
Badhyz holds the most important kulan population in the world and has served as the source for reintroductions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Water abstraction for cotton irrigation compromises the river ecosystems of the Amu Darya.
Where and when to watch wildlife
Badhyz in spring for kulans and gazelles. Kopet Dag between April and June for flora and mountain birds. The Hazar coast between November and February for waterbirds and seals.
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern