Badhyz State Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Mary Region, Turkmenistan.
Badhyz State Nature Reserve is a protected area in Mary Region, southwestern Turkmenistan, made up of rolling plateaus, isolated hills, and semi-arid valleys. The varied terrain creates a range of habitats for wildlife adapted to dry and hot conditions.
The reserve was founded in 1941 as one of the early conservation projects in Central Asia. New wildlife sanctuaries were added in the 1950s to strengthen protection for specific animal species in the region.
The reserve contains three wildlife sanctuaries named Çemenebit, Gyzyljar, and Pulhatyn, each protecting specific animal groups. Visitors can notice how these zones shape the way people relate to the land and its wildlife today.
The reserve is in a remote area and is best reached with an off-road vehicle due to the rough terrain. It is worth contacting local authorities in advance, as access rules and on-site conditions can vary.
The reserve is home to a population of Asiatic wild asses, one of the rarest large hoofed animals in the world, that has been monitored here for decades. Spotting them in the open terrain is still possible for patient visitors, which is a rare opportunity in Central Asia today.
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