Kyzylkum State Nature Reserve, Protected nature reserve in Tuproqqalʼa District, Uzbekistan.
Kyzylkum State Nature Reserve stretches along the Amu Darya River, combining desert areas with forests, meadows, and river flood plains. The landscape shifts between sand dunes and water-filled zones where vegetation grows more densely.
The government of Uzbekistan established this nature sanctuary in 1971 to protect the desert ecosystem and its native species. This decision marked the beginning of organized conservation efforts in the region.
The name comes from Turkic languages, where Kyzylkum means Red Sand, reflecting the desert's distinctive reddish soil. Visitors can observe this meaning directly as they walk through the landscape with its rusty-colored terrain.
Visitors should prepare for intense heat, especially during summer, and bring plenty of water for hydration. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore and observe wildlife safely.
The reserve is home to wild mammals like Bukhara deer, boars, foxes, and jackals that roam their natural habitat here. These animals are often hard to spot because they stay hidden during the hottest hours or are active mainly at night.
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