Badhyz State Natural Reserve
Badhyz State Natural Reserve
Badhyz State Nature Reserve is a significant protected area that plays a crucial role in preserving the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the region. The reserve is situated in the southeastern part of Turkmenistan, near the border with Afghanistan and Iran. It covers an area of approximately 877 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by semi-desert steppes, undulating sand dunes, and clay plains. There are also some hilly areas and low mountains.
Badhyz State Nature Reserve was established in 1941, above all to save the kulan, the wild ass of Central Asia, and to protect the wild pistachio woodland and the other desert ecosystems of the area. In 1956 three sanctuaries were added: Chemenebit, Gyzyljar and Pulhatyn. The reserve also serves as a research site for studying desert ecology and the impacts of climate change on arid environments. The reserve faces challenges such as poaching, overgrazing by livestock, and habitat degradation due to human activities. Climate change also poses a significant threat to the delicate desert ecosystem.
In terms of the tourism perspectives, Badhyz is relatively remote and less visited compared to other nature reserves, which helps in preserving its pristine condition. However, this also means that tourism infrastructure is limited. Although the reserve has potential for eco-tourism, which could provide economic benefits to local communities while promoting conservation, visits still need careful planning.
Flora and Fauna
The vegetation in Badhyz is adapted to the arid conditions and includes a variety of drought-resistant plants. Prominent plant species include wild pistachio trees, saxaul, and various types of shrubs and grasses. The pistachios have short trunks, from which a crown of branches radiates out. Besides the old natural woodland there are recently planted groves too, clearly distinguished by the regular lines of trees. In spring, the wealth of flowers, including poppies and red and yellow tulips, makes this upland a beautiful sight.
The reserve is home to several rare and endangered species: the goitered (Persian) gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), for which the reserve is particularly important, the kulan or Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus), the urial and the wild goat, and predators such as wolves, foxes, striped hyenas and the Persian leopard. Many birds adapted to desert environments live here too. Badhyz State Nature Reserve is a vital natural habitat in Turkmenistan, offering a refuge for numerous species and serving as an important area for ecological research and conservation efforts. Its protection ensures the preservation of the unique biodiversity and natural beauty of the region.
Kulans of Badhyz
Badhyz (Badkhyz) was set up in 1941 mainly to save the Turkmen kulan, the wild ass of Central Asia. At that time only about 200-250 animals were left here. Under protection the herd grew to about 5,000 animals before a sharp decline, and recent estimates range from about 650 to 1,500 animals, so any figure should be taken with care.
The kulans share the reserve with goitered gazelles, urials and wild goats, wolves, striped hyenas and the Persian leopard, and with large natural woodlands of wild pistachio.
Depression of Yeroylanduz
The Yeroylanduz Depression is a notable geographical feature within the Badhyz State Nature Reserve in Turkmenistan. It is a large closed basin on the southern side of the reserve, near the Afghan border.
At the bottom of the depression lies a salt lake. The presence of the lake is a result of the basin’s endorheic nature, meaning it does not drain into any external bodies of water. The dense soil combined with silt at the bottom of the depression helps in accumulating atmospheric precipitation. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a substantial layer of salt. The edges of the Yeroylanduz Depression are encircled by black volcanic and mountain rocks. These formations are composed mainly of andesite-basalt, which are significant due to their geological history and the evidence of ancient plant life they contain.
Exposed layers of andesite-basalt rock in the depression have revealed traces of plants that thrived in the area thousands of years ago. These findings provide valuable insights into the region’s prehistoric ecological conditions. The unique environment of the Yeroylanduz Depression, with its salt lake and surrounding geological features, contributes to the biodiversity of the Badhyz State Nature Reserve. The area supports various plant and animal species adapted to its specific conditions.
Gyzyljar canyon
Gyzyljar Canyon was formed through natural erosion processes over millions of years, shaping its distinctive cliffs and rock formations. The canyon’s walls are composed of various sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and limestone. These layers provide valuable information about the geological history of the region.
Gyzyljar canyon offers an exciting panorama. The entrances to ancient cave settlements are distinguished high up in the sheer walls of the canyon. One small two-roomed cave is more accessible and, with a guide, can be clambered down to carefully without specialist equipment.
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Other sights & destinations near Badhyz
Page updated 13.4.2026