The scorching sands of the Karakum Desert are far from lifeless. The region has a surprisingly rich fauna, with spiders playing a significant role.
The Amu Darya is the largest river in Turkmenistan and Central Asia. It is the most significant source of water for irrigation in the region. In the recent past, the Amu Darya flowed into the Aral Sea. At the moment, its water is almost completely used for agricultural needs.
The Badhyz State Nature Reserve is one of the most interesting and spectacular nature protected areas in Central Asia. It is located in south-western Turkmenistan on the border of Mary and Ahal provinces.
Sünt-Hasardag Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Balkan province of Turkmenistan. It was established in 1977 to protect indigenous flora and fauna.
Ogurja Ada (Ogurjaly adasy) is the largest island in Turkmenistan, as well as the entire Caspian Sea. It is also known as Ogurchinskiy Island. This name was used during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.
The Central Asian gray monitor (Varanus griseus caspius) is one of the subspecies of the gray monitor. It is the largest lizard of the fauna of Central Asia. Turkmens often call it “zem-zem”.
The Repetek Nature Reserve, located about 540 km from Ashgahabt, is one of the most beautiful places in the Karakum desert. It is located in the Eastern Kara Kum about 70 km to the south west from the city of Turkmenabat (Chardjou) the centre of the Lebap region.
The golden jackal also known as common jackal, is a wolf-like canid that is found throughout most of the territory of Turkmenistan with the exception of the most arid part of the Karakum Desert.
The corsac fox, also known simply as the corsac, is widespread in Central Asian countries from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east.
Yellow ground squirrel is a large and sturdy type of ground squirrel, widespread in the territory of Turkmenistan and other countries of Central Asia.