Köýtendag Nature Reserve

Köýtendag Nature Reserve (Turkmen: Köýtendag goraghanasy), formerly Kugitang Nature Reserve, is a nature reserve (zapovednik) in the extreme east of Turkmenistan.

Köýtendag Nature Reserve
Location	Köýtendag District Lebap Province,  Turkmenistan
Coordinates	37°48′N 66°30′E
Area	271.4 km2
Established	1986

Geography

Established in 1986, it is located in the Köýtendag Range of Lebap Province and covers an area of 271.4 km².^[1] It spreads in the middle and upper mountain belt at an altitude of 900–3139 meters above sea level. The main feature of Koytendag are cave complexes ( more than 300 caves )^[2] that are unique in Eurasia and the diversity of geological processes that formed them and the beauty of geological phenomena.^[3]

The highest peak of Turkmenistan—Aýrybaba—falls in this nature reserve.^[1]

Sanctuaries

It also incorporates four sanctuaries:

• Garlyk Sanctuary - established in 1986.
• Hojapil Sanctuary - established in 1986.
• Hojaburjybelent Sanctuary - established in 1986.
• Hojagarawul Sanctuary - established in 1999.

Flora and Fauna

This place is one of the 50 important areas for birds and biodiversity in Turkmenistan.^[2] The reserve is home for the rare Heptner's markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri).^[4]