Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Status: Category III (VU). Vulnerable species.

Importance of the taxon for gene pool preservation.
Polytypic genus representative. Migrating and wintering specimens are of great significance for the gene pool of Turkmenistan and Central Asia.

Distribution.
Valleys of the Amudarya, Murgab, and Tejen rivers; foothills of the Central and Eastern Kopetdag. Beyond Turkmenistan — from the eastern Mediterranean coast to Mongolia .

Habitat.
River valleys during migration, often foothill zones, edges of winter-crop fields in mixed flocks with common cranes (Grus grus) during wintering.

Number and trends.
Rarely found in Turkmenistan. At the beginning of the 20th century, single occurrences were recorded . Since the late 1990s, small numbers have been observed during migration and winter . In spring 2016, about 2,370 birds were counted along the migration flyway in the Tallymerjen area, eastern Turkmenistan .

Biological characteristics.
Spring migration occurs from late March to early April. Although later in spring than the common crane and earlier in fall, it is often seen in mixed flocks . They form monogamous pairs. Mainly feed on plants .

Breeding.
No data available.

Conservation actions taken.
Listed on the IUCN Red List (Category LC). Included in Turkmenistan’s Red Data Book since 1985. Protected in Kopetdag and Badkhyz State Nature Reserves, and Kelif Sanctuary.

Recommended conservation measures.
Strengthen protection and awareness efforts. Establish the Tallymerjen Sanctuary.