Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Status: Category III (VU) — Vulnerable species.
Importance for gene pool preservation: Protecting migratory and wintering populations is crucial for maintaining the gene pool of the entire region.

Distribution: Large water bodies of Turkmenistan (Sarygamysh, “Altyn Asyr,” “15th Anniversary of Independence,” Khouzkhan, Saryyazy reservoirs, Amudarya, Murgab, Tejen, Karakum River, eastern coast of the Caspian Sea). Beyond Turkmenistan — from Western Europe to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, western North America; wintering sites include the Mediterranean Sea, Western, Central, and South Asia, India, and North America.

Habitat: Large lakes, reservoirs, water traps, and coastal areas.

Population and trends: Common and sometimes numerous in Turkmenistan. In January 2018, over 25,000 birds recorded on the eastern Caspian coast; about 60,000 in 2019; 5,600 in 2021. Global population shows declining trend, which may negatively affect Turkmenistan’s populations in the future.

Main threats: Illegal hunting, disturbance, food resource depletion.

Biological characteristics: Migratory and wintering bird, possibly partly nesting locally. Spring migration occurs from late February to March; autumn migration in September-October; migration continues into November before wintering. Diet mainly aquatic plants, occasionally mollusks and aquatic insects.

Breeding: No data.

Conservation measures: Listed in IUCN Red List (VU, criteria A2ab+3b+4ab). Included for the first time in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. Protected in Hazar and Amudarya State Nature Reserves, Kelif and Sarygamysh Sanctuaries. Listed in Turkmenistan’s Important Bird Areas (IBA), Annex II of Bonn Convention (CMS), and AEWA Agreement.

Recommendations: Strengthen protection and awareness programs. Grant protected status to reservoirs like “15th Anniversary of Independence.” Conduct regular population monitoring during migration and wintering.