Category I (CR) — Critically Endangered species. Important for gene pool preservation as a polytypic species.

Distribution:
Sporadic during seasonal migrations in Turkmenistan along sea coasts, large river valleys, foothills, and oases. Two known populations: East Siberian (~5,500 individuals wintering in East China) and West Siberian (~40-50 individuals migrating via Turkmenistan to North India and South Caspian coast).

Habitat:
Stops on migration in open wetlands, riverbanks, canals, lakes, reservoirs, desert oases, and salt marshes.

Population and trends:
Only 13 records in Turkmenistan over 135 years, last in 1997-1998. West Siberian population nearly vanished in the last decade.

Main threats:
Poaching along migration routes.

Biology:
Rare migrant, observed in March-April and October-November. Some individuals winter south of Esenguly (Hazar Nature Reserve) and southeast Caspian coast in Iran.

Breeding:
Not recorded in Turkmenistan.

Conservation:
Listed CR by IUCN, in Turkmenistan Red Book since 1985, included in AEWA, CITES Appendix I, and Bonn Convention Appendix I. Protected in Amudarya, Badkhyz, Kopetdag, Hazar, and Gaplangyr reserves. Turkmenistan signed CMS Memorandum on Siberian Crane conservation.

Recommendations:
Strengthen protection and public awareness. Regular monitoring in Meana-Chaa-che and Kelif sanctuaries.