Order: Carnivora – Family: Felidae

Status: Category III (VU) – Vulnerable species.
Significance for gene pool preservation: The Transcaspian subspecies Felis margarita thinobia Ognev, 1926 is found in Turkmenistan.
Distribution: Central and Eastern Karakum Desert, Darjin, Oktumkum, Chilmamedkum, Uchtagan, Southern Gaplangyr, Obruchev steppe, Sundukli Desert, and the surroundings of Lake Sarykamysh. Outside Turkmenistan: Arabian Peninsula, Sinai, Sahara Desert.
Habitat: Fixed and semi-fixed sand dunes with thickets of saxaul, sandy acacia, kandym, and small shrubs. Very rarely found in sub-mountain clay plains and escarpments.
Population and trends: Only sporadic sightings in recent years. In 2012, 1 individual near Lake Zengibaba; 2015–2017: one each year in Edihovuz; 2017: 1 in Chyryshly; November 2021: 1 individual 20 km south of Gulanly (Lake Sarykamysh). 2015–2020: single specimens recorded in the Bereketli Garagum State Nature Reserve and nearby areas. November 2021: 1 individual 20 km north of Yerbent; April 2013: 1 in Repetek; May 2016: 2; October 2020.
Biological features: Solitary. Nocturnal in summer, diurnal in other seasons. Lives in burrows. Breeds in April. Females give birth to 3–6 kittens, most often 3–4. Diet includes rodents, small birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Breeding in captivity: Not conducted.
Conservation measures applied: Listed in the IUCN Red List (NT category), included in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 2011. Protected in the Bereketli Garagum, Gaplangyr, and Repetek nature reserves. Included in the CITES list.
Conservation measures proposed: Strengthen protection and conduct awareness-raising activities.
Research recommendations: Conduct regular population surveys and study species biology.