Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Cervidae
Status: Category I (CR) – Critically Endangered.
Importance for gene pool conservation:
Cervus hanglu hanglu Wagner, 1844 (synonym C. elaphus hanglu) is represented in Turkmenistan by the subspecies C. h. bactrianus of the Central Asian group. The Turkmen population is of major importance for global conservation of this taxon’s gene pool.
Distribution:
In the early 20th century, it inhabited all tugai forests along the Amudarya River. Today, two subpopulations remain: between the cities of Seydi and Darganata, and in the Jarguzer tugai on the border with Afghanistan. Outside Turkmenistan: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan; reintroduced in Kazakhstan.
Habitat:
Riverine tugai forests, thickets of trees and shrubs, ephemeral desert areas adjacent to floodplains.
Population size and trends:
In Amudarya State Nature Reserve: 28–30 individuals (1989–1995), 60–70 (2010), 112 (2018), and 120 (2019).
In Jarguzer tugai: 5 individuals (1966–1968), about 20 (1989–2000), 20–25 (2010); other sources indicate up to 50. The current population in Turkmenistan is no more than 250 individuals.
Biological traits:
Rutting occurs from late August to October. One male usually holds a harem of 2–4 females. Sexual maturity is reached at 1.5–2.5 years, though males begin breeding at 4–5 years. One calf is born in May–June. They are sedentary but may migrate locally during floods. In 2002, a male with two females was observed in the Topurkak region along the Karakumderya. They feed on herbaceous plants and young tree and shrub shoots. Regularly visit watering spots.
Captive breeding:
Three individuals are kept in the Amudarya Reserve nursery and three more in the National Museum of Wildlife of Turkmenistan.
Conservation measures implemented:
Listed in the IUCN Red List (Category CR, criterion Cl), included in Turkmenistan’s Red Book since 1985, protected in the Amudarya Reserve, listed in CMS Appendices I & II and CITES Appendix II.
Required conservation actions:
Strengthen protection measures, raise public awareness.
Research recommendations:
Monitor population numbers and study the feasibility of reintroduction to new areas.