Order Artiodactyla
Family Bovidae
Status: Category II (EN). Endangered.
Importance for gene pool preservation: The subspecies C.a.turkmenicus Zalkin, 1950 inhabits Turkmenistan. Its conservation is very important for the national gene pool.
Distribution: Kopetdag, Greater and Lesser Balkhan. Outside Turkmenistan — Dagestan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan, Asia Minor, Turkey.
Habitat: Rocky cliffs, ledges, deep gorges, rocky and grassy mountain slopes at altitudes of 1000–2000 m above sea level.
Number and trends: In the 1990s, fewer than 100 goats were found in the Greater Balkhan; in 2019-2020, single specimens were recorded there, with an estimated population of about 50 heads. In 1984, 6600 goats were counted across Central Kopetdag. Between 2011 and 2021, the main population was recorded in Central Kopetdag. In 2021, 22 individuals were registered near the Archabil highway. On the border of Eastern and Central Kopetdag, between 15 and 30 goats were noted on Zarakevand and Gyaursdag (Burgutli) ridges. Around 50 were found on Dushakerekdag.
Biological features: Sexual maturity at 2 years (females) and 3 years (males). Males participate in reproduction in stable groups at 5 years. Rutting occurs from late November to early December. Gestation lasts about 5 months. Before giving birth (late April–early May), females retreat to inaccessible gorges. Adults typically give birth to twins, young females to a single kid. Diet consists of herbaceous plants and tree leaves.
Breeding: Several individuals are kept in the National Museum of Wildlife of Turkmenistan and in aviaries of Kopetdag State Nature Reserve.
Conservation actions: Listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List, included in CITES, and recorded in Turkmenistan’s Red Book since 1985. Protected in Kopetdag State Nature Reserve.
Proposed conservation measures: Establish a protected area in the Greater Balkhan. Strengthen protection and public awareness. Provide artificial watering points during summer.
Research recommendations: Study distribution range, population size, and ecological characteristics.