Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Status: Category II (EN). Endangered.
Importance for gene pool preservation: Represented in Turkmenistan by the subspecies C. f. heptneri Zalkin, 1945. The Koytendag population is of great significance for the conservation of the species in Central Asia.
Distribution: Koytendag. Outside Turkmenistan — Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Northeastern Afghanistan.
Habitat: Mountains at an altitude of 1500–2500 m above sea level, gorges with steep slopes, juniper woodlands with open areas and abundant herbage.
Number and trends: Before the establishment of the Koytendag State Nature Reserve, no more than 25 individuals were recorded. In 1989 — 58 specimens; in 1995 — 208; in 1999 — 138; in 2000 — 300–400; in 2010 — 600; currently about 900. On the Uzbek side, about 400 individuals are estimated, but it is unclear how many are common to the Turkmen and Uzbek parts of Koytendag.
Biological peculiarities: Undertakes vertical seasonal migrations. Males remain separate most of the year; females stay with offspring. Some live solitarily. During rutting and winter, mixed herds form. Rut occurs from early November to mid-December. Gestation lasts about 6 months. Females give birth to 1–2, sometimes 3 kids in April–early May. Lactation lasts until autumn, sometimes 5–6 months. Females participate in rut at 3 years old; males much later. Feeds on various plants, requires access to water.
Breeding: Kept in the sanctuary of the Koytendag State Nature Reserve.
Conservation status: Listed on the IUCN Red List (NT, criteria C2a (i)); in Turkmenistan’s Red Data Book since 1985; listed under CITES; protected in the Koytendag State Nature Reserve.
Conservation proposals: Strengthen protection and increase public awareness.
Research proposals: Continuous monitoring of population size and habitats.