Order: Rodentia, Family: Gliridae

Status: Category II (EN) – Endangered.
Genetic Importance: Endemic to the Kopetdag Mountains (including the Greater and Lesser Balkhans). It is the only representative of a polytypic genus in Turkmenistan. A further decline in numbers could lead to the complete loss of both species and genus in the national gene pool.
Distribution: Western and Central Kopetdag, including the Greater and Lesser Balkhans. Also found in Iran.
Habitat: A montane species found at elevations from 700 to 2400 meters above sea level. Occurs in xerophytic vegetation at the bottom of gorges, rocky areas, and sparse juniper woodlands.
Population and trends: Monitoring in various years in Western and Central Kopetdag shows consistently low population numbers. In 2015, one nest was discovered in the Dashtoy gorge of Central Kopetdag.
Biological characteristics: Primarily terrestrial and active at night. Emerges from hibernation in the second half of April. Breeding starts in late April to mid-May, with up to 6–9 offspring per litter. In some areas, females were found still dormant in April. Diet includes plants and small animals.
Captive breeding: No attempts have been made in captivity.
Conservation actions taken: Listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan (since 1985) and in the IUCN Red List. Protected within the territories of Kopetdag and Syunt-Hasardag State Nature Reserves.
Proposed conservation actions: Establishment of a new protected area in the Greater and Lesser Balkhan Mountains, strengthening enforcement, and increasing public awareness.
Research proposals: Detailed studies on distribution and species biology are needed.