Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Equidae
Status: Category I (CR) – Critically endangered.
Importance for gene pool preservation: In Turkmenistan, represented by the subspecies E.h. kulan Groves et Mazak, 1967. The preservation of the Turkmenian kulan is vital for the country’s biodiversity.
Distribution: Historically ranged from Western Kazakhstan to Western China. By the mid-20th century, was preserved only in Badkhyz. Currently found along the western coast of Sarykamysh and in the Western (Tersakan) and Central (Guryhowdan) Kopetdag. Reintroduced into Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Habitat: Semi-deserts with plains and hills, rugged foothill landscapes.
Population and trends: In the 1930s, fewer than 500 individuals remained in Badkhyz, dropping to around 200 in the early 1940s. Numbers rebounded to 5000 by the 1990s, but declined again to approximately 420 in the 2010s. Kulans have since been reintroduced in several regions. Current estimated population in Turkmenistan is between 50 and 140.
Biological features: Social animals living in herds. Herbivorous and water-dependent. Seasonal migrations occur. Females breed at 2–3 years, males at 4. Mating occurs in May–June. Gestation lasts 11–12 months. Typically, one foal is born between April and June. Mothers isolate with young for several weeks. About half of the foals do not survive their first year. In autumn and winter, small groups merge into larger herds. Molting occurs from April to June.
Breeding: Successfully breeds in captivity. Kept in the National Museum of Wildlife of Turkmenistan and the breeding center of the Badkhyz Nature Reserve.
Conservation measures taken: Listed in the IUCN Red List (Category NT), in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1985. Protected in Badkhyz, Kopetdag, and Gaplankyr Nature Reserves. Included in CITES Appendix II.
Conservation actions proposed: Strengthen protection and public outreach. Establish ecological corridors. Propose the creation of a new sanctuary in Western Kopetdag.
Research recommendations: Conduct monitoring. Develop a long-term conservation strategy.