Order: Carnivora – Family: Hyaenidae

Status. Category III (VU). Vulnerable species.
The nominative subspecies H. h. hyaena Linnaeus, 1758 occurs in Turkmenistan. The local population is the largest and is crucial for species preservation.

Distribution. Mountains and foothills: Greater and Lesser Balkans, Kopetdag, Badkhyz, Kushka–Kashana–Murgab interfluve, Karabil, Koytendag. Also found in plains: Sandykli, Karakum Desert (locally), Uzboy, beyond Uzboy, the Caspian coast, southern and western Ustyurt, along the Amudarya river down to its lower reaches, and to Sarykamysh Lake. Outside Turkmenistan: Transcaucasia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India.

Habitat. Mountainous terrain up to 2500 m above sea level (e.g., Dushakerekdag). Prefers rugged landscapes with sparse shrubs, natural shelters such as ravines, gullies, caves, rock screes, and saxaul woodlands.

Population and trends. 30–43 individuals in Greater and Lesser Balkans, over 70 in Western Kopetdag, at least 30 in Central Kopetdag, 20 in Eastern Kopetdag, 25–30 in Badkhyz, around 10 in Karabil. Not recorded in Koytendag in recent years. Total estimated population exceeds 300 individuals.

Biological characteristics. Nocturnal and crepuscular. Lives in family groups of 3–8 animals, sometimes in pairs, rarely solitary. Sexual maturity is reached at 2–3 years. Mating and cub births (1–3) can occur throughout the year. Feeds mainly on carrion from wild and domestic animals, and occasionally on rodents, reptiles, insects, melons, and other fruits.

Breeding. Not conducted.

Conservation actions taken. Listed in the IUCN Red List (VU, Cl); in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1985. Protected within Syunt-Hasardag, Kopetdag, Badkhyz, and Koytendag State Nature Reserves.

Proposed conservation actions. Establish the Balkan State Nature Reserve. Enhance protection and public awareness efforts.

Research proposals. Study population numbers and local migration patterns.