Order: Rodentia — Family: Dipodidae
Status: Category III (VU) — Vulnerable species

Significance for gene pool conservation: In Turkmenistan, this species is represented by two subspecies: J.b. turkmenicus Vinogradov & Bondar (1949) and J.b. margianus Shenbrot (1989).

Distribution: Karakum Desert, plains near Meana. Outside Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan, Iran.

Habitat: Takyrs (clay deserts) among ridged sands with sparse shrubs. Occurs at the border of large sand masses and takyrs; occasionally found on gravel areas and solonchaks.

Population and trends: In 1970, northern Turkmenistan surveys recorded 0.1–0.25 individuals per 1 km by car, and 0.3–0.5 per km on foot. In 1990–1996, eastern Turkmenistan showed 0.03–0.05 individuals per km by car. In 2017, two individuals were recorded across 4 km in the Meana–Chaacha Sanctuary.

Biological features: Emerges from burrows 1.5–2 hours after sunset. Hibernates from October to March in the north; active year-round in the south. Builds separate summer breeding and wintering burrows. Breeding occurs twice from mid-March to mid-June, producing 2–6 offspring each time. Feeds on young plant parts in April and on Salsola seeds in May–June.

Captive breeding: Not conducted.

Conservation measures: Listed in the IUCN Red List (LC) and the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1985. Protected in Gaplangyr State Nature Reserve and Meana–Chaacha Sanctuary of the Kopetdag State Nature Reserve.

Conservation recommendations: Prevent habitat degradation; raise public awareness.

Research recommendations: Monitor population status; define range boundaries.