Order: Rodentia — Family: Dipodidae

Status: Category III (VU) – Vulnerable.

Importance for genetic diversity: The only species of its genus. A local endemic to the Turan deserts. Its protection is of significant importance.

Distribution: Found in three isolated areas in Turkmenistan: Zauzboy (northwestern region near the village of Geokdere), Sarykamysh, and the Amudarya region (from the Pitnyak uplands to Seidi on the left bank of the Amudarya; and near the fortress of Nargiz and the village of Osty on the right bank). Also present in Uzbekistan.

Habitat: Prefers clay and gravelly-clay plains with sparse vegetation, sometimes sandy or slightly saline.

Population and dynamics: In 2018, about 20 individuals were recorded within the Amudarya State Nature Reserve. Yearly numbers tend to remain relatively stable.

Biological features: Nocturnal. Hibernates from November to March. Burrow length is 115–140 cm; nesting chambers lie at 25–85 cm depth. Breeding occurs from late March to mid-October, with a summer break. Litter size is 2–7 (commonly 4–6). Becomes sexually mature at 4–7 months. Life span in the wild is 2–2.5 years. In spring, 81% of the population are one-year-olds, and 19% are two-year-olds. Diet includes green plant parts, seeds, underground organs, and insects.

Captive breeding: Not conducted.

Conservation actions applied: Listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1999. Protected in the Gaplangyr and Amudarya State Nature Reserves.

Proposed conservation actions: Awareness campaigns and prevention of habitat degradation.

Research recommendations: Continuous monitoring of population status and precise mapping of distribution.