THE ABODE OF NATURAL BEAUTIES

Each region of Turkmenistan, which is undergoing significant development and historic changes, has its own unique natural beauties, which are amazing to see. One of such paradise corners, which is distinguished by the richness and beauty of the flora and fauna of our Motherland, is the Hazar State Nature Reserve in the Balkan province. Its total area is about 268,000 hectares.

«Hazar» which is the largest part of the reserve, includes bays with shallow water such as Turkmenbashy, Balkan, Mihaylovsk and North Cheleken and the surrounding protected areas. Seventy-two percent of the area is occupied by water bodies.

The rich reserves of water and grass in these bays provide for the feeding of thousands of migratory birds such as squirrels, rhinoceroses, rhinoceroses, and black ducks that rest and migrate during the migration period. Esenguly Square, which is considered to be the second part of the reserve, is located about 300 km from Hazar Square. In its time, a number of reed forests were formed in the area where the water of the Etrek River flows into the sea. This, in turn, facilitates the nesting and reproduction of many different birds.

The reserve is home to a total of 416 plants, as well as several species of mushrooms. Eight of them are included in the list of the third edition of the Red Book of Turkmenistan as rare plants. The reserve also registered more than 300 species of birds, 61 species of fish, 46 species of mammals and 39 species of reptiles. Four species of insects found here are included in the Red Book of Turkmenistan. The «Hazar» snake-shaped fish, sturgeon, azatmahy, white azatmahy fish included in the Red Book of Turkmenistan are also found in the respective water bodies. 

One of the main goals of the protected nature reserve and the Ogurjaly State Nature Reserve, which is part of it, is to scientifically study and protect the birds that come from the northern countries for wintering and come to rest during the autumn and spring migration. Various species of birds fly in flocks to the waters of the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea. The early migratory birds, on the other hand, continue their journey to the south, after a short rest and strength. The late birds also stay for the winter.

The winter season lasts from November to February. So the birds enjoy the warm, mild climate and abundant food reserves of the reserve during this period. The interstate importance of the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea has also been recognized worldwide for the wintering of waterfowl and swamp birds. It should also be noted that more than 70 percent of the birds listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan are found in this reserve..

In addition, the flora and fauna species, their biological and ecological characteristics, have been identified through long-term research by the reserve's scientific staff. As a result of that research, hundreds of scientific articles of great interest have been published and dozens of books have been prepared in the «Tebigat» Chronicle.

«Hazar» the Nature Museum of the State Nature Reserve is also one of the most popular attractions. The modern design of the museum, its amazingness, the skillfully crafted words of birds and wildlife, the placement of the furniture - the wild - leave a lasting impression on those who see it. It also creates an infinite love for nature in all people, regardless of age.

The administration of the Reserve and its friendly experts are also urgently implementing the most necessary and urgent measures to protect the natural resources from emergencies. Today, the reserve is an exemplary part of the wonders of Turkmen nature. Protecting the sacred nature and paying close attention to its rare and endangered species, caring for the living, extending it to future generations are also the main tasks of the reserve's staff.