The history of Turkmen reserves began in 1927. The first of these was the Repetek Nature Reserve created on the basis of the station. It is located in the South-Eastern Karakum Desert, 70 km south of Turkmenabat. On an area of 34,600 hectares, all the typical elements of a sandy desert are represented: ridges, interridge valleys, hummocky and dune sands, as well as rare bird species: golden eagle, white-winged woodpecker, desert nightingale. Among the vertebrate animals, the following stand out: the steppe lynx, caracal, porcupine, goitered gazelle population, and a number of rodents. 22 species of reptiles and 1,343 species of invertebrates live here, including the Turkmen rhinoceros beetle, which has not been found anywhere else. The flora includes 120 species of higher plants, some types of lichens and mosses. There is a Museum of Nature at the station, where stuffed birds, mammals, reptiles, collections of local butterflies and other insects, and herbariums are exhibited. Over the years of its existence, the Repetek Nature Reserve has become a true mecca for desert scientists of the world. Scientists from 70 countries visited here to take part in seminars on combating desertification in arid areas. In the fall of 1978, an international symposium was held in Repetek, which was attended by representatives of 18 member states of the IUCN General Assembly held in Ashgabat. For great achievements in the study of deserts and the fight against desertification, Repetek is included in the global network of biosphere reserves. The results of research and recommendations of domestic experts are published in the largest scientific journals in the world. In addition to scientific research, a small team of the reserve conducts excursions for visitors and organizes lectures among the population.

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Repetek Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the South-Eastern Karakum desert in the Lebap velayat of Turkmenistan, 70 km southwest of the city of Turkmenabad (Chardzhou), around the station. Repetek.
Area: 34,600 hectares of sandy desert.
Altitudes: 180–220 m above sea level.
The hottest place in the USSR and Turkmenistan (+ 51.8° in the shade in 1983)

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Fauna
Invertebrates – 1343 species and subspecies (in the Red Book – 7);
Amphibians – 1 species
Reptiles – 22 species (in the Red Book – 2),
Birds – 202 species (in the Red Book – 13),
There are 29 species of mammals (3 in the Red Book).
A number of rare “Red Book” species are protected, characteristic of the sandy deserts of the subtropics and temperate zone (of large animals – caracal (desert lynx), Indian porcupine, goitered gazelle (about 30 individuals), gray monitor lizard, Central Asian cobra; rare birds and invertebrates, etc. .). Also in need of protection is a unique ecosystem – thickets of black saxaul – unique saxaul “forests” and a number of rare plant species.
The problem of the reserve is the protection of flora and fauna from the residents of the village. Repetek, seeking to harvest wood for heating here, graze livestock (sheep) and engage in poaching.

Photos from the reserve

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