The IBA is situated 52 km to the north of Ashgabat in the naturally defined Deryadakyr depression running south to north for 32 km. The IBA is a flood area in the hilly-takyr complex in the Karakum desert and is fed by drainage waters from agricultural land in the foothills of the Central Kopetdag.
The relief is hilly fixed sands, with takyr-desert soils. The main vegetation consists of Salsola-grass, Calligonum-Salsola with grasses, grasses with ephemerals, and Karelinia-Alhagi-Phragmites.
The climate is extremely continental, with large fluctuations of daily temperatures, high in summer (+29 to +31C) and low in winter (+1 to +4C). The average minimum in January is –3C, the average maximum in July + 38.5C. The absolute minimum temperature is –25C.
Key biodiversity
On the IBA 151 species have been recorded. Nesting species - 39, resident - 9, wintering – 37 and 142 passage.
Non-bird biodiversity: In the IBA, 30 species of mammal have ben recorded: notable are wild boar, jackal, fox and nutria. Amphibians - 2 species: lake frog and green toad. 13 species of reptiles.
The following types of vegetation are characteristic: Salsola-grass, Calligonum-Salsola with grasses, grasses with ephemerals, Karelinia-Alhagi-Phragmites.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
