Bactrian Camel - Turkmenistan

The Karakum Canal is one of the longest canals in the world. Construction began in 1954 and was completed in 1967. Two extensions were added in the 70’s and 80’s, bringing the total length to 1,376 kilometers. It carries water from the Amu-Darya River across the Karakum Desert for irrigation purposes.

- - - - -

Camelus bactrianus - The Bactrian camel, with its two distinctive humps, is much larger than the single-humped dromedary camel. The wild Bactrian camel is a rare sight, but the domesticated version has served an important role to the people living on the steppes of Central Asia. It has a tolerance to cold, adjusts easily to high altitudes, has enough stamina to carry heavy loads for prolonged periods, and it can go for months without direct liquid intake. When they do drink, they can slurp up over 50 liters of water.

Timberman Beetle - Turkmenistan

Acanthocinus aedilis - The timberman beetle is found in the forested regions of Europe and Central Asia. The male has a pair of antennae four times as long as its body. Their name is derived from the close relationship they have with trees. The female deposits her eggs under the bark of dead conifers trees. The larvae feed on the rotting material and emerge in late summer or early fall. Under favorable conditions, the females will be able to produce two generations in one season.

- - - - -

Russia’s involvement in Turkmenistan began in 1869 when Tsarist troops set up Krasnovodsk, now known as Turkmenbashy, a frontier post on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The Russians were able to subdue stiff resistance from the Turkmen tribes and began building the Transcaspian Railway in 1879 to formally bind their new holdings together. In 1924, Turkmenistan became the Soviet Republic of Turkmen. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Turkmenistan proclaimed its independence in 1991.