Hojapil Sanctuary
| Hojapil Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lebap Province,  Turkmenistan |
| Area | 17,532 ha |
| Established | 1986 |
Hojapil Sanctuary is a sanctuary (zakaznik) of Turkmenistan and a part of Köýtendag Nature Reserve.[1]
Sites[]
Dinosaur Plateau[]
An inclined limestone slab—spanning about 0.5 km in length and 0.2 km in width—preserving hundreds of dinosaur footprints, is a popular tourist attraction.[1] It was discovered by Soviet geologist in the 80s; Turkmen scientists propose the evidence to be suggestive of three new dinosaur species: Gissarosaurus, Hojapilosaurus, and Turkmenosaurus.[1]
In local tradition, the footprints were cast by elephants belonging either to the forces of Alexander the Great or some returning pilgrim from India.[1]
Kyrk Gyz Cave[]
A sacred site in Turkmen tradition, the floor of the cave has a tomb.[1] Local legends explain the cave to have been created by an act of God, when 40 women—fearing capture by rogues—prayed for protection.[1]
Umbardepe Canyon[]
A waterfall—having a height of 27 m.—is popular among tourists.[1]
External links[]
- https://web.archive.org/web/20090609072344/http://natureprotection.gov.tm/reserve_tm.html
- https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5436/
References[]
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- Sanctuaries in Turkmenistan
- Turkmenistan geography stubs
- Asian protected area stubs