Hojapil Sanctuary Explained

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] It was established in 1986.[2]

Sites

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. The site 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. In local tradition, the footprints were cast by elephants belonging either to the forces of Alexander the Great or some returning pilgrim from India.

Kyrk Gyz Cave

A sacred site in Turkmen tradition, the floor of the cave has a tomb. Local legends explain the cave to have been created in an act of God, when 40 women — fearing capture by rogues — prayed for protection.

Umbardepe Canyon

A waterfall with a height of 27 meters is popular among tourists.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Brummell, Paul. Turkmenistan. Bradt Travel Guides. 2005. 978-1-84162-144-9. 198. en. Paul Brummell.
  2. Web site: Türkmenistanyò Tebigaty goramak ministrligi. Düzgünnama . https://web.archive.org/web/20090609072344/http://natureprotection.gov.tm/reserve_tm.html . 2009-06-09 .