The Badhyz State Nature Reserve is a protected area (zapovednik) in south-western Turkmenistan that was established in 1941 and extends over 877km2 in the Mary and Akhal Provinces. It is located south of the Karakum Desert, and the Tejen River forms its western border. Its landscape comprises solitary or groups of foothills, ranging in height from 20 to 200 m. The average annual precipitation of the reserve is about 280 mm, with a maximum of 420 mm and a minimum of 130 mm. Its short spring is followed by a long hot summer with 4–5 months of hot weather and little cooling winds. It also incorporates three wildlife sanctuaries (zakaznik), which were established in 1956:
- Çemenebit Sanctuary
- Gyzyljar Sanctuary
- Pulhatyn Sanctuary