One of Turkmenistan's unique corners, the “Eraji” Nature Reserve, is under the jurisdiction of the “Repetek” State Biosphere Reserve. It is a specially protected natural area and one of the protected sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

"Eraji" was established on November 16, 1977, to protect black saxaul groves. It covers an area of 30 thousand hectares.

The reserve's name, "Eraji" ("Bitter Land"), is primarily due to the location of several wells containing bitter water within its boundaries. Some scientific sources also indicate that "Eraji" refers to a place with bitter groundwater. Within the reserve, there are wells containing bitter water, including Bashimazhi, Rozybai, Dortguduk, Galyk, and Eraji.

The reserve's landscape combines steppes and lakes.

The reserve is located 90 kilometers west of the Repetek State Biosphere Reserve. Its main goal is to preserve saxaul groves and protect and restore the bird and animal populations found there. The reserve also conducts scientific research on the flora and fauna.

The main vegetation here is made up of black saxaul groves. Saxaul forests form a unique ecosystem adapted to the arid desert conditions. In addition to black saxaul, the reserve also includes white saxaul, saltwort (Salsola species), wormwood (Artemisia species), ephedra (Ephedra spp.), various grasses, and ephemerals that bloom quickly after the rare rains.

The reserve's fauna reflects the unique characteristics of Turkmenistan's desert and steppe zones. Mammals include foxes, corsac foxes, tolai hares, gerbils, jerboas, long-eared hedgehogs, and endangered species such as the Pallas's cat, goitered gazelle, and caracal.

The birds represented here include the desert sparrow, red-bellied woodpecker, golden eagle, eagle owl, falcon, as well as sand grouse (black-bellied and white-bellied), larks, wheatears, desert warbler, long-legged buzzard, and Egyptian vulture, all listed in the Red Book.

The reptile world is represented by the steppe agama, various lizard species (including the round-headed lizard), the sand boa, the arrow snake, and the Central Asian cobra.

Biodiversity conservation is one of the priority goals of “Eraji”. Thanks to its protected status and the scientific work of specialists, the ecosystem here continues to serve as a reliable refuge for unique flora and fauna.