Details of Tajikistan (see: Tajikistan 2002, State of the Environment Report, name = Taphrometopon lineolatum):

"Foothill semi desert ecosystems occupy high terraces of the plains in the lower reaches of rivers: Pyandj, Vakhsh, Kafirnigan, Syrdarya, and Zeravshan. In southern Tajikistan, nearly 30 thousand hectares of these ecosystems are included into protected area of the “Tigrovaya Balka” nature reserve. Typical communities are saxaul (Haloxylon persicum), saltwort (Salsola richteri), wormwood (Artemisia tenuisecta), Hammada leptoclada, sedge (Carex physodes), Halostachys belangeriana, Halocharis hispida. They play an important role in protecting soils, preventing erosion, and used as winter pastures, which make 30-40% of the total winter pastures. Many areas of these ecosystems are degraded and cultivated for irrigated agriculture. Endemic species of fauna, which have regional and global value, can be found here. The animal world of the ecosystems is represented by species, which are adapted to open areas, with rare vegetation and hot dry climate. Typical mammals are: Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), jakal (Canis aureus), big-eared hedgehog (Paraechinus hynomelus), and steppe cat (Felis ornald). Among reptiles, there are: steppe agama (Agama sanguinolenta), gray monitor lizard (Varanus griseus), rapid snake (Taphrometopon lineolatum), and echis (Echis carinatus).

"The species doesn’t have any aggressive behavior and usually has elusive behavior when in contact with humanity."(3)