Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert


The Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert ecoregion covers the hills north of the Hindu Kush in northwest Afghanistan, southeast Turkmenistan, and portions of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The landscape has been described as "savannah-like" and reminiscent of Africa, with desert sedges and stands of wild pistachio trees. The area supports high biodiversity and a number of rare and endemic species, such as the endangered Turkmenian kulan .

Location and description

The hilly ecoregion is situated between the large sandy Karakum desert to the north, the Koyentag Mountains to the east, the Parapamiz Mountains of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan to the south, and Kopet Dag Mountains of Turkmenistan and Iran to the southwest. Throughout the region are large depressions of dried salt pans, supporting salt-tolerant plants.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This climate is characterized hot, sometimes very hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The hottest month averages over, and the coldest. Precipitation in the Badhyz Nature Reserve varies from 130 mm/year to 430 mm/year. Winds are often strong, typically from the North and Northwest.

Flora and fauna

Biodiversity is high in the region, as the climate is relatively mild, and the location is in a transition zone that supports both Iranian-Afghan and Central Asian floral communities. Over 1,100 species of vascular plants have been recorded in the region. The dominant plants are desert sedges, particularly. Also found are Artemisia shrubs, Saltwort, and Saxaul. Protected areas have been set aside to protect groves of the wild Pistachio trees, with one covering 760 km2.
The region supports important populations of large mammals, such as the near-threatened Asiatic wild ass and the Goitered gazelle. The endangered Egyptian vulture is also found in the region.

Protections

Significant protected areas in the ecoregion include: