Pamir alpine desert and tundra

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Pamir alpine desert and tundra
Close to the border (4) (31745603164).jpg
Pamir Mountains
Ecoregion PA1014.png
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
Realm Palearctic
Biome Montane grasslands and shrublands
Geography
Area118,000 km2 (46,000 sq mi)
Countries Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan
Coordinates 38°12′N72°40′E / 38.200°N 72.667°E / 38.200; 72.667

The Pamir alpine desert and tundra ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1014) covers the high plateau of the Pamir Mountains, at the central meeting of the great mountain ranges of Central Asia: Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Kunlun, and Tian Shan. It is a region of relatively high biodiversity due to its central location and high elevation differentials, but it also acts as a barrier between the climate and habitats of north and south Asia. [1] [2]

Contents

Location and description

The ecoregion is mostly located in the eastern region of Tajikistan, on a high plateau with broad valleys and steeply-sloping mountains. The ecoregion measures about 275 km west-to-east, and 250 km north-to-south. [1] Major mountain ranges radiate outwards: the Tian Shan to the northeast, Hindu Kush to the west, Karakoram to the south and Himalyas to the south and east. The Pamir also sit in the middle of different climates and habitats: the Alai woodlands to the west and north, and the dry Tarim Basin to the east. The average elevation in the Pamir is 4,200 meters, with the highest peak (Kongur Tagh) at 7,649 meters.

Climate

Many climate zones are found in the ecoregion, due to the altitude zones and geographic surroundings. Typical high elevations exhibit a climate classification of a Tundra or Alpine climate (Köppen climate classification (ET)). Lower elevations trend into a Subarctic climate (Dsc) (mean temperatures may rise above 10 °C (50 °F) for 1–3 months each summer). [3] [4]

Flora and fauna

Most of the territory is cold- or semi-desert. Large areas at high altitudes are devoid of vegetation due to the harsh polar climate. At the lowest elevations, the gravely terrain is marked by halophytes (salt-tolerant plants), such as various types of Salicornia . Higher up, the steppe terrain is characterized by sub-shrubs such as Acantholimon , sagebrush ( Artemisia ), and needle-grass ( Stipa ). Somewhat higher steppe terrain includes tufted grasses ( Festuca ).

Several notable species of mammals inhabit the area, including the vulnerable Snow leopard, the endangered Himalayan brown bear subspecies, the near-endangered Marco Polo sheep, and various other types of sheep and goats. The Long-tailed marmot is common. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountains of Central Asia</span>

The Mountains of Central Asia are a biodiversity hot spot designated by Conservation International which covers several montane and alpine ecoregions of Central Asia, including those of the Pamir and Tian Shan ranges, and extending across portions of Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Karakoram range in China, Pakistan and India. The Karakoram range is also famously known for Karakoram Anomaly that relates to the anomalous growth of glaciers in the central Karakoram that is in contrast with melting glaciers in other mountainous ranges of Himalayas and other parts of the world due to the effects of climate change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saylyugemsky National Park</span>

Saylyugemsky National Park sits at the mountainous "X" where the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China meet in the Altai Mountains of central Asia. Because of its remoteness and position at the meeting points of mountains, steppes, desert and forest, it is a globally important natural reserve for biodiversity. The park was formally established in 2010–2012, with a particular purpose of protecting the vulnerable Altai argali mountain sheep and the endangered Snow leopard. The component Saylyugem Mountains are a ridge of the Altai, and stretch to the northeast to the Sayan Mountains. The climate is cold and semi-arid. Administratively, the park is located in the Kosh-Agachsky District of the Altai Republic. While ecotourism has a stated role, visits to the territory currently require special passes from park administration, and activities are limited to roads and trails.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katon-Karagay National Park</span>

Katon-Karagay National Park is the largest national park in Kazakhstan, located on the eastern edge of the country, in the Southern Altai Mountains. The park fills the west side of the "X" where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia meet. The highest peak in Siberia, is on the Russian border in the Katun Range. The park is in Katonkaragay District of East Kazakhstan Region, 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) southeast of the capital city of Astana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhongar-Alatau National Park</span>

Zhongar-Alatau National Park, also Jungar Alatau, or Dzungurian Alatau, was created in 2010 to protect the unique ecology of the Dzungarian Alatau, an isolated, glaciated mountain range in Kazakhstan, on the southeastern border with China. One stated reason for creating the park is to protect forests of wild fruit trees, including apricots, barberry, cherries, and currants. Approximately 1% of the land area of the park is forested with Sievers Apple trees, which are the progenitors of all cultured apple varieties in the world. The park is 300 km long (west-to-east), and spreads across Aksu District, Sarkand District and Alakol District of Almaty Region, 300 km northeast of the regional city of Almaty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Altai montane forest and forest steppe</span> Ecoregion in the Altai Mountains

The Altai montane forest and forest steppe ecoregion covers patches of the subalpine forest belt on the Altai Mountains, crossing the border region where Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China meet. The region has high biodiversity, as it is located in transition zones between different ecoregions, altitudes, and climate zones. It is in the Palearctic realm, with a Cold semi-arid climate. It covers 35,199,998 km2 (13,590,795 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Altai alpine meadow and tundra</span> Ecoregion in the Altai Mountains

The Altai alpine meadow and tundra ecoregion is a terrestrial ecoregion covering the higher elevation of the Altai Mountains at the center of the "X" formed by the borders separating Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia. The mountain peaks are the farthest north in Central Asia, separating the plains of Siberia to the north from the hot, dry deserts to the south. Altitudes above 2,400 meters display characteristics of tundra, with patches of alpine meadows and some trees immediately below the treeline. The ecoregion is in the montane grasslands and shrublands biome, and the Palearctic realm, with a humid continental climate. It covers an area of 90,132 square kilometres (34,800 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tian Shan montane conifer forests</span> Ecoregion in the Tian Shan Mountains

The Tian Shan montane conifer forests ecoregion covers the "forest belt" of the Tian Shan mountains - generally the north-facing slopes that get enough moisture, and are warm enough, for trees to grow. This conifer belt is found mostly between 1,500 and 2,700 meters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tian Shan montane steppe and meadows</span>

The Tian Shan montane steppe and meadows ecoregion covers a 2,000 km long stretch of grasslands of the isolated Tian Shan mountains of Central Asia. It is characterized by high-altitude flat and rolling grasslands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tian Shan foothill arid steppe</span> Ecoregion in the Tian Shan Mountains

The Tian Shan foothill arid steppe ecoregion covers the northern and western approaches to the Tian Shan mountains, centered on Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. This region receives more moisture from Central Asia, thereby supporting more vegetation and diversity of plant and animal species than the deserts to the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe</span> Ecoregion in the Tibetan Plateau

The Central Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecoregion covers the high alpine plateau that stretches over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 mi) across the Tibetan Plateau to Qinghai Lake in China. Because of the high altitude—much it over 5,000 metres (16,000 ft)—the region is a cold, arid desert that is only 20% covered with steppe and meadow vegetation. The area has been relatively free from human development due to the hostile climate and unsuitability for agriculture. The ecosystem is relatively intact, and supports herds of wild antelope, sheep, deer, and gazelles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qilian Mountains subalpine meadows</span> Ecoregion in China

The Qilian Mountains subalpine meadows ecoregion covers the high meadows and shrubland of the Qilian Mountains, on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in central China. These mountains form a divide between the dry regions of the Gobi Desert to the north, and the Qaidam Basin and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. While the habitat supports populations of marmots, grouse and some rare mammal species, the grasslands of the region are under pressure from over-grazing by domestic livestock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Tibetan Plateau–Kunlun Mountains alpine desert</span> Ecoregion in the Tibetan Plateau

The North Tibetan Plateau-Kunlun Mountains alpine desert ecoregion covers a long stretch of mostly treeless alpine terrain across the northern edge of the Tibet Plateau. A variety of cold, dry habitats are found, including alpine meadows, steppe, desert, and cushion plant floral areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tibetan Plateau alpine shrublands and meadows</span> Type of regional vegetation

The Tibetan Plateau alpine shrublands and meadows ecoregion covers the middle transition zone between the northern and southern regions of the Tibetan Plateau. The region supports both cold alpine steppe and meadows across a broad expanse of the plateau. Wild deer, antelope, and sheep roam the grasslands, but the habitat is increasingly being used to graze domestic livestock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alai–Western Tian Shan steppe</span>

The Alai-Western Tian Shan steppe ecoregion covers the foothills on the western edge of the Tien Shan and Alay Mountains of Central Asia. This territory is mostly in southeastern Uzbekistan, with a portion running north into Kazakhstan on the east side of the Syr Darya River, and a small portion in Turkmenistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gissaro–Alai open woodlands</span>

The Gissaro-Alai open woodlands ecoregion covers the western foothills winding around two western offshoots of the Tian Shan Mountains in western Tajikistan, and parts of eastern Uzbekistan and western Kyrgyzstan, in Central Asia. The woodlands are typically of Juniper trees and shrubs, fitting the altitude zone situated between the desert valley floor, and the tree line, above which the mountain ridges are glaciated and barren.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hindu Kush alpine meadow</span> Ecoregion primarily in Afghanistan

The Hindu Kush alpine meadow ecoregion covers a portion of the Hindu Kush Mountain Range in northern Afghanistan. Most of the terrain is between 3,000 and 4,000 meters in elevation. This portion of the Hindu Kush is very mountainous, with steep slopes. About half of the alpine meadow is bare rock or gravely soils with sparse vegetation. The remainder supports herbaceous cover of grasses and cushion plants. Human habitation is scarce and follows the river courses in the valleys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paropamisus xeric woodlands</span> Ecoregion in Aghanistan and Tajikistan

The Paropamisus xeric woodlands ecoregion covers the portion of northeastern Afghanistan north of the central mountain range and the Hindu Kush Mountains. The name is derived from the Old Persian name for the region, Parupraesanna. While there are low canopy woodlands in the northeast of the ecorgegion, most of the territory is desert or xeric (dry) scrubland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sulaiman Range alpine meadows</span>

The Sulaiman Range alpine meadows ecoregion covers a series of higher altitude mountain ranges along the crest of the Sulaiman Mountains, a southerly extension of the Hindu Kush Mountains along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The area is relatively undeveloped, with about a third of the terrain either forested or in 'alpine steppe' shrub or herbaceous cover.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Pamir alpine desert and tundra". World Wildlife Federation (WWF). Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  3. Kottek, M.; Grieser, J.; Beck, C.; Rudolf, B.; Rubel, F. (2006). "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  4. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.

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