Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands

The Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands ecoregion (WWF ID:PA1009) covers hills and mountains in central and eastern Iran. The habitat is wetter and cooler than the surrounding desert of the Iranian Plateau, supporting the vulnerable Goitered gazelle (Goitered gazelle) and small populations of the vulnerable Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). The ecoregion is under conservation threat from overgrazing and conversion of steep slopes to cultivation.[1][2][3][4]

Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
RealmPalearctic
BiomeMontane grasslands and shrublands
Geography
Area126,623 km2 (48,889 sq mi)
CountryIran, Pakistan
Coordinates32.75°S 59.75°E / -32.75; 59.75

Location and description

The ecoregion runs for over 800 km along the mountain ridges of the western edge of the Iranian Plateau, from NW to SE, and along a series of ranges on the eastern side of Iran and a small extension into Pakistan.[4] The mean elevation is 1,788 metres (5,866 ft), with a minimum of 594 metres (1,949 ft) and a maximum of 4,318 metres (14,167 ft).[3] At lower elevations the region transitions into the Central Persian desert basins ecoregion. In the south, the lower and drier elevations are in the South Iran Nubo-Sindian desert and semi-desert ecoregion.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Cold semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification (BSk)). This climate is characteristic of steppe climates intermediary between desert humid climates, and typically have precipitation is above evapotranspiration. At least one month averages below 0 °C (32 °F).[5][6]

Flora and fauna

Despite the term "woodlands" in the name of the ecoregion, less than 1% of the territory is forested. About 10% has hebaceous or shrub cover; the remaining 90% is bare or with sparse vegetation.[3] The forest-steppe areas feature widely spaced trees/shrubs of genus Pistacia (pistachio) and Amygdalus (almond). Historically, these two types of plants were the characteristic feature of this region. The surroundings of these will be thorn-cushion and herbaceous vegetation.[4] Other shrub cover is of genus Pteropyrum and Lycium (box-thorn).[1]

Protected areas

Less than 2% of the ecoregion is officially protected.[3]

References
  1. "Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  3. "Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands". Digital Observatory for Protected Areas. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  4. "Kuh Rud and Eastern Iran montane woodlands". Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  5. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
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