Cal Madow, Somalia Photograph by Frank Horwood   Afrotropics Deserts and Xeric Shrublands   24,000 square miles (62,200 square kilometers) -- about the size of West Virginia Critical/Endangered

· Little Known Habitats
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Little Known Habitats

A trip through the Somali Montane Xeric Woodland would take you through a variety of habitats--from montane juniper forests at the higher elevations to evergreen and semi-evergreen bushland at the lower elevations. Semi-desert grassland and shrubland can be found in the driest parts of the region. Unfortunately, few biologists have made this trek in recent years due to the political instability of the region. For this reason, most of what is known about the area’s wildlife and habitats is out of date.

Special Features

This ecoregion extends from just east of Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland, through the northern mountains of Somali to the tip of the Horn of Africa, then south for about 180 miles (300 km) along the Somali coastal plain. The topography of this region is quite varied, with extensive coastal plains as well as sizable mountain areas that peak at close to 8,000 feet (2400 m). The climate is hot and dry, with big seasonal temperature variations. Average rainfall is less than eight inches (200 mm) per year in the low-lying areas, but increases greatly in the higher elevations.

	Male Soemmerring's gazelles fight one another to assert dominance, yanking their locked horns sideways to destabilize their opponent.

Wild Side

Scientists know little about the biological value of this ecoregion, although they believe that many endemic plants grow here. Three endemic reptiles are known to live in the ecoregion, as well as three endemic birds: the Somali pigeon, the Somali thrush, and the Warsangli linnet. All are found in the North Somali Mountains. Mammals in the region include the Speke's gazelle and Soemmerring's gazelle.

Cause for Concern

Although this ecoregion is sparsely populated, threats remain in the form of intensive grazing by goats and cattle and the cutting of juniper trees for timber and fuelwood. The only protected areas in the region are a few forest preserves, and these have probably been vulnerable for some time due to the political climate of the region.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.