Syunt-Khasardag Reserve, Kopet Dag, Turkmenistan Photograph by Olga Berlova of the Socio-Ecological Union   Central Asia: Southern Turkmenistan and northern Iran Montane Grasslands and Shrublands   22,500 square miles (58,300 square kilometers) -- about the size of West Virginia Critical/Endangered

· Rocks and Ravines
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Rocks and Ravines

These woodlands, found on the eastern end of a long east-west chain of mountain ranges, contain a mix of rocky slopes and deep, rugged ravines. Where vegetation manages to grow, it provides important shelter for mammals, birds, and reptiles. These animals are totally different from the wildlife found on other Central Asian mountains, and have more in common with animals from Asia Minor and Afghanistan.

Special Features

This ecoregion features high levels of seismic activity. Sandstone, limestone, marl, and clay form the rocky formations of this mountainous area, where the landscape is highly dissected with deep ravines. Small rivers and streams can be found here too, but practically all their water is diverted to irrigation. On the ground, a mixture of fescue and feathergrass dominates the landscape. Although woodland vegetation is sparse, juniper trees grow here, with almond, pomegranate, walnut, and wild grape in the relatively moist valleys. The average annual temperature is 50° F (10° C), with a high of 95° F (35° C) and a low of ö6° F (-21° C). Nearly 12 inches (300 mm) of rain fall each year.

	The manul, or Pallas cat, has hair on its underbelly and tail that is nearly twice as long as on the hair on its top and sides÷a characteristic similar to that of the snow leopard. These hairs provide insulation when the animal lies or crouches on cold rocks or frozen ground.

Wild Side

If you were looking for wildlife in this ecoregion, you might see a Caucasian agama lizard or little Caspian gecko scurrying among the ample rocks found here. You might even hear the calls of a Caspian snowcock or a see-see partridge if you listen closely. Mountain goats roam the cliffs, while Middle Asiatic toads might be found hopping along on more level ground.

Cause for Concern

Massive deforestation has occurred here, not only in natural forests, but also in buffer zones and even in the streets of some towns. Funding for nature conservation activities, including research, has severely decreased. Scientists currently think that 67 botanical species of these mountains are threatened with extinction, and 15 seem to have already disappeared.

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