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The desert areas of southern Iran extend from the edge of mangrove and coastal habitats of along the Arabian Gulf, in the south, northwest through the salt plains and Iranian Desert to the mountains that rise from it. Animals that inhabit these scrubby grasslands have adapted to life in harsh conditions.
This ecoregion is similar to the American southwest, with scrub-filled deserts and mountainous terrain covered in sparse woodlands. Vegetation is mainly patches of scrub and grasses, pockets of woodlands, and some forested pockets in the mountain ranges. Temperatures on the desert floor reach 110° F (43° C) during the day but may fall below 50° F (10° C) at night. Despite its severe climate and harsh environment, a surprising number of animals reside here. Unfortunately, very little is known about this ecoregion.
The Persian wild ass is just one species that has adapted to life in the desert—, relying on its a diet of grass, herbs, and bushes to provide its necessary water intake. In the mountains, the Persian ibex, a wild goat, and the Luristan sheep, a wild sheep, inhabit the rocky crags. These agile mountain climbers are ancestors of today's domestic goats and sheep. Many species of snakes slink alongslither across the ground, including the three-foot Iranian desert cobra, which that lives in rocky areas hunting lizards, mice, and small birds at night. Houbara bustards stop here during their migration to refuel rest and rest refuel. Other widespread species that call this ecoregion home include the wolf, jerbeer (a mountain gazelle), and striped hyena, as well as many species of mice, gerbils, and hamsters.
The This ecoregion is largely inaccessible, but illegal hunting for wildlife such as the Persian wild ass, jerbeer, wolf, and Persian ibex is a serious threat. Quarrying of for stone has increased in the ecoregion and will remain a threat to in the future. For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report. All text by World Wildlife Fund © 2001
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