Hoggar Mountains, Algeria Photograph by Jeanne Tabachnick   Northern Africa: Southeastern Algeria, northern Niger, Mali, and Mauritania Deserts and Xeric Shrublands   99,700 square miles (258,100 square kilometers) -- about the size of Alabama and North Carolina combined Relatively Stable/Intact

· Rugged Peaks in a Sea of Sand
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Rugged Peaks in a Sea of Sand

Scattered mountains rise out of the vast Saharan Desert, creating this unique desert ecoregion. Barren gravel plains and stone plateaus surround the mountain ranges, as do wadis, or gullies, where drought-resistant umbrella thorn trees and athel pines grow. The West Saharan Mountains are an important stopover for migratory birds, including warblers, larks, wheatears, and swifts.

Special Features

While this ecoregion certainly heats up in the summer, the mountains here provide an oasis for many plants and animals. Temperatures are less severe than on the desert floor, and the higher altitudes bring rainfall, which fosters a diversified mix of plants. These mountain islands in the desert serve as the last sanctuary for many species. For example, the slender-horned gazelle and dama gazelle, both endangered species, live in this ecoregion.

At least 187 species of migrating birds cross the Saharan Desert twice a year. Both trips take place during the hot months of the year, when conditions are severe. The birds fly north to their breeding grounds from late February to early May and return to their wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa from July to October. These birds are not adapted to the harsh desert climate, so they can die of heat-stress and dehydration if they remain grounded in the desert for long. These mountains, however, offer a more hospitable stopover area; providing water, shade and food for birds before continuing their journey.

Wild Side

Because this ecoregion is so scattered and isolated, endemic species of both plants and animals have evolved here. Saharan cheetahs, smaller and paler than those found throughout Africa, are well adapted for living in this arid environment. These endangered animals do not need to drink fresh water every day but are able to sustain themselves on the blood and urine of their prey, which they catch by sprinting at speeds of up to 64 miles (103 km) per hour. Cheetahs feed on antelopes, including the dama gazelle and the dorcas gazelle. An endemic species of African dormouse finds shelter under vegetation during the day and searches for food at night. Almost as hard to find would be a rare hoopoe. This migrating bird, with its large crest, long curved bill, and black and white striped wings, is a striking sight.

Cause for Concern

Except for the nomads who stop here occasionally, few people live in this ecoregion, which leaves it relatively secure. However, the use of four-wheel drive vehicles and modern weapons has lead to the over-hunting of antelopes and cheetahs, which is a serious concern among conservationists. Two protected areas encompass most of the Ahaggar Mountains area of Algeria, the largest part of this ecoregion. These protected areas are capitalizing on the growing popularity of ecotourism. Tourism can be either good or bad, depending on management, and how it will affect this ecoregion is still unknown.

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