The South Iran Nubo–Sindian desert and semi-desertecoregion (WWF ID: PA1328) covers the northern coastal plain of the Persian Gulf and the inland desert hills south of the Zagros Mountains of Iran. The region also has extensions reaching into southeastern Iraq, and eastward into southwestern Pakistan. The region is one of hot sand deserts, shrubland, and open thorn woodlands inland. Mangrove forests and swamps are found along the coast.[2][3][1]
Location and description
The ecoregion stretches for 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, from the head of the Gulf at Abadan to the estuary of the Hingol River on the southern coast of Pakistan 150 km west of Karachi. For most of its length, the region reaches 120 km inland, but widen considerably east of the Strait of Hormuz. The ecoregion includes the Jaz Murian depression, an endorheic basin in southeastern Iran enclosed by mountains. As it enters Pakistan the ecoregion covers the Makran Coastal Range. Elevations range from sea level to 3,283 metres (10,771 ft), with a mean of 559 metres (1,834 ft).[1]
Climate
The climate of the ecoregion is Hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification(BWh)). This climate features stable air and high pressure aloft, producing a hot, arid desert. Hot-month temperatures typically average 29–35 °C (84–95 °F).[4][5]
Flora
Most of the ecoregion is dry shrubland interspersed with sandy desert.[6] 8% is herbaceous cover or converted to agriculture.
Various tropical desert plant communities are found here, including:[7]
At the north end of the Gulf is the Shadegan Ponds on the delta of the Karun River. This internationally important wetland features brackish sedge marshes dominated by Bulrush (Scirpus) in the better drained areas, and Tamarix on the mudflats.[8][9] Farther south along the coast is a representative mangrove community at the deltas of the Rud-e-Gaz and Rud-e-Hara Rivers at Hormuz. This area features tidal creeks, mudflats, and mangrove swamp. At the mouths of the rivers are extensive stands of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina), known locally as the Hara tree.
