Northern Baluchistanian BioProvince

This BioProvince (as defined by Armen Takhtajan) extends east from the the eastern outskirts of the Iranian Uplands to the Sulaiman Range in Pakistan and so includes the Takht-i-Sulaiman Massif (the so-called Throne of Soloman). Also included is the Quetta-Pushin Plateau and the Taba Kakar Hills. It is generally mountainous, cut through with deserts and barren plains. Rainfall is scant and the vegetation is stunted and sparse in most places. The mountain ranges of Baluchistan are chiefly composed of Cretaceous and Tertiary beds, which are thrown into a series of folds running approximately parallel to the mountain ridges. The climate is characterised by very cold winters and hot summers in the upland areas. In the lower highlands winters vary from extremely cold in the north to mild closer to the Makran coast. Summers are hot and dry, especially the arid zones of Chaghai and Kharan districts, and on the plains summer temperatures can reach 50°C. Winters are mild on the plains with the temperature never falling below freezing point, but there can be some very strong windstorms.

The following accounts for this BioProvince have been written or will be written with particular reference to endemic and locally important species. Accounts available are displayed in green or yellow. Those displayed in red are either in the pipeline or awaiting expert contributions.

 

Index
Major Ecosystems
Vascular Plant Flora
Bryophyte Flora
Fungus Flora
Lichen Flora
Invertebrate Fauna
Amphibian Fauna
Reptile Fauna
Bird Fauna
Mammal Fauna
Conservation Status