Freshwater Wetland Ecosystem of Pakistan – Climatic Biome

INTRODUCTION

Freshwater Wetland Biome: It is defined as a diverse variety of areas where the wet soil is covered with standing water. Wetlands are not Estuaries because wetlands don’t have openings to oceans. The rainwater filling up a large shallow hole in the ground is often considered a wetland biome.

Characteristics of Freshwater Wetland Biome: A freshwater wetland biome is a region that holds water below 1% salt concentration and diverse species of animals and plants.

FRESHWATER WETLAND BIOME OF PAKISTAN

Freshwater wetland biome is found everywhere on the Earth that includes streams, ponds, rivers, lakes, rice paddies, etc.

Location of Freshwater Wetland Biome of Pakistan: It is present nearly in every province of Pakistan including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

The major wetland complexes in Pakistan are

• North Western Alpine wetland complex – Northern Areas
• Salt Range Wetland Complex – Punjab
• Central Indus Plain Wetland Complex – Punjab, Sindh,
• Makran Coast Wetland complex – Baluchistan
• Jiwani Wetland Complex – Baluchistan
• Deh Akro-II Desert Wetland Complex – Sindh

The climate of Freshwater Wetland Biome of Pakistan: The climate of the freshwater wetland biome of Pakistan is characterized by a dry sub-tropical climate. Summers are hot and winters are cool. The recorded precipitation ranges from 300 to 800mm. The highest temperature ranges 36-41 °C during summers and the lowest temperature is 0.5-4 °C.

Also check out: Freshwater Ecosystem of Pakistan – Climatic Biome

BIODIVERSITY OF FRESHWATER WETLAND BIOME OF PAKISTAN

The freshwater wetland biome of Pakistan supports an incredible range of biodiversity. There are wildlife sanctuaries, protected and unprotected wetland areas.

FLORA OF FRESHWATER WETLAND ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: PLANTS/VEGETATION

FAUNA OF FRESHWATER WETLAND ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: ANIMALS

The Freshwater Wetland biome of Pakistan hosts a diverse variety of migratory birds.

MIGRATORY BIRDS OF FRESHWATER WETLAND ECOSYSTEM  OF PAKISTAN

For more information: Migratory Birds and Flyways of Pakistan – Location, Seasons

THREATS TO FRESHWATER WETLAND BIOME OF PAKISTAN

Threats to the freshwater wetland biome of Pakistan include anthropogenic activities mainly agriculture activities such as runoff from agricultural sites, application of fertilizers, oil spill, overfishing, using wetlands as waste dumping sites, coral mining, urbanization, water pollution, overgrazing, deforestation, global warming, climate changes, mining, construction, the introduction of invasive species, etc.

The desert wetland complex of Pakistan is a unique wetland ecosystem, provides habitat to endangered wildlife species. It is facing threats due to climate change.

Also read: Threats to Natural Ecosystems – Causes, Effects, Management

IMPORTANCE OF FRESHWATER WETLAND BIOME OF PAKISTAN

The freshwater wetland biome of Pakistan is the most productive ecosystem in the country and due to the Ramsar convention, some wetland sites are recognized internationally. This biome is extremely important for the economy of Pakistan. It provides habitat to wildlife, migratory birds, etc.

For information about other types of Biomes or Ecosystem Zones of Pakistan, check out this list of: Ecosystem Zones and Climatic Biomes of Pakistan.

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