INTRODUCTION
Desert: It is defined as a barren area that has little to no vegetation and less rainfall. The land surface is continuously exposed to hot dry environmental conditions.
Desert Ecosystem: It is an ecosystem with dry environments. The species of plants and animals are well adapted to the ecosystem. The desert ecosystem includes hot desert, semi-arid desert, arid desert, cold desert, and coastal desert.
Characteristics of Desert Ecosystem: This ecosystem is characterized by scant rainfall. There is little precipitation in the desert areas and rare water resources. Drought conditions are prevalent in the desert ecosystem.
Also check out: Tropical Thorn Forest Ecosystem of Pakistan – Climatic Biome
DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN
The desert ecosystem of Pakistan is extremely varied depending upon the location of the desert. There are different types of deserts present in Pakistan. A cold desert ecosystem also exists in Northern Pakistan.
Location of Desert Ecosystem of Pakistan: It is located in Punjab, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan, and Balochistan.
- Cholistan: Punjab – Bhawalpur
- Thal: Punjab – Bhakkar
- Thar: Sindh, Punjab – Sindh Sagar doab, Layyah, Khushab
- Kharan Desert: Baluchistan – Northwest Baluchistan
- Katpana: Cold desert – Gilgit Baltistan – Sakardu
Climate of Desert Ecosystem of Pakistan: The climate of the desert ecosystem is characterized as arid and semi-arid. The temperature ranges from 4 to 40 °C. Winters are mild and summers are extremely hot. The recorded precipitation – rainfall is 250mm.
BIODIVERSITY OF DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN
The desert ecosystem of Pakistan has a unique and diverse variety of animals and plants.
FLORA OF DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: PLANTS/VEGETATION
| Serial No. | Plants Common Name | Scientific Name |
| 1. | Phog | Calligonum polygonoides |
| 2. | Wild Grain Grass | Panicum turgidum |
| 3. | Indian bdellium-tree/ Guggul | Commiphora wightii |
| 4. | Hooked Mimosa | Mimosa hamata |
| 5. | Reonja | Vachellia leucophloea |
| 6. | Gum Acacia | Senegalia senegal |
| 7. | Jhand/ Khejri | Prosopis cineraria |
| 8. | Mustard Tree | Salvadora persica |
| 9. | Athel tree | Tamarix aphylla |
| 10. | Indian Jujube | Ziziphus mauritiana |
FAUNA OF DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN: ANIMALS
| Serial No. | Animal Common Name | Scientific Name |
| 1. | Urial | Ovis vignei |
| 2. | Leopard | Panthera pardus |
| 3. | Chinkara | Gazella bennettii |
| 4. | Blackbuck | Antilope cervicapra |
| 5. | Caracal/Wild Cat | Caracal Caracal |
| 6. | Rufous Trident Bat | Triaenops persicus |
| 7. | Small Mouse-Tailed Bat | Rhinopoma muscatellum |
| 8. | Red Fox | Vulpes vulpes |
| 9. | Missone’s gecko | Rhinogekko misonnei |
| 10. | Striped hyena | Hyaena hyaena |
Also read: Threats to Natural Ecosystems – Causes, Effects, Management
THREATS TO DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN
Desert areas already experience scarcity of water and due to climate change this problem is exacerbating. Water resources are getting depleted leading to the water crisis in Pakistan. The reason is inadequate management and inappropriate consumption. Many areas are now turning into barren lands due to the desertification process influenced by frequent droughts and overgrazing. Global warming is playing its role by inducing drought conditions in the desert ecosystem.
The desert ecosystem hosts wildlife that is decreasing in numbers due to killing, poaching, illegal trade, etc. The introduction of invasive species is a serious threat to plant life. Peacocks are commonly found in Thar desert but their numbers are dwindling as every year hundreds die due to some disease or malnutrition.
Coal mining is another threat to the desert ecosystem that negatively affects the people living in those areas. Soil erosion is common there.
IMPORTANCE OF DESERT ECOSYSTEM OF PAKISTAN
The desert ecosystem of Pakistan is very important for wildlife. Unique species of vultures are present in the desert ecosystem of Pakistan. Desert areas are a source of sand. The desert areas are famous for recreational activities. People also inhabit few places in the desert where there is the availability of water reserves in the form of an oasis. The Cholistan Desert Rally is held annually in the South of Punjab. This shows the landscape beauty of Pakistan.
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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