Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert
| Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert | |
|---|---|
Desert in Balkh Province, Afghanistan | |
Ecoregion territory (in yellow) | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Palearctic |
| Biome | Deserts and xeric shrublands |
| Geography | |
| Area | 133,643 km2 (51,600 sq mi) |
| Countries | Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran |
| Coordinates | 36°15′N 63°45′E / 36.25°N 63.75°E |
The Badghyz and Karabil semi-desert ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1306) covers the hills north of the central mountain ranges of Afghanistan, southeast Turkmenistan, and portions of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The landscape has been described as "savannah-like" and reminiscent of Africa, with desert sedges (Carex) and stands of wild pistachio trees (Pistacia vera). The area supports high biodiversity and a number of rare and endemic species, such as the endangered Turkmenian kulan (Equus hemionus kulan).