Central Asian riparian woodlands
The Central Asian riparian woodlands ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1311) is spread out across the deserts and plains of central Asia between the Aral Sea and the mountains to the east. The long narrow components of the ecoregion follow the large rivers fed by snowmelt, and provide critical habitat for migratory birds as they travel through the arid region. The vegetation is referred to as tugai, characterized by low tangles of trees and brush along the edges of the rivers and associated wetlands, and fed by groundwater instead of precipitation. Location and description. Major river systems that  support habitat for this ecoregion include: Climate. The climate in the surrounding region is "Cold desert climate" (Köppen climate classification (BWk)). This climate features hot desert conditions in the summer, but cooler than hot deserts. Winters are cold and dry. At least one month averages below . The snowmelt from nearby mountains produces flooding in spring through early summer, which is then followed by extremely arid conditions and an increase in soil salinity. Flora and fauna. The woodlands of this ecoregion are a specialized complex of woody-shrubby vegetation known as tugai, which adapts to the extreme continental climate that experiences  very hot summers and very cold winters. For all practical purposes there are no old-growth forests. Trees are typically poplars, willows, dzhidda (a type of silverberry, "Elaeagnus oxycarpa"), and "Tamarix". Underbrush includes sea-buckthorn ("Hippophae rhamnoides"), barberry ("Berberis"), briar roses, honeysuckle, and "Cotoneaster". Reeds and cattails are found extensively in the wetlands. The forest complexes of the ecoregion are often patchy, interspersed with steppe and swamp meadows. Protected areas. Very little of this ecoregion is protected, by some estimates less than 2%. Officially protected areas include: