Precipitation The Thal Desert ’ s rainfall patterns are low and erratic with mean annual values ranging between 150-350mm. The majority of precipitation occurs between the months of June and August however there is high variability across seasons and even years. Total annual rainfall has been seen to progressively decrease from the northern end of the desert to the south. It also displays cyclic fluctuations where two to three years of continued decreased rainfall is followed up by several years of higher precipitation levels. Medicinal purposes also account for another major usage of the plants; for example Harmal is used for indigestion and Kartuma is used to treat wounds. Other uses including thatching huts, building livestock shelters and creating household items such as baskets and dyes. The most commonly used species is the Saccharum with its various uses in sheltering, fodder and making objects. 238x238px|Gram fields in the Thal Desert Most sub-regions of the desert are dominated by one species of plants which is a notable feature of such deserts. The vegetation is also highly dependent on the seasonal rainfall patterns which determine the ability of species to re-establish in the next sufficiently wet monsoon. Most plants that are grown are done so for the sole purpose of soil binding as this helps bind the sandy soil and fertilise it for future generations. Gram (chickpea) is the most successfully cultivated crop in the region ’ s arid conditions and the desert accounts for the bulk of chickpea production in Pakistan. Fauna Livestock plays an important role towards the livelihood of the people in the region, serving as a relatively secure source of income as compared to unpredictable crop yields. The average herd size is 17 standard units and typically consist of goats, sheep, cattle, buffaloes, camels, donkeys, and mules. 191x191px|Turdoides squamiceps (Arabian babbler) The desert ’ s natural wildlife, inclusive of deer, jackals, parrots and wood-peckers, has seen drastic decline since the 1970’s with current numbers nearing extinction. The common (desert) red fox, Kuhl's pipistrelle, Indian desert cat, Chinkara, Indian hare, and Indian hairy-footed gerbil habitats are also present but in very small numbers as result of direct reductions and habitat changes over the last century. Category:Deserts of Pakistan Category:Deserts and xeric shrublands Category:Ecoregions of Pakistan Category:Ergs Category:Geography of Punjab, Pakistan Category:Indomalayan ecoregions Category:Pakistan geography stubs Category:Geography of Pakistan Category
Precipitation The Thal Desert ' s rainfall patterns are low and erratic with mean annual values ranging between 150-350mm. The majority of precipitation occurs between the months of June and August however there is high variability across seasons and even years. Total annual rainfall has been seen to progressively decrease from the northern end of the desert to the south. It also displays cyclic fluctuations where two to three years of continued decreased rainfall is followed up by several years of higher precipitation levels. Medicinal purposes also account for another major usage of the plants; for example Harmal is used for indigestion and Kartuma is used to treat wounds. Other uses including thatching huts, building livestock shelters and creating household items such as baskets and dyes. The most commonly used species is the Saccharum with its various uses in sheltering, fodder and making objects. 238x238px|Gram fields in the Thal Desert Most sub-regions of the desert are dominated by one species of plants which is a notable feature of such deserts. The vegetation is also highly dependent on the seasonal rainfall patterns which determine the ability of species to re-establish in the next sufficiently wet monsoon. Most plants that are grown are done so for the sole purpose of soil binding as this helps bind the sandy soil and fertilise it for future generations. Gram (chickpea) is the most successfully cultivated crop in the region ' s arid conditions and the desert accounts for the bulk of chickpea production in Pakistan. Fauna Livestock plays an important role towards the livelihood of the people in the region, serving as a relatively secure source of income as compared to unpredictable crop yields. The average herd size is 17 standard units and typically consist of goats, sheep, cattle, buffaloes, camels, donkeys, and mules. 191x191px|Turdoides squamiceps (Arabian babbler) The desert ' s natural wildlife, inclusive of deer, jackals, parrots and wood-peckers, has seen drastic decline since the 1970s with current numbers nearing extinction. The common (desert) red fox, Kuhl's pipistrelle, Indian desert cat, Chinkara, Indian hare, and Indian hairy-footed gerbil habitats are also present but in very small numbers as result of direct reductions and habitat changes over the last century. Category:Deserts of Pakistan Category:Deserts and xeric shrublands Category:Ecoregions of Pakistan Category:Ergs Category:Geography of Punjab, Pakistan Category:Indomalayan ecoregions Category:Geography of Pakistan Category
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Category:Pakistan geography stubs