Ghorat–Hazarajat alpine meadow

The Koh-i-Baba range of mountains is the western extension across Afghanistan of the Hindu Kush mountains. Elevations range from a low of 1,248 metres (4,094 ft) to a high of 4,868 metres (15,971 ft), with an average of 2,970 metres (9,740 ft).[3] The ecoregion to the north is the Paropamisus xeric woodlands (xeric meaning dry), and the ecoregion to the south is the Central Afghan Mountains xeric woodlands.[2]

The climate of the ecoregion is Humid continental climate - Warm, dry summer sub-type (Köppen climate classification Dsb), with large seasonal temperature differentials and a warm summer (no month averaging over 22 °C (72 °F), and at least four months averaging over 10 °C (50 °F). The driest month between April and September has less than 1/3 the precipitation of the wettest month.[5][6]

The vegetation of the ecoregion is predominantly thornbush meadows and alphine grasslands. 72% of the ground in the ecoregion is herbaceous cover or shrubs; the remainder is bare ground.[1] The habitat is considered vulnerable due to livestock grazing and diversion of water sources.[4]

Over 190 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the ecoregion. Only one, however, is endemic - the endangered Afghan brook salamander, which may have a range of less than 10 square kilometers, and number fewer than 2,000 individuals.[4] Birds of conservation interest include the near-threatened Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the vulnerable Pale-backed pigeon (Columba eversmanni), and the endangered Rufous backed bunting (Emberiza jankowskii).[4]

Less than 1% of the ecoregion is officially protected.[3] These protected areas include:

• Band-e Amir National Park