PJB-2025-414
INVENTORY OF CLIMATE-VULNERABLE FLORA IN THE THAL DESERT, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Abid Hussain
Abstract
Introduction: Climate change poses a major threat to ecosystems worldwide, especially in arid regions such as the Thal Desert of Punjab, Pakistan (31°10′–71°30′ E). This region experiences extreme heat (>45°C), minimal rainfall (<250 mm/year), frequent windstorms, and increasing soil salinity. These environmental stresses significantly reduce plant growth, reproduction, and survival. The Thal Desert hosts 248 plant species, including shrubs, trees, herbs, and grasses that provide fodder, fuelwood, timber, medicinal value, and soil stabilization.
Methodology: Field surveys were conducted from June to September 2025 across six districts: Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Jhang, and Muzaffargarh. Data were collected from 500 respondents, including 200 field experts and 300 elderly residents with long-term ecological knowledge. Structured interviews and questionnaires were used to document species abundance, population decline, and climatic stress factors. Traditional healers contributed information on medicinal plant availability. Field observations and photographs verified species distribution. All data were analyzed descriptively to identify species highly vulnerable to climate stress.
Results: Out of the 248 documented species, 50 were identified as highly climate-vulnerable. Estimated population declines ranged from 60% to 92%. Several key species—including Capparis decidua (92%) and Salvadora oleoides (90%)—showed extremely high vulnerability. The remaining species showed moderate vulnerability (60–79%). These plants are vital for ecosystem functioning, providing fodder, timber, medicinal uses, and soil stabilization.
Conclusion: The flora of the Thal Desert is highly sensitive to climate-induced stressors such as extreme heat, drought, soil salinity, and wind erosion. This study provides essential baseline data on threatened species, their ecological significance, and their socio-economic value. Protecting these climate-vulnerable plants is critical for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and the long-term sustainability of Pakistan’s desert environments.
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