ABSTRACT
Nara Desert is an arid tract located in Sindh Province, Pakistan between latitudes 26°–28° north and longitude 68°–70° east. Phytogeographically, most of the area falls under the Saharo-Sindian Region, with a small patch of western portion represented by the Indian elements. The area typically possesses xerophytic vegetation. This is a hot sandy desert with the highest temperature with very low and diurnal fluctuation in precipitation. The area is presenting a unique landscape with 267 species including 3 ferns, 1 gymnosperm, and 64 monocots. The present work is thus a contribution of more than 10 years exploration of this xeromorphic landscape. This fragile ecosystem supports human and livestock population by providing fuel, food, fodder, sheltering, ethnomedicine, etc., as natural resources. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of lingering drought, desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion posed serious threats to this area. These factors have exerted an enormous burden on the ecology of the region. Floristic biodiversity, human livelihood, threats, and conservation issues and their some possible measures are discussed in this chapter.
