The Central Afghan Mountains xeric woodlands ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1309) covers the xeric (dry) eastern and southern slopes of the central mountain range of Afghanistan, between the sandy desert to the south and the alpine meadows in the higher, wetter region to the north.

There are communities of wild pistachio trees (Pistacia atlantica) at altitudes of 1,150-1,800 meters.

[7] Of conservation interest in the ecoregion is the critically endangered Paghman mountain salamandar (Afghanodon mustersi).

A large saline lake, Ab-i Istada in the ecoregion, is an important migratory stop in the Spring for waterfowl traveling between Siberia and the Ganges Plain of India.

The site has a significant breeding population of American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber).