The region is one of high biodiversity, as it includes a full range of altitude zones (from semi-desert low hills at 300 metres (980 ft) to rocky heights over 2,800 metres (9,200 ft)), and variety of habitats included juniper-wooded slopes, montane grasslands, and tugay (riverine thickets).

[1][2][3] The region begins at the western foothills of the Kopet Dag, about 100 km east of the Caspian Sea.

Because the region is surrounded on all sides by desert and semi-desert, the flora and fauna are relatively isolated, with many endemic species.

[6] A characteristic woodland type in the region is the "shiblyak", featuring Turkmen maple (Acer tucomanicum), a short 2-3 meter high tree adapted to the dry conditions and able to regenerate after fire or disturbance.

Other plants tolerate of the low moisture (xerophytes) include the Hawthorne (Crataegus) and Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spina-christi).