Domnonia Ecosystem

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Prairie

The Prairie Ecosystem covers an extensive area from central Algar, to southwestern Powysia and northwestern Lindinis and across Sendar, with alternating prairie and deciduous forest. The topography is mostly gently rolling plains, but steep bluffs border a number of valleys. Some areas are nearly flat; others have high rounded hills. Elevations range from 300 to 2,000 ft (90 to 600 m).

Climate

Summers are usually hot, and winters are cold, especially in the northern parts of the ecosystem. Average annual temperatures may reach 4C in the north and 16C in the south. Winters are short and relatively mild in southerly areas. The frost-free season ranges from 120 days along the northern fringe to 235 days in the south. Average annual precipitation ranges from 550 to 1,120 mm, falling mainly during the growing season.

Vegetation

Vegetation is characterized by intermingled prairie, groves, and strips of deciduous trees including the Thoris Pine. The alternation of forest and prairie in the northeastern part of the ecosystem is a result of soil conditions and slope; trees are commonly found near streams and on northfacing slopes. The thin soils atop this area's hills support very few trees. In the western part of the ecosystem, however, trees often cover the highest hills. The prairies seem to be areas that have not yet become forested because of frequent fires or time.

Grasses are the dominant vegetation. Most are tall and grow in bunches. The most common type of grassland is stem prairie, dominated by such plants as switchgrass, and Ca'Qu grass, along with many species of wildflowers like the Ahabasil Poppy and Solace Chamomile. In many places where grazing and fire are controlled, deciduous forest is encroaching on the prairies. Due to generally favorable conditions of climate and soil, most of the area is cultivated, and little of the original vegetation remains.

Fauna

In addition to prairie animals that do not need woody vegetation, many forest animals are found in these prairies. They inhabit the wooded valleys that extend across the region, including the Underfall Mink and the Powysia River Otter. On the prairies, ground squirrels and prairie dogs are commonly seen.

Birds of the prairie forests include the Den Jay, Seor Robin, and the Restine Phebe.

Intermountain Semidesert

The Intermountain Semidesert ecosystem covers the geographic areas of Domnonia known as the Domini Badlands and the Northern Plateau in Inlad. Much of this area is made up of separate interior basins; only a small part of precipitation drains to the sea. The lower parts of many basins have heavy accumulations of salts. Streams are rare and few are permanent. Many mountains rise steeply from the semiarid, sagebrush-covered plains. These mountains are generally well covered by vegetation.

Climate

Summers are hot, but winters are only moderately cold. The average annual temperature ranges from 4 to 13C. Spring comes early, except at higher elevations. Annual precipitation averages only 130mm, often falling as winter snow. Almost no rain falls during the summer months except in the mountains.

Vegetation

Sagebrush dominates low lying areas. Other plants in the sagebrush belt are Bitterbrush, and the short-statured Algar Oak. This vegetation tolerates salt to varying degrees, essential to their survival on the poorly drained soils widespread in the region. On soils with the highest concentrations of salt, even these plants are unable to grow; they are replaced by plant communities dominated by mold-like vegetation.

Fauna

Few large mammals live in this ecosystem, but Antrian Hare, mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote occasionally venture into it. Sagebrush provides ideal habitat for Arciule Antelope and prairie dog. The most common species are such small mammals as squirrels, mice, rats, foxes. In the Northern Plateau, some mammals exhibit symptoms of mania during the hot, dry summer.

Bird species range from a larger relative of the Miervatian Burrowing Owl to such specialized species as the Badland Sparrow, found only in this ecosystem.

Malabran Maritime

The Malabran Maritime ecozone covers the mainland ??? coast and Yuril Bay coast. The wettest climates in Domnonia occur on the coast, especially near the mountains on the slopes of the Hiel Isthmus, coasts of Inlad Bay, and the mainland Hiel Range.

Climate

This climate ranges from relatively mild and humid at low elevations to cool and very humid at higher elevations in the mainland. The ecozone has some of the warmest and the wettest climatic conditions in Domnonia. Average annual can temperatures range from 4.5°C in the north to 9°C in the Jgnak region. The mean summer temperature ranges from 10°C in the northwest to 19.5°C in the south. Average winter temperatures range from -0.5°C to 3.5°C. Like the rest of Domnonia, there is little variation between the average monthly temperatures through the year. The annual precipitation ranges from as little as 600 mm in Lawrence Bay Inlet of ??? to over 4000 mm in the Hiel Isthmus region to the northwest. Overall, the zone typically receives 1500-3000 mm of precipitation per year. The Malabran maritime influence is responsible for the high level of precipitation and for the temperature moderation.

Vegetation

The temperate coastal rainforests are home to cedar, cedar, hemlock, Douglas-fir, and Thoris Pine. Many of these trees reach very large dimensions and grow to great ages, forming ancient or old growth forests. Thoris Pine is confined largely to the central portion of the ecozystem.

Fauna

Common mammals include deer, bear, elk, wolf, otter, and raccoon. The Yuril Fox is also a common sight in the region. Bird species found in this area include the Souther Burrowing Owl, and the Miervatian Burrowing Owl. Other representative birds are the Den Jay, and common crow. Marine environments are typified by ??? Sea Lion, seal, and , sperm, grey, killer, and blue whales. Salmon are located throughout this ecosystem. Freshwater from coastal rivers mixing with ocean waters stimulates the occurrence of abundant marine life.