The African Savanna
An in depth look at the grasses, climate, and wildlife of the Savanna
Savanna Location
Last of the Wild V2
Grasses
The African Savanna is composed mainly of grasses with scattered individual trees and shrubs. The savanna soil is very porous which allows grasses to thrive while other vegetation struggles. "Because the savanna supports such a large number of species competing for living space, usually only one or a few kinds of grass are more successful than the others in a particular area. For example, in drier savannas such as those on the Serengeti plains or Kenya's Laikipia plateau, the dominant grasses on well-drained soils are Rhodes grass and red oat grass; throughout the East African savannas, star grasses are dominant; the lemon grasses are common in many western Uganda savannas." Source: https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/grasslands.php
Savanna Grasses - https://unsplash.com/s/photos/african-savanna
Before and After
"African landscapes experience the highest frequency and density of fires globally. Fire is a key factor governing ecological dynamics in the tropics. Fire has shaped ecosystem and biodiversity of savanna biomes for a long time. Fires in African savannas are the result of an extensive and regular burning practice carried out by thousands of individuals for multiple purposes, including cattle pasturing, hunting, gathering, as well as preventing more damaging fires." Although burn management has been a subject of conflict in the past, public opinion has shifted to view these fires as necessary. Source: (Caillault et al).
Swipe right and left to see a before and after picture of a plot of savanna land that was burned in a brush fire.
Picture Citations
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Climate
"The Savanna biome has a wet/dry climate. In the savanna climate there is a distinct dry season, which is in the winter. Savannas get all their rain in the summer months. During the distinct dry season of a savanna, most of the plants shrivel up and die. Some rivers and streams dry up. Most of the animals migrate to find food. In the wet season all of the plants are lush and the rivers flow freely. The animals migrate back to graze. In West Africa the rainy season begins in May. It is usually cooler during the dry season by a few degrees. Because it is in the tropical latitudes that is still hot enough. The savanna climate has a temperature range of 68° to 86° F (20° - 30° C). In the winter, it is usually about 68° to 78° F (20° - 25° C). In the summer the temperature ranges from 78° to 86° F (25° - 30° C). In a Savanna the temperature does not change a lot. When it does, its very gradual and not drastic. There is an annual precipitation of 10 to 30 inches (100 to 150 cm) of rain. From December to February hardly any rain falls at all." Source: https://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna_climate.php#:~:text=The%20savanna%20climate%20has%20a,does%20not%20change%20a%20lot.
Savanna at different stages in the wet/dry season cycle
Wildlife
"Savannas are home to a wide diversity of animals. The savanna is most popular to herbivores, which can dine on the diverse grasses found there during the wet season. Because there are so many plant eaters, there are also lots of predators. Lions, cheetahs and leopards can all be found co-existing in African savannas. You can also find jackals, hyenas and predatory birds. Many animals of the savanna migrate throughout the year, searching for food and water. Many of the droughts are seasonal and hit one area before another, so animals are constantly following the rains. In order to do this, animals must have long, strong legs or wings that allow them to move – and move quickly – when the need arises. Some animals do this with size, such as the elephant or buffalo. Some do it with speed, such as the gazelle and antelope." Source: https://askabiologist.a su.edu/animals-savanna
A cheetah stands in the grass of the western African savanna - https://unsplash.com/s/photos/african-wildlife
National Parks
Check out the numerical markers on the Map Tour to the right to learn about national parks on the savanna.
Poaching
Click on the video to learn more about the illegal hunting of animals on the savanna.
Safari Tours
Browse this site to learn about some of the best safaris you can join to explore the savanna.
