The savanna biome, also known as tropical grassland, is found in the southern hemisphere and in Africa, including South Africa. It comprises dry grasslands, open woodlands and woodland savannas and it’s characterized by hot, wet summers with milder winters. The savanna biome has been estimated to cover about twenty-six per cent of the earth’s land area (about 665 million hectares) and includes tropical grasslands, shrublands, and forest savannas as well as temperate grasslands like the tallgrass prairie and steppes.
About the Savannah Biome
The savanna biome consists of semi-arid grasslands and woodlands. It covers 40% of the land area of South Africa, where it’s most commonly found. The savannah is also found in parts of East and Southern Africa, as well as parts of Central Asia and North America. It should be noted that not all savannahs are alike.
Animals That Live in a Savannah Environment
Animals found in a savannah include large mammals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. These animals are herbivores, meaning they eat plants and grasses to survive. Other animals that live in this environment are hyenas, jackals, leopards, wildebeests, ostriches, and warthogs.
Plants That Live in a Savannah Environment
Different plants will grow in a savanna depending on how much rain it gets, how hot or cold it is, and how dry or wet it is. Some of these plants include acacias, baobabs, candelilla, mesquite trees, and euphorbia. The acacia tree has long trunks that are covered with branches at the top. These trees grow really high and they can also live for hundreds of years.
