Of all the different ecosystems that we can find in nature, the savanna ecosystem is undoubtedly one of the most striking. The peculiarity of the scarce vegetation of the savannah, its arid climate and scarce rainfall, as well as other bioclimatic characteristics, make the savannahs a place brimming with surprising biodiversity. Who has not been amazed to discover in videos and documentaries the wonderful African savannas of the Serengeti (Tanzania), as well as those found in the western region of Australia or the savannas of the New World located in the plains of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.
Continue reading this Green Ecologist article in which you will discover the ecosystem of the savanna, its characteristics, flora and fauna. You will learn the names and main characteristics of the most abundant savanna plants and animals of the savanna.
What is the savanna ecosystem and its characteristics
The savanna is a terrestrial biome, although it can also be seen as a type of terrestrial ecosystem that we can find in hot regions of the planet. They present abundant rains during a single season of the year, while the rest of the year corresponds to times of droughts. They are characterized by being dry regions in which it can be observed in their vegetation that it is a transition zone between jungle and semi-desert ecosystems.
We can find savannas located in both tropical and subtropical areas, as long as the predominant climate is dry. Some of the main characteristics of the savanna climate are:
- The climate is mainly tropical with periods of drought.
- The temperature of the savannah is highly variable, but the total average is about 17ºC.
- During the dry season, which usually lasts about five months, it is estimated that there is a volume of less than 100 mm of rainfall per month.
- Average annual rainfall occurs between 750 mm and 1,300 mm.
Types of sheets
We can find the following classification of savanna ecosystems or savanna types:
Intertropical savannas
They are the best known savanna ecosystems, such as the savannas of East Africa. Its main characteristics include a warm annual climate, with a marked period of drought, a very poor soil in nutrients, a fauna represented by large mammals, birds and insects, as well as a vegetation with very rare trees and predominant grasslands.
Temperate savannas
Commonly known by the name of prairies (a type of terrestrial biome), the temperate savanna ecosystem can be distinguished by its predominance in Central Asia. They appear as large tracts of land whipped by humid winds.
Plants in temperate savannas have deep roots that protect the soil surface, guaranteeing soil fertility and the possible development of more abundant vegetation than in the inter-tropical savannas that we have seen previously.
Semi-arid or Mediterranean savannas
They are found on all continents and are at mid-latitudes. Its climate is similar to the Mediterranean but somewhat semi-arid, so they are areas with little vegetation. In the area of Africa, for example, you can see animals such as giraffes, large elephants, leopards, lions, etc.
Mountainous savannas
Mountainous savanna ecosystems are those found in high mountain areas. They can be found all over the planet, but mainly they are found on the African continent. Another characteristic that further differentiates this type of savanna from the others is that, as it is found in higher areas, it has a higher rate of rainfall, due to this, they are also richer in biodiversity.
Flora of the savanna ecosystem
Between savanna flora The abundant vegetation of the grass and sedge family stands out mainly, reaching up to six meters in height. They appear forming extensive thickets, accompanied by shrubs and trees, generally xerophilous, that is, they are completely adapted to the characteristics of the climate in which they live, being able to withstand harsh times of drought and even when fires break out.
In this way, among the species of savanna plants most outstanding we find:
- Herb "common finger" (Digitaria eriantha).
- Blue-stemmed bluestem herb (genus Bothriochloa).
- Baobabs (genus Adansonia).
- Acacias (genus Acacia).
- Jackal berry tree (Diospyros mespiliformis).
- Candlestick tree (Euphorbia ingens).
- Buffalo thorn bush (Ziziphus mucronata).
Savannah fauna
Without a doubt, the savanna fauna The most abundant and representative is that formed by the ungulates (a group of mammals that walks on the tips of the fingers in the shape of a hoof), among which the following species stand out:
- Antelopes: genders Nanger, Ammodorcas, Raphicerus Y Ourebia in the African savannas; genders Antelope Y Phantolops in savannas of India, Pakistan and Nepal.
- Gazelles: genders Gazella Y Eudorcas in African savannas and genus Procapra in savannas of Asian regions
- Zebras: the species Equus quagga.
- Giraffes: the species Giraffa camelopardalis.
On the other hand, the kings of the African savannah, the lions (Panthera leo), share their hunting grounds with other feline animals, such as leopards (Panthera pardus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), as well as with other species of carnivores, such as the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) and hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), as well as herbivorous animals such as elephants (genus Loxodonta) and rhinos (Diceros bicornis).
Others savanna animals that we can frequently find are the pangolin (genus Manis) and flightless birds such as ostriches (Struthio camelus), the emu (genus Dromaius), and the impressive causal (genus Casuarius). Also noteworthy are the thick-tailed yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata), the caracal or African lynxCaracal caracal), the uombat or wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori).
You can expand this information with this other post by Green Ecologist about What animals live in the African savannah.
If you want to read more articles similar to Savannah ecosystem: characteristics, flora and fauna, we recommend that you enter our Ecosystems category.
Bibliography- Sánchez, P. A. & Ara, M. A. (1991) Potential contribution of improved pastures to the sustainability of savanna and tropical humid forest ecosystems. Memory of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). pp: 1-25.
- Ferran i Andreu, O. & Induráin, J. (2002) Current atlas of universal geography. SPES Editorial, pp: 32-34.
- Writing team. Animals of the savanna. DeAnimalia, Animal Encyclopedia.
