The Savanna is a type of grasslands biome with scattered trees and shrubs, rainy and dry seasons, and large herds of animals that thrive on the abundant grass and trees.
They are tropical grasslands like those in Africa. It rains and dries seasonally. Trees and plants in savannas can withstand droughts. Rain falls in most savannas, but the forests never grow because something prevents the trees from growing.
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Savanna Facts for Kids
- Savannas are grasslands with scattered bushes and trees
- The savannas of Africa are home to many herbivores and carnivores
- Typically oak trees grow in a temperate savanna.
- The largest savanna biome is located in Africa.
- Zebras, wildebeests, elephants, giraffes, ostriches, gazelles, and buffalo roam the Savanna.
Animals in the Savanna
Animals roam the Savanna, including zebras, wildebeests, elephants, giraffes, ostriches, gazelles, and buffalo.
Predators are also present, including lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, black mambas, and wild dogs.
Predators of the Savanna can run 70 miles per hour and hunt in groups to trap weaker animals.
The different types of animals can survive on the Savanna because different species have adapted to eat different kinds of plants.
Plants in the Savanna
The Savanna is covered in different grasses, including lemongrass and Rhodes grass. Other plants need to store water and energy in their roots, bulbs, or trunks.
Several exotic species have been introduced into savannas around the world, including Prickly Acacia, Rubbervine, Mesquite, Lantana, and Prickly Pear. These species have the potential to significantly alter the structure and composition of savannas worldwide.
Fires in the Savanna
Fires are an important part of the Savanna because they clear out old dead grass and make way for new growth. Overgrazing has destroyed much of the Savanna, and the Sahara desert is expanding into it.
Humans used fire to create and maintain savannas in North America, Australia, New Guinea, India, and the Mediterranean region.
Is the Savanna in danger?
Savanna animals migrate out during the dry season and many of them are endangered because of overhunting and habitat destruction. The Savanna is Africa’s most populous biome.
African Savanna
A large number of herbivores live in the savannas of Africa, including antelopes, impalas, gazelles, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and warthogs. It rains in the summer.
North America
In North America, the word savanna is used to describe tallgrass prairies in a temperate climate (colder than the tropics), and oak trees are the main tree. The Savanna is found in California and Oregon and is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
South America
There are short twisted trees in Brazil’s cerrado forest. Many of the plants and animals here are unique. Some parts of the llanos of Colombia and Venezuela get flooded every year.
Australia
There is also a savanna in northern Australia. Australian savannas are dominated by eucalyptus trees which are one of the main trees in the Savanna. Kangaroos are also commonly found there.
