Savannah natural area. Savannas of Africa and around the world: photos, videos

Savannahs - spaces in subequatorial belt, covered with herbaceous vegetation with sparsely scattered trees and shrubs. Typical for subequatorial climate with a sharp division of the year into dry and rainy seasons.

Savannahs are climatic regions characteristic of more elevated tropical countries with dry continental climate. Unlike true steppes, savannas, in addition to grasses, also contain shrubs and trees, sometimes growing as a whole forest, as, for example, in Brazil. Savannahs have a lot in common with the steppe, which is located in temperate latitudes, both in terms of moisture regime and living conditions. As in steppe zone, the inhabitants have to adapt to high temperature air in one season and low rainfall in the dry season.

The herbaceous vegetation of savannas consists mainly of tall, tough-leathered grasses; other perennial herbs and shrubs are mixed with the cereals, and in damp places flooded in the spring - also various representatives sedge family. Shrubs grow in savannas, sometimes in large thickets, occupying an area of ​​many square meters. Savannah trees are usually short-growing; the tallest of them are no taller than our fruit trees, which they are very similar to with their crooked stems and branches. Trees and shrubs are sometimes entwined with vines and overgrown with epiphytes. There are few bulbous, tuberous and fleshy plants in savannas. Lichens, mosses and algae are found in savannas only on rocks and trees.

Brazilian savannas are light, rare forests, where you can freely walk and drive in any direction; the soil in such forests is covered with herbaceous and semi-shrub vegetation up to 1 meter in height. In savannas of other countries, trees do not grow at all or are extremely rare and are very stunted. The grass cover is also sometimes very low, even pressed to the ground.

At the end of dry seasons, fires often occur in savannas. Some plants are able to survive in such conditions, for example, the baobab is distinguished by a thick, fire-protected trunk that, like a sponge, can store water reserves. Its long roots absorb moisture deep underground. Acacia has a wide, flat crown that creates shade for the leaves growing below, thereby protecting them from drying out.

Many areas of the savannah are now used for cattle ranching, and wild life there has completely disappeared. However, in the African savannah there are huge national parks where wild animals still live.

• Savannas are spaces in the subequatorial belt, covered with herbaceous vegetation with sparsely scattered trees and shrubs. Typical of a subequatorial climate with a sharp division of the year into dry and rainy seasons.

  Savannas are climatic regions characteristic of more elevated tropical countries with a dry continental climate. Unlike true steppes, savannas, in addition to grasses, also contain shrubs and trees, sometimes growing as a whole forest, as, for example, in Brazil. Savannas have a lot in common with the steppe, which is located in temperate latitudes, both in terms of moisture regime and living conditions. As in the steppe zone, the inhabitants have to adapt to high air temperatures in one season and low rainfall in the dry season.

  The herbaceous vegetation of savannas consists mainly of tall, tough-leathered grasses; mixed with the cereals are other perennial herbs and shrubs, and in damp places flooded in the spring, also various representatives of the sedge family. Shrubs grow in savannas, sometimes in large thickets, occupying an area of ​​many square meters. Savannah trees are usually short-growing; the tallest of them are no taller than our fruit trees, which they are very similar to with their crooked stems and branches. Trees and shrubs are sometimes entwined with vines and overgrown with epiphytes. There are few bulbous, tuberous and fleshy plants in savannas. Lichens, mosses and algae are found in savannas only on rocks and trees.

  Brazilian savannas are light, sparse forests where you can walk and drive freely in any direction; the soil in such forests is covered with herbaceous and semi-shrub vegetation up to 1 meter in height. In savannas of other countries, trees do not grow at all or are extremely rare and are very stunted. The grass cover is also sometimes very low, even pressed to the ground.

  At the end of dry seasons, fires often occur in savannas. Some plants are able to survive in such conditions, for example, the baobab is distinguished by a thick, fire-protected trunk that, like a sponge, can store water reserves. Its long roots absorb moisture deep underground. Acacia has a wide, flat crown that creates shade for the leaves growing below, thereby protecting them from drying out.

  Many areas of the savannah are now used for cattle ranching, and wild life there has completely disappeared. However, in the African savannah there are huge national parks where wild animals still live.

The middle region with an abundance of large animals. This is how the savannah can be characterized. This biotope is located between wet and dry deserts. The transition from one to another gave the world grassy steppes with single trees or groups of them. Umbrella crowns are typical.

Life in savannas is characterized by seasonality. There is a rainy season and a dry season. The latter causes some animals to hibernate or burrow underground. This is the time when the savannah seems to calm down.

During the rainy season, under the influence of the tropics, the steppes, on the contrary, abound with manifestations of life and flourish. It is during the wet period that fauna representatives reproduce.

Animals of the African savannah

There are savannas on three continents. Biotopes are united by their location, openness of spaces, seasonality of climate and precipitation. The savannahs are different different corners globe animals and plants.

In the steppes of Africa there are many palm trees, mimosas, acacias and baobabs. Interspersed with tall grasses, they occupy almost half the area of ​​the mainland. Such space determines the richest fauna African savannas.

African buffalo

The largest recorded individual weighed 2 kilos less than a ton. The standard weight of an ungulate is 800 kilograms. The African one reaches 2 meters in length. Unlike its Indian counterpart, the animal was never domesticated. Therefore, African individuals are distinguished by their ferocity.

According to statistics, buffaloes killed more hunters than other animals of the continent's steppes. Like elephants, African ungulates remember offenders. Buffaloes attack them even after years, remembering that people once attempted to kill them.

The strength of a buffalo is 4 times greater than that of a bull. The fact was established when checking the draft power of animals. It becomes clear how easily a buffalo can kill a person. In 2012, for example, an African ungulate killed Owain Lewis. He owned a safari in Zambezia. For three days the man tracked the wounded animal. Having outwitted the man, the buffalo ambushed him.

In a herd of buffaloes, the males rule and protect the cubs and females.

Greater Kudu

This is a horned antelope, 2 meters long and weighing 300 kilograms. The height of the animal is 150 centimeters. Among the antelopes, this is one of the largest. Externally, it is distinguished by spiral-shaped horns. Brown coat with transverse white stripes on the sides and light markings extending from the center of the muzzle to the eyes.

Despite their size, kudu are excellent jumpers, over 3-meter obstacles. However, the African antelope is not always able to escape from hunters and predators. Having rushed at a speed of several hundred meters, the kudu always stops to look around. This delay is enough for a fatal shot or bite.

Elephant

These are the largest animals among land animals. African ones are also the most aggressive. There is also an Indian subspecies. He, like the eastern buffalo, is domesticated. African elephants are not in the service of humans; they are larger than others, weighing 10 or even 12 tons.

There are 2 subspecies of elephants. One is forest. The second is called savannah, based on the place of residence. Steppe individuals are larger and have triangular-shaped ears. In forest elephants it is rounded.

The trunk of elephants replaces both the nose and the hand to put food in the mouth

Giraffe

Once upon a time, Africans made shields from giraffe skin, the animal’s cover was so durable and dense. Veterinarians in zoos are unable to give injections to sick animals. That's why we created special apparatus, literally shooting syringes. This is the only way to penetrate the skin of giraffes, and not everywhere. They aim at the chest. Here the cover is the thinnest and most delicate.

Standard height is 4.5 meters. The animal's stride is slightly shorter. It weighs approximately 800 kilograms. At the same time African savannah animals reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Grant's Gazelle

The height itself is 75-90 centimeters. The horns of the animal are extended to 80 centimeters. The outgrowths are lyre-shaped and have a ring structure.

Grant's gazelle has learned to survive without water for weeks. The ungulate is content with crumbs of moisture from plants. Therefore, in times of drought, gazelles do not rush after zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes. Grant's individuals remain in abandoned, desert lands. This protects the gazelles, because predators also follow the bulk of the ungulates to watering holes.

Rhinoceros

These animals living in the savannah, are the second largest land creatures, yielding the palm to elephants. The height of rhinoceroses is 2 meters, and the length is 5. The weight of the animals is 4 tons.

The African has 2 growths on the nose. The back one is underdeveloped, more like a bump. The anterior horn is complete. The outgrowths are used in fights for females. The rest of the time, rhinoceroses are peaceful. Animals feed exclusively on grass.

African ostrich

The largest among flightless birds, it weighs about 150 kilograms. One ostrich egg is equal in size to 25 chicken eggs of the first category.

In Africa they move in 3-meter steps. Birds cannot take off not only because of their weight. The animals have shortened wings, and the plumage resembles down, loose. This cannot resist air currents.

Zebra

For insects striped zebras resemble bees or some kind of poisonous hornets. That’s why you won’t see blood-sucking horses near African horses. The midge is afraid to approach zebras.

If it is overtaken by a predator, the horse runs away along a zigzag path. It looks like the movements of a hare. It doesn’t so much confuse the tracks as make it more difficult to catch itself. Throwing itself at its prey, the predator flops to the ground. The zebra is on the sidelines. The predator wastes time rearranging itself.

Animal life in the savannah gregarious. The leader is always the male. He moves ahead of the herd, bending his head to the ground.

Oryx

Otherwise called oryx. A large antelope gains weight up to 260 kilograms. At the same time, the height of the animal at the withers is 130-150 centimeters. Horns add height. They are longer than other antelopes, stretching out to a meter or more. Most oryx subspecies have straight and smooth horns. There is something like a mane on the oryx's neck. Starting from the middle of the tail, they grow long hair. This makes antelopes look like horses.

Blue wildebeest

Having eaten them in some pastures, they rush to others. At this time, the necessary herbs are restored first. Therefore, wildebeest lead a nomadic lifestyle.

The blue ungulate is named due to the color of its coat. In fact the color is grey. However, it casts blue. Wildebeest calves are rather beige, painted in warm colors.

The wildebeest is capable of dashing at speeds of 60 km/h

Leopard

These animals African savannah similar to cheetahs, but larger and not capable of record speeds. It is especially difficult for sick and old leopards. They are the ones who become cannibals. Man for wild beast- easy prey. It’s simply not possible to catch a friend.

Young and healthy are not only capable of killing a frisky and cautious animal. Wild cats carcasses twice their weight are harvested. Leopards manage to drag this mass into the trees. There, the meat is out of reach of jackals and others who want to profit from someone else's prey.

Warthog

Being a pig, it dies without grass. It forms the basis of the animal's diet. Therefore, the first individuals brought to zoos died. The pets were fed the same as ordinary wild boars and domestic pigs.

When the diet of warthogs was revised to include at least 50% plants, the animals began to feel good and live on average 8 years longer than in wildlife.

Sharp fangs protrude from the warthog's mouth. Their standard length is 30 centimeters. Sometimes the fangs are twice as large. Having such a weapon, warthogs protect themselves from predators, but do not use it in fights with relatives. This indicates the organization of the herds and careful attitude to other pigs.

Lion

Among the cats, he is the tallest and most massive. The weight of some individuals reaches 400 kilograms. Part of the weight is the mane. The length of the hair in it reaches 45 centimeters. At the same time, the mane can be dark and light. Owners of the latter, who are genetically less wealthy in male terms, have a more difficult time leaving offspring. However, dark-maned individuals do not tolerate heat well. Therefore, natural selection “leaned” towards the average.

Some lions lead a solitary life. However, most cats unite in prides. There are always several females in them. There is usually only one male in a pride. Sometimes there are families with several males.

Lions' vision is many times sharper than that of humans.

Horned Raven

Refers to the hoopoe-like hornbills. There is a protrusion above the beak. It, like the plumage, is black. However, the African Crow has bare skin around its eyes and neck. It is wrinkled, red, and forms like a goiter.

Unlike many hornbills, the African crow is a predator. The bird hunts snakes, mice, and lizards, throwing them into the air and killing them with a blow from its powerful, long beak. Together with it, the length of the raven's body is approximately a meter. The bird weighs about 5 kilograms.

Crocodile

Among crocodiles, the African is the largest. About savannah animals they are said to reach 9 meters in length, weighing about 2 tons. However, the officially registered record is only 640 centimeters and 1,500 kilograms. Only males can weigh this much. Females of the species are about a third smaller.

African skin is equipped with receptors that determine the composition of water, pressure, and temperature changes. Poachers are interested in the quality of the reptile's cover. The skin of African individuals is famous for its density, relief, and durability.

Guinea fowl

It has taken root on many continents, but is native to Africa. Externally, the bird is similar to a turkey. It is believed that the latter originated from the guinea fowl. Hence the conclusion: African poultry also has dietary and tasty meat.

Like the turkey, the guinea fowl is a large galliform. The bird weighs 1.5-2 kilograms. In the savannas of Africa, guinea fowl are found. In general, there are 7 types of them.

Hyena

They live in packs. Alone, animals are cowardly, but together with their relatives they even go after lions, taking their prey. The leader leads the hyenas into battle. He holds his tail higher than other relatives. The most powerless hyenas almost drag their tails along the ground.

The leader of a pack of hyenas is usually the female. The inhabitants of the savannas have a matriarchy. Females are rightfully respected, since among predators they are recognized as the best mothers. Hyenas feed their cubs milk for almost 2 years. Females are the first to let their children approach the prey, and only then do they allow males to approach.

Animals of the American Savannas

American savannas are primarily grasslands. There are also a lot of cacti there. This is understandable, because steppe expanses are typical only for the southern continent. Savannahs are usually called pampas here. Querbacho grows in them. This tree is famous for the density and strength of the wood.

Jaguar

In America, he is the largest cat. The length of the animal reaches 190 centimeters. The average one weighs about 100 kilograms.

Among cats, the jaguar is the only one that cannot roar. This applies to all 9 species of predator. Some of them live in Northern. Other - savannah animals South America .

Maned wolf

More like a long-legged fox. The animal is red, with a sharp muzzle. Genetically, the species is transitional. Accordingly, the “link” between wolves and foxes is a relic that has managed to survive millions of years. You can meet a maned wolf only in the pampas.

The height of the mane at the withers is about 90 centimeters. The predator weighs approximately 20 kilograms. Transitional features can be seen literally in the eyes. With a seemingly fox-like face, they are wolf-like. Red cheaters have vertical pupils, while wolves have normal pupils.

Puma

Can "argue" with a jaguar, what animals are in the savannah America is the fastest. picks up speed at 70 kilometers per hour. Representatives of the species are born spotted, like jaguars. However, as they mature, cougars “lose” their markings.

When hunting, cougars overtake victims in 82% of cases. Therefore, when faced with a one-color cat, herbivores shake like an aspen leaf, even though there are no aspens in the savannas of America.

Armadillo

It has a scaly shell, which makes it stand out among other mammals. Among them, the armadillo is considered inferior. Accordingly, the animal roamed the planet millions of years ago. Scientists believe that it was not only their shell that helped armadillos survive, but also their pickiness in food. Savannah inhabitants feed on worms, ants, termites, snakes, and plants.

When hunting snakes, they press them to the ground, cutting them with the sharp edges of the plates of their shell. By the way, it folds into a ball. This is how armadillos escape from offenders.

Vizcacha

This is a large South American rodent. The length of the animal reaches 60 centimeters. Vizcacha weighs 6-7 kilograms. The animal looks like a large mouse-rat hybrid. The color is gray with a white belly. There are also light marks on the rodent's cheeks.

South American rodents live in families of 2-3 dozen individuals. They hide from predators in holes. The passages are distinguished by wide “doors” of about a meter.

Ocelot

This is a small spotted cat. The length of the animal is not more than a meter, weighs 10-18 kilograms. Most ocelots live in the southern tropics. However, some individuals settle in the pampas, finding areas with trees.

Like other cats of the South American savannas, they lead a solitary lifestyle. Cats meet with their relatives only for mating.

Nandu

It is called the American ostrich. However, the overseas bird belongs to the order of rheas. All birds entering it call “nan-doo” during mating. Hence the name of the animal.

Wildlife of the savannah Rheas are decorated in groups of about 30 individuals. Males in families are responsible for building the nest and caring for the chicks. The “houses” are being built in different “corners” of the savannah.

Females move from nest to nest, mating with all the males in turn. The ladies also lay their eggs in different “houses”. One nest can accumulate up to 8 dozen capsules from different females.

Tuco-tuco

“Tuko-tuko” is the sound made by the animal. His small eyes are “turned up” almost onto his forehead, and his small rodent ears are buried in the fur. Otherwise, the tuco-tuco is similar to a bush rat.

The tuco-tuco is somewhat more massive than the bush rat and has a shorter neck. The animals do not exceed 11 centimeters in length and weigh up to 700 grams.

Animals of the Australian savannah

For Australian savannas typically woodland of eucalyptus. Also in the steppes of the continent grow casuarinas, acacias and bottle trees. The latter have expanded, like blood vessels, trunks. Plants store moisture in them.

Dozens of relict animals roam among the greenery. They make up 90% of Australia's fauna. The continent was the first to separate from the single continent of antiquity Gondwana, isolating the bizarre animals.

Emu

Like the South American rhea, it is not related to ostriches, although it is similar in appearance to Africans. In addition, the flightless birds of Africa are aggressive and shy. They are curious, friendly, and easy to tame. Therefore, they prefer to breed Australian birds on ostrich farms. So it’s difficult to buy a real ostrich egg.

Being a little smaller African ostrich, the emu takes 270 cm steps. The speed developed by the Australians is 55 kilometers per hour.

Dragon of Komodo Island

The large reptile was discovered in the 20th century. Having learned about a new species of lizards, the Chinese, obsessed with the cult of the dragon, flocked to Komodo. They mistook the new animals for fire-breathing animals, and began killing them to make magical potions from the bones, blood, and sinews of dragons.

The farmers who settled the land were also destroyed from Komodo Island. Large reptiles attempted to kill domestic goats and pigs. However, in the 21st century, dragons are protected and are listed in the International Red Book.

Wombat

It looks like a small bear cub, but in fact it is a marsupial. A wombat is one meter long and can weigh up to 45 kilos. With such a mass and compactness, the bear cub looks short-legged, however, it is capable of reaching a speed of 40 kilometers per hour.

It not only runs briskly, but also digs holes in which it lives. The underground passages and halls are spacious and can easily accommodate an adult.

Ant-eater

Long and narrow muzzle. Even longer tongue. Lack of teeth. This is how the anteater adapted to extract termites. The animal also has a long and prehensile tail. With its help, the anteater climbs trees. The tail serves as a rudder and grabs branches when jumping.

It clings to the bark with long, powerful claws. Even jaguars are afraid of them. When a 2-meter ant stands on its hind legs, spreading its clawed front legs, the predators prefer to retreat.

Australian anteater called . There are subspecies living in Central America. Regardless of the continent where anteaters live, their body temperature is 32 degrees. This is the lowest rate among mammals.

Echidna

Outwardly it resembles a cross between a hedgehog and a porcupine. However, the echidna has no teeth and the animal’s mouth is very small. But, tropical savannah animals stand out with a long tongue, competing with the anteater for food, that is, termites.

Lower mammal is monotreme, that is, the reproductive tract and intestines are connected. This is the structure of some of the first mammals on Earth. have existed for 180 million years.

Lizard Moloch

The reptile's appearance is Martian. The lizard is painted in yellow-brick tones, covered in pointed growths. The reptile's eyes are like stone. Meanwhile, these are not guests from Mars, but Savannah animals.

The indigenous Australians nicknamed Moloch the Horned Devils. In the old days, human sacrifices were made to the strange creature. In modern times, the lizard itself can become the victim. It is included in the Red Book.

The lizard reaches 25 centimeters in length. In moments of danger, the lizard appears larger because it can swell. If someone tries to attack Moloch, turn the reptile over, its spines cling to the soil surrounding the plants.

Dingo dog

He is not an indigenous inhabitant of Australia, although he is associated with it. The animal is considered a descendant of feral dogs brought to the continent by people from Southeast Asia. They arrived in Australia about 45 thousand years ago.

The dogs that escaped from the Asians chose not to seek shelter from humans anymore. There was not a single large placental predator in the vastness of the continent. Foreign dogs have filled this niche.

They are usually about 60 centimeters tall and weigh up to 19 kilograms. Physique wild dog resembles a hound. At the same time, males are larger and denser than females.

Opossum

On its tail there is a tassel of wool, like a jerboa. The pompom's hairs are black, like the rest of the marsupial's cover. Having been born as such, it is better to be a female. Males die after the first mating. Females don't kill partners like praying mantises, that's just the way they are life cycle male individuals.

Savannah animals of Australia climb trees standing in the steppes. Tenacious claws help. At higher elevations, the rat catches birds, lizards, and insects. Sometimes the marsupial encroaches on small mammals, fortunately, the dimensions allow.

Marsupial mole

Deprived of eyes and ears. The incisors protrude from the mouth. The paws have long, spade-shaped claws. This is what a marsupial mole looks like at first glance. In fact, the animal has eyes, but they are tiny, hidden in the fur.

Marsupial moles are miniature, not exceeding 20 centimeters in length. However, the dense body underground inhabitants Savannah can weigh about one and a half kilograms.

Kangaroo

The choice of a partner in a population is somewhat similar to human interests. Female kangaroos choose beefier males. Therefore, males take poses similar to those shown by bodybuilders at performances. By flexing their muscles, kangaroos assert themselves and look for their chosen ones.

Although it is a symbol of Australia, some individuals end up on the tables of its residents. As a rule, it feeds on marsupial meat indigenous people continent. Colonizers disdain kangaroo meat. But tourists are showing interest in it. How can you visit Australia and not try an exotic dish?

Australia's savannas are the greenest. The most dry steppes are the steppes of Africa. Middle option - American savannah. Due to anthropogenic factors, their areas are shrinking, depriving many animals of places to live. In Africa, for example, many animals live within national parks and were almost exterminated behind their “fences.”

There are ten different natural zones on earth and one of them is the savannah zone. The most famous is the African savannah. Here you will find photos, and interesting video about those who live in the savannah. See: “famous animals and plants of the savannas of Africa”, as well as about such climate features of this natural zone as the rainy season and the dry season.

Well, now let's talk about everything in order. The Earth has 10 different biomes - biological systems with specific species of plants and animals that live in their own climate region. One of these biomes is the tropical savanna. This climate community extends throughout southern hemisphere, in particular in East Africa, in southern Brazil and northern Australia. Tropical savannas often turn into deserts or dry tropical forests, and can also be found in tropical meadows.

Temperature and climate of savannas. Tropical savanna biomes have two clearly defined seasons. As a rule, they are called the “winter” season and the “summer” season. These seasons are not accompanied by extreme rises and falls in temperature and are associated with seasonal differences. In fact, all tropical savannas are located in warm or hot climatic zones, predominantly in latitudes from 5 to 10 and from 15 to 20. Annual temperatures range from 18 degrees to 32 degrees. The increase in temperature usually occurs very gradually.

Diorama “Africa” (photo by S. V. Leonov). Most people associate the word “Africa” primarily with the African savannah.

Winter is the dry season. Winter is the dry season in the biome tropical savannah. This season usually lasts from November to April. During this season, savannas typically receive an average of only four inches of rainfall. During most of this time, usually from December to February, there may be absolutely no rain in the savannahs. This is usually the coolest time of the year. Average temperature- about 21 degrees. The dry season is usually heralded by severe thunderstorms in October and subsequent strong winds that dry out the air and bring dry air masses. During January, at the height of the dry season, fires often occur in the savannahs.

The dry season is the period of great migrations.

Summer is the rainy season. The hot humidity of the rainy seasons in the savannas influenced the fact that this natural area began to be classified as tropical. Heavy rains start in May or June. From May to October, the savannas receive the most rainfall (10 to 30 inches). Humid air, rising from the ground, encounters a cold atmosphere and rain occurs. In summer, in the afternoon, heavy and numerous precipitation falls in the savannas. Plants and animals of the savanna have adapted to living in semi-aquatic conditions during this time, and the porous soil of the savanna helps rain drain quickly.

It's the rainy season, no doubt. best time years in the savannah.

Everywhere you look, it’s pure idyll!

Here, I think, comments are unnecessary! The baby elephant definitely had a happy childhood.

Seasonal effects. During the summer rainy seasons, the savannah has dense and lush grasslands. Many of the biome's inhabitants breed at this time, since mother's milk depends on a variety of herbs. During the dry season, many animals migrate, while others continue to feed on the grasses of the savannah, and in turn are eaten by carnivores. Savanna plants, with deep roots, fire-resistant bark and systems for conducting water during long dry periods, are specially adapted to survive the dry season.

Giant baobab trees on the island of Madagascar.

Savanna soils depend greatly on how long the rainy season is. Red-brown soils are typical for savannas. They form where the rainy season lasts less than 6 months. Closer to equatorial forests It rains for 7-9 months and is dominated by red ferrallitic soils. In lands close to deserts and semi-deserts, the rainy season can last only 2-3 months, and unproductive soils with a thin layer of humus are formed here.

Video film: “The fauna of the African savannah.” A series of films about nature.

Those who live in the savannah - brave people. Just look how hard it was for Bear Grylls here.

A few more photos: animals of the savannah.

African elephant.

This handsome guy's name is Marabou. They live only in Africa and thank God.

Savannah(otherwise campos or llanos) are steppe-like places characteristic of more elevated tropical countries with a dry continental climate. Unlike real steppes (as well as North American prairies), savannas, in addition to grasses, also contain shrubs and trees, sometimes growing as a whole forest, as, for example, in the so-called “campos cerrados” of Brazil. The herbaceous vegetation of savannas consists mainly of tall (up to ⅓-1 meter) dry and tough-skinned grasses, usually growing in turf; mixed with the cereals are turfs of other perennial grasses and subshrubs, and in damp places flooded in the spring, also various representatives of the sedge family. Shrubs grow in savannas, sometimes in large thickets, occupying an area of ​​many square meters. Savannah trees are usually short-growing; the tallest of them are no taller than our fruit trees, which they are very similar to with their crooked stems and branches. Trees and shrubs are sometimes entwined with vines and overgrown with epiphytes. There are few bulbous, tuberous and fleshy plants in savannas, especially in the burning continent. Lichens, mosses and algae are found extremely rarely in savannas, only on stones and trees.

General characteristics of savannas

The general appearance of savannas is different, which depends, on the one hand, on the height of the vegetation cover, and on the other hand, on the relative amount of grasses, other perennial grasses, subshrubs, shrubs and trees; for example, the Brazilian savanas (“campos cerrados”) represent actually light, sparse forests, where you can freely walk and drive in any direction; the soil in such forests is covered with herbaceous (and semi-shrub) plant cover ½ and even 1 meter high. In savannas of other countries, trees do not grow at all or are extremely rare and are very stunted. The grass cover is also sometimes very low, even pressed to the ground. A special form of savannah is made up of the so-called llanos of the Republic of Venezuela, where trees are either completely absent or found in limited numbers, with the exception of damp places where palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa, Corypha inermis) and other plants form entire forests (however, these forests do not belong to to savannas); in the llanos there are sometimes single specimens of Rhopala (trees from the family Proteaceae) and other trees; sometimes the grains in them form a cover as tall as a person; Between the cereals grow Compositae, legumes, Lamiaceae, etc. During the rainy season, many llanos are flooded by floods of the Orinoco River.

Savannah vegetation is generally adapted to a dry continental climate and to periodic droughts, which occur in many savannas for months at a time. Cereals and other herbs rarely form creeping shoots, but usually grow in tussocks. The leaves of cereals are narrow, dry, hard, hairy or covered with a waxy coating. In cereals and sedges, young leaves remain rolled into a tube. Tree leaves are small, hairy, shiny (“varnished”) or covered with a waxy coating. The vegetation of savannas generally has a pronounced xerophytic character. Many species contain large amounts essential oils, especially the species of the families Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae of the flaming continent. The growth of some perennial herbs, semi-shrubs (and shrubs) is especially peculiar, namely in that the main part of them, located in the ground (probably the stem and roots), grows strongly into an irregular tuberous woody body, from which then numerous, mostly unbranched or weakly branched, offspring. During the dry season, savannah vegetation freezes; savannas turn yellow, and dried out plants are often exposed to fires, as a result of which the bark of trees is usually scorched. With the onset of rains, the savannas come to life, becoming covered with fresh greenery and speckled with numerous different flowers.

Savannas are characteristic of the burning continent itself, but in other countries one can point out many places that are very similar in the nature of their vegetation to savannas. Such, for example, are the so-called Campine in the Congo (in Africa); in South Africa, some places are covered with vegetation consisting mainly of grasses (Danthonia, Panicum, Eragrostis), other perennial grasses, shrubs and trees (Acacia horrida), so that such places resemble both the prairies of North America and the savannas of the burning continent; similar places are found in Angola.

The eucalyptus forests of Australia are quite similar to the "campos cerratos" of the Brazilians; they are also light and so sparse (the trees are far apart from one another and do not meet with crowns) that it is easy to walk in them and even drive in any direction; the soil in such forests in the rainy season is covered with green thickets, consisting mainly of cereals; During the dry season, the soil is exposed.

In areas located a few degrees north and south of the equator, the climate is usually very dry. However, during certain months it gets very hot and rainy. Such places, located throughout the world, are called savannah zones. This name comes from the African savanna, which is the largest region with this type of climate. When the rain comes The savannah zones are located between the two tropics - lines where twice a year the sun at noon is exactly at its zenith. At such a time it becomes much hotter there and this causes much more evaporation. sea ​​water, which leads to heavy rains. In the areas of savannas located closest to the equator, the sun is exactly at its zenith at intermediate points of the year (March and September), so that one rainy season is separated by several months. In the savannah areas furthest from the equator, both rainy seasons are so close in time to each other that they practically merge into one. The duration of the rainy period is from eight to nine months, and at the equatorial borders - from two to three. What grows in the savanna? Living conditions in the savannah are very harsh. The soil contains little nutrients, during dry seasons it dries out, and during wet seasons it becomes swampy. In addition, fires often occur there at the end of dry seasons. Plants that have adapted to savannah conditions are very cruel.

Thousands of different herbs grow there. But trees, in order to survive, need some specific qualities to protect them from drought and fire. For example, the baobab tree is distinguished by a thick, fire-protected trunk that, like a sponge, can store water reserves. Its long roots absorb moisture deep underground. Acacia has a wide, flat crown that creates shade for the leaves growing below, thereby protecting them from drying out.

Savannah Wild Life Many areas of the savannah are now used for ranching and wild life there has completely disappeared. However, in the African savannah there are huge national parks where wild animals still live. Savannah animals were forced to adapt to survive in drought conditions. Large herbivores, such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants and rhinoceroses, are capable of traveling great distances and, if a place became too dry, they went to where it rained and where there was a lot of vegetation. Predators such as lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunted the wandering herds of animals. It is difficult for small animals to go in search of water, so they prefer to hibernate throughout the dry season. This is called summer hibernation.

These are flat or slightly rolling plains, where open, grassy areas alternate with groups of trees or dense thickets of thorny bushes. During the rainy season, the savanna is covered with tall grass, which turns yellow and burns out with the onset of the dry season. Agriculture in the savanna area is almost undeveloped, and the main occupation of the local population is cattle breeding.

Soils and vegetation cover

In savannas, soils are developed, collectively called red-brown; when distinguishing them into a special type, they use geographical characteristics, i.e. they include open areas with grassy cover. They are characterized by a greater or lesser content of humus from the decomposition of herbaceous vegetation, as a result of which such soils are rich in nutrients. In soils of periodic moisture, in savannas, the processes of enrichment with sesquioxides occur more vigorously than in the red soils of tropical rainforests, and often lead to the formation of a shell, that is, a hard crust on the surface, or the fertile granular structure of the soil mentioned above.

In savannas, the sharp seasonality of precipitation is reflected in the processes of soil formation: during the rainy period, rapid and vigorous leaching of soil occurs, while in the dry period, due to the strong heating of the surface layers, the reverse process occurs - the rise of soil solutions. Therefore, humus accumulates to a greater extent in dry savannas and steppes with a long rainless period. Savannah soils, depending on the amount of precipitation and the duration of the dry period, are very diverse, forming transitions from lateritic and red-brown soils of cereal savannas to black and chernozem soils of dry savannas. Depending on the combination of climatic and soil conditions, as well as the topography, savannas are distinguished by a wide variety of plant communities and overall character aspects.

Basic processes of soil formation

Soils develop on ancient continental leveling surfaces in two-season climate zones with annual precipitation of 400-500 mm. In terms of humidity, the climate is arid, with an average annual temperature of + 19°, +22°, an average January temperature of +24°, +27°, and of July + 14°, +17°.

The soils are red-brown subarid with carbonate nodules on ancient crusts and brown tropical subarid. They are distributed mainly on the East African plateau, the Ethiopian highlands, in the Kalahari depression, and also in the Sahel zone (on the border with the Sahara). The soils develop in arid tropical conditions with a dry season of 4-6 months, with annual precipitation from 200 to 500 mm, and in the Guinean part - up to 700 mm. The average annual temperature reaches + 26°, +28°. Absolute heights within the plateau are 300-500 m, and on the plateaus 1000-1500 m.

Brown tropical subarid soils were most vividly and genetically described by R. Magnin. He established the specificity of brown subarid soils, which are formed in a two-season climate, when short-term but massive rains fall for three months. In the dry and hot season, the temperature reaches +45° C. The average annual temperature in this zone is +27°, +28°, the amount of precipitation is 200-350 mm.

Black tropical soils are formed at an average annual temperature of + 25°, + 28° and the amount of annual precipitation from 200 to 1000 mm. Characterized by a sharp alternation of wet and dry seasons.