African fauna. Fauna of the savannah (photo, video)
Savannas are areas in which herbaceous vegetation predominates. Most of the African savanna is located in Africa, between 15° N. w. and 30° S. w. Savannas are located in countries such as: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic Congo, Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.
The African savanna has two seasons: dry (winter) and rainy (summer).
- The dry winter season is longer, lasting from October to March in the Southern Hemisphere, and from April to September in the Northern Hemisphere. There is only about 100mm of rainfall throughout the entire season.
- The rainy summer season (rainy season) is very different from the dry season and lasts a shorter amount of time. During the rainy season, the savanna receives between 380 and 635 mm of rain per month and the rain can last for hours without stopping.
Savannah is characterized by grasses and small or scattered trees that do not form a closed canopy (as in), allowing sunlight get to the ground. The African savanna contains a diverse community of organisms that interact to form a complex food web.
Healthy, balanced ecosystems are made up of many interacting systems called food webs. (lions, hyenas, leopards) feed on herbivores (impalas, warthogs, cattle), which consume producers (grasses, plant matter). Scavengers (hyenas, vultures) and decomposers (bacteria, fungi) destroy the remains of living organisms and make them available to producers. Humans are also part of the savanna biological community and often compete with other organisms for food.
Threats
This ecoregion has been significantly damaged by humans in many ways. For example, local residents use the land for grazing, as a result of which the grass dies and the savanna turns into a barren, deserted area. People use wood for cooking and create problems for environment. Some also engage in poaching (hunting animals illegally), which leads to the extinction of many species.
To restore the damage caused and preserve natural environment, some countries have created nature reserves. National Park The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Nature Reserve are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The African savanna is one of the largest wild habitats in the world, covering almost half the continent's area, about 13 million km². If it were not for the efforts made by people to preserve the savannah, a large number of representatives of the flora and fauna of this corner of nature would have already become extinct.
Animals of the African savannah
Most savannah animals have long legs or wings that allow them to migrate long distances. Savannah is an ideal place for birds of prey such as hawks and buzzards. The wide open plain gives them a clear view of their prey, the rising currents of hot air allow them to soar above the ground with ease, and rare trees provide an opportunity to rest or nest.
There's a big one in the savannah species diversity Fauna: The African savanna is home to more than 40 different species of herbivorous animals. Up to 16 different herbivorous species (those that eat tree leaves and grass) can coexist in one area. This is possible thanks to the own food preferences of each individual species: they can graze at different heights, in different time day or year, etc.
These various herbivores provide food for predators such as lions, jackals and hyenas. Each carnivorous species has its own preferences, allowing them to live in the same territory and not compete for food. All these animals depend on each other, occupy a certain place in the food chain and provide balance in the environment. Savannah animals are in constant search of food and water. Some of them are listed below:
African savannah elephant
The largest land mammal in the world. These animals grow up to 3.96 m at the withers and can weigh up to 10 tons, but most often have a size at the withers of up to 3.2 m and a weight of up to 6 tons. They have a long and very flexible trunk that ends in nostrils. The trunk is used to capture food and water and transfer it to the mouth. There are two on the sides of the mouth long teeth, which are called tusks. Elephants have thick, gray skin that protects them from fatal bites predators.
This species of elephant is common in African savannas and grasslands. Elephants are herbivores and eat grasses, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, etc.
These animals have an important job on the savannas. They eat bushes and trees, and thereby help the grass grow. This allows many herbivorous animals to survive. Today there are about 150,000 elephants in the world and they are endangered because poachers kill them for their ivory.
wild dog
The African wild dog lives in the grasslands, savannas and open forests of the eastern and South Africa. The fur of this animal is short and colored in red, brown, black, yellow and white colors. Each individual has a unique coloring. Their ears are very large and rounded. Dogs have a short muzzle and have powerful jaws.
This species is perfectly suited for chasing. Like greyhounds, they have a slender body and long legs. The bones of the lower front legs are fused together, which prevents them from twisting when running. African wild dogs have large ears that help conduct heat away from the animal's body. The short and wide muzzle has powerful muscles, allowing you to grab and hold prey. The multi-colored coat provides camouflage to the environment.
The African wild dog is a predator and feeds on medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, and other herbivores. They do not compete with hyenas and jackals for food, as they do not eat carrion. Humans are considered their only enemies.
Black Mamba
The black mamba is a highly venomous snake found in the savannas, rocky and open woodlands of Africa. Snakes of this species grow about 4 m in length and can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h. The black mamba is not actually black, but rather brownish-gray, with a light belly and brownish scales on its back. It got its name because of the purple-black color of the inside of its mouth.
Black mambas feed on small mammals and birds such as voles, rats, squirrels, mice, etc. A snake can bite a large animal and release it. She will then chase her prey until she is paralyzed. The mamba bites smaller animals and holds them, waiting for the toxic venom to take effect.
Black mambas are very nervous when a person approaches them and try to avoid it in any way. If this is not possible, the snake shows aggression by raising the front part of its body and opening its mouth wide. They quickly attack and inject their prey with their poison, and then crawl away. Before antivenoms were developed, a mamba bite was 100% fatal. However, to prevent death, the medicine should be administered immediately. They have no natural enemies and the main threat comes from habitat destruction.
Caracal
- a species of mammals from, widely distributed in the savannas of Africa. The body type is similar to a regular cat, but the caracal is larger and has larger ears. Its coat is short and the color varies from brown to reddish-gray, sometimes even becoming dark. His head is shaped like an inverted triangle. The ears are black on the outside and light on the inside, with tufts of black hair at the tips.
They are active at night, mainly hunting small mammals such as rabbits and porcupines, but sometimes large animals such as sheep, young antelope or deer become their victims. They have special skills for catching birds. Their strong legs allow them to jump high enough to actually knock down flying birds with their large paws. The main threat to caracals is people.
bear baboon
Bear baboons live mainly in the African savanna and high mountain grasslands. They never stray far from trees or water sources. This species is the largest in the genus of baboons; males can weigh 30-40 kg. They are very hairy animals with olive-gray fur.
Bear baboons do not live in trees; they spend most of their time on the ground. They can climb trees when threatened, for food or to rest. These mainly eat fruit from trees, roots and bugs. Baboons unintentionally feed other animals by throwing or leaving food behind for others to pick up.
Egyptian mongoose
The Egyptian mongoose is the largest of all mongooses in Africa. The animals are common in scrubland, rocky regions and small areas of savannah. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length (plus a 33-54 cm tail) and weigh 1.7-4 kg. Egyptian mongooses have long fur that is typically gray with brown dots.
They are primarily carnivores, but will also eat fruit if it is available in their habitat. Their typical diet consists of rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, insects and larvae. Egyptian mongooses also feed on the eggs of various animals. These representatives of the fauna can eat poisonous snakes. They hunt birds of prey and large carnivores of the savannah. Egyptian mongooses benefit the environment by killing animals (such as rats and snakes) that are considered pests to humans.
Grant's zebra
Grant's zebra is a subspecies of Burchell's zebra and is widely distributed in the Serengeti Mara. Its height is about 140 cm and its weight is about 300 kg. This subspecies has rather short legs and a large head. Grant's zebra has black and white stripes all over its body, but its nose and hooves are completely black. Each individual has its own unique color.
The main predators of zebras are hyenas and lions. There are about 300,000 zebras left on the savanna and they are endangered.
a lion
They live in the African savannas south of the Sahara. They eat gazelles, buffalos, zebras and many other small and medium-sized mammals. Lions are the only cats that live in family packs called prides. Each pride includes from 4 to 40 individuals.
The coat color of these animals is ideal for camouflage with the environment. They have sharp, hooked claws that they can retract or extend at will. Lions have sharp teeth that are ideal for biting and chewing meat.
They play an important role for the survival of other animals. When this predator kills its prey and eats it, parts or pieces of the carcass are usually left behind for vultures and hyenas to consume.
Lions are quite interesting and graceful creatures that are interesting to watch, however they are endangered due to overhunting and habitat loss.
Nile crocodile
The Nile crocodile can grow up to five meters in length and is common in freshwater swamps, rivers, lakes and other watery places. These animals have long snouts that can capture fish and turtles. Body color is dark olive. They are considered the most intelligent reptiles on earth.
Crocodiles eat almost anything in the water, including fish, turtles or birds. They even eat buffalo, antelope, big cats, and sometimes people when such a chance arises.
Nile crocodiles skillfully camouflage themselves, leaving only their eyes and nostrils above the water. They also blend well with the color of the water, so for many animals that come to a body of water to quench their thirst, these reptiles represent mortal danger. This species is not endangered. They are not threatened by other animals except humans.
African savannah plants
This habitat is home to a huge variety of wild plants. Many representatives of the flora have adapted to grow during long periods of drought. Such plants have long roots that are able to reach water deep underground; thick bark that can withstand constant fires; trunks that accumulate moisture for use in winter.
Grasses have adaptations that prevent certain animals from eating them; some are too pungent or bitter for certain species, although more than acceptable for others. The advantage of this adaptation is that each animal species has something to eat. Different species may also consume specific plant parts.
There are many different plant species in the African savanna and below is a list of some of them:
Acacia Senegalese
Senegalese acacia is a small thorny tree from the legume family. It grows up to 6 m in height and has a trunk diameter of about 30 cm. The dried sap of this tree is gum arabic - a hard transparent resin. This resin is widely used in industry, cooking, watercolor painting, cosmetology, medicine, etc.
Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the Senegalese acacia tree. Like other legumes, these trees store nitrogen and then add it to poor soils.
Baobab
Baobab is found in the savannas of Africa and India, mainly near the equator. It can grow up to 25 meters in height and live for several thousand years. During the rainy months, water is stored in the thick trunk, using roots up to 10 m long, and then used by the plant during the dry winter season.
Almost all parts of the tree are widely used by local residents. The baobab bark is used to make cloth and rope, the leaves are used as seasonings and medicines, and the fruit, called “monkey bread,” is eaten plain. Sometimes people live in the huge trunks of these trees, and representatives of the galagidae family (nocturnal primates) live in the crowns of the baobab tree.
Bermuda grass
This plant is also called pigweed palmate. Bermuda grass is widespread in warm climates from 45° N latitude. up to 45° S It gets its name from its introduction from Bermuda. Grass grows in open areas (pastures, open forests and gardens) where frequent ecosystem disturbances such as grazing, floods and fires occur.
Bermuda grass is a creeping plant that forms a dense mat when it touches the soil. It has a deep root system, and in drought conditions the roots can be located underground at a depth of 120-150 cm. The main part of the root is located at a depth of 60 cm.
Fingerweed is considered a highly invasive and competitive weed. Few herbicides are effective against it. Before the advent of mechanized farming, Bermuda grass was the worst weed for farmers. However, it saved a huge amount of agricultural land from erosion. This plant is very nutritious for large cattle and sheep.
elephant grass
Elephant grass grows in the African savanna and reaches a height of 3 m. It is found along lakes and rivers where the soil is rich. Local farmers feed this grass to their animals.
The plant is very invasive and clogs natural water flows which need to be cleaned periodically. Elephant grass grows well in tropical climate and may die from a slight frost. The underground parts will remain alive unless the soil freezes.
This herb is used by local people in cooking, agriculture, construction and as an ornamental plant.
Persimmon medlar
Loquat persimmon is widely distributed throughout the African savannah. It prefers wooded areas where there are termite mounds nearby, and is also found along river beds and marshy areas. In heavy soils, termite mounds provide the tree with aerated and moist soil. Termites do not eat living trees of this species.
This plant can reach 24 m in height, however most trees do not grow that tall, reaching a height of 4 to 6 m. The fruits of the tree are popular among many animals and local residents. They can be eaten fresh or canned. The fruits are also dried and ground into flour, and beer is also brewed from them. The leaves, bark and roots of the tree are widely used in traditional medicine.
Mongongo
The mongongo tree prefers hot and dry climates with little rainfall and is common in wooded hills and sand dunes. This plant reaches a length of 15-20 meters. It has many adaptations that allow it to live in arid environments, including a moisture-storing trunk, long roots, and thick bark.
This species is widespread throughout the southern savanna. The nuts of this tree are part daily diet many Africans and even oil is obtained from them.
Combretum red-leaved
Combretum red-leaved prefers warm and dry climates and grows near rivers. The tree grows from 7 to 12 m in height and has a dense, expanding crown. The fruit is poisonous and causes severe bouts of hiccups. The tree has straight, long roots because it requires a lot of water to grow.
They feed on its leaves in the spring. Parts of this tree are used in medicine and the wood processing industry. Good adaptability fast growth, dense spreading crown, interesting fruit and attractive leaves make it a popular ornamental tree.
Acacia twisted
Acacia is a tree from the legume family. Its homeland is the African savanna Sahel, but the plant can also be found in the Middle East. It is known that the plant can grow in highly alkaline soil, and can withstand dry and hot environmental conditions. In addition, trees that reach two years of age have little frost resistance.
The wood of these trees is used in construction and furniture is made from it. Many wild animals feed on acacia leaves and pods. Parts of the tree are used by local people to make jewelry, weapons and tools, as well as in traditional medicine.
Acacia is important in restoring degraded drylands because the tree's roots fix nitrogen (an essential plant nutrient) in the soil through interaction with symbiotic nodule bacteria.
Acacia sickle-lobed
Acacia sickle-lobed is usually found in equatorial savannas East Africa, in particular on the Serengeti plain.
This acacia can grow about 5 m in height and has sharp thorns up to 8 cm long. The hollow thorns can be home to 4 species of ants, and they often make tiny holes in them. When the wind blows, the thorns thrown by the ants make a whistling sound.
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Instructions
Nowhere in the world are there such numbers of large herbivores as in the African savannah. Huge herds of ungulates - zebras, gazelles, antelopes, buffaloes - constantly wander from place to place “following the rain,” eating and trampling grassy vegetation in huge quantities. A significant number of herbivores and their constant and seasonal migrations contribute to the preservation of the typical “park” appearance of the African savanna.
The most large inhabitant Savannah is an African elephant. Its height reaches 4 m, and its weight is measured in tens of tons. Being a herbivore, the elephant is perfectly adapted to life in the shroud. The trunk allows it to reach the upper branches of plants that are inaccessible to other herbivores, and acts as a pump during watering and bathing.
Another typical representative of the savannah is the giraffe, the tallest animal on the planet. The giraffe is a herbivorous ungulate found only in Africa. Its height reaches 6 m and weighs almost a ton. Despite its very significant height and weight, the giraffe is capable of speeds of up to 60 km/h. But usually he is leisurely, running only when danger arises.
Black and white rhinoceros are typical representatives of the African savannah. Currently they are quite rare. The number of rhinoceroses has been greatly reduced due to their shooting by poachers.
Herds of herbivores are always accompanied by predators. There are 2 types of lions living here - Barbary and Senegalese. The first is north of the equator, the second is south. Another representative of predators is the cheetah - the fastest animal on the planet. During pursuit, a cheetah can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. In addition to lions and cheetahs, there are quite a few other predators here - bush cats or servals, hyenas, jackals, hyena dogs.
African savannas are home to many birds. A significant portion of birds are migratory and periodically end up here as a result of their annual migrations. The original representative of the savannah, the African ostrich, is the largest representative of all living birds. The ostrich is a non-flying bird. His height reaches 250 cm and weight 150 kg. When running, it reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h, and is capable of abruptly changing the direction of running without slowing down.
Numerous small birds- bustards, plovers, larks, hazel grouse, starlings, weaver birds, turtle doves, pigeons, kingfishers, hornbills, etc. A rain stork nests in the crowns of trees. Quite a lot of birds of prey - buzzard, secretary bird, black-winged kite, buffoon eagle, African kestrel, short-eared owl, five species of vultures that fly from Europe for the winter. There are also scavengers typical representatives which are the marabou stork and African vultures. The latter perform the role of orderlies in the shroud, since they feed exclusively on carrion.
Savannahs are home to a variety of animals, both carnivorous and herbivorous, living in groups such as prides, packs or herds, and sometimes trying to survive alone in this harsh world.
Herbivores
The largest representative of herbivores is the African elephant, its weight sometimes exceeds 7.5 tons, and this animal reaches four meters in height. Despite such dimensions, this is an amazingly agile animal. If the elephant is the most massive, then the giraffe is the tallest; its height can reach 5.8 meters, and an adult male weighs about 750 kilograms.
The most numerous herbivores on the savannah are antelopes:
Antelope Sable
Wildebeest
Greater Kudu
Bushbuck Antelope
Along with numerous antelopes, zebras have become widespread, also grazing in large herds:
Savannah zebras - Burchellova or plains
Desert zebras
Mountain zebras
Predatory animals
Today, the habitat of these animals is limited to the savannas of East Africa, as well as the southern territories of Ethiopia and Sudan. At the same time, in the expanses of savannahs in reservoirs there are numerous hippopotamuses, both dwarf and ordinary.
The weight of these animals can reach 3.2 tons, and their body length reaches 420 centimeters, with a shoulder height of 165 centimeters. The skin of this animal is without hair and only on the tail and muzzle there is hard hair.
Here are the animals that live in the savannah that belong to the predators:
Leopards
Spotted hyenas
The spotted hyena is the largest representative of this family, its weight reaches 82 kilograms, its body is at least 128 centimeters long, with a tail length of 33 centimeters. Its coarse fur is yellow-gray in color, with numerous round black spots scattered on it.
All animals living in the African savanna are links in the same food chain, at the top of which are large predators.
The giraffe is an adornment of the savannah, thanks to its graceful gait and surprisingly long neck. Translated from Latin name giraffe is translated as “camel-leopard”, apparently the discoverers considered it a cross between these animals. In addition to the long neck, the giraffe is also characterized by a tongue up to 45 cm long. These animals feed mainly on tree leaves; their growth allows them to reach the youngest and most delicious foliage. But drinking for a giraffe is completely uncomfortable; you have to spread and bend your legs. Long neck The animal has the same number of cervical vertebrae as all mammals (7 pieces).
Elephants living in savannas are especially large; they are also called steppe or African elephants. They are distinguished by more powerful tusks and wide ears. Like ungulates, elephants heavily trample the plant surface of the savannah. The animals live in groups led by a large elephant. Thanks to their tusks, these heroes were on the verge of extinction a hundred years ago, but with the help of nature reserves this situation has returned to normal.
One cannot ignore the main predator of the savannah, the king of animals - the lion. Almost all inhabitants of the plains become its prey. Lions usually live in groups (prides), which include adult males and females, as well as their cubs. Responsibilities are very clearly distributed between members of the pride: lionesses are engaged in obtaining food, and large and strong males guard the territory.
The open plains of Africa are home to the cheetah, the fastest animal on Earth. While chasing its prey, it can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. The special flying movements of the cheetah are explained by the peculiarities of its running, where the animal rests on only two paws. The cheetah is both strong and amazingly fast, which allows it to overtake prey such as antelope or zebra.
However, it is impossible to describe all the diversity of the savanna fauna. All this can be seen more clearly and colorfully in documentaries dedicated to the species richness of the fauna of this natural zone.
Nature film series - Savannah. Animal world
Subject.Savanna fauna.Lesson No. 12. Chapter Animals.
Students get acquainted withbrief encyclopedic information, answer quiz questions, and test their erudition. The lesson is developed based on teaching aid For additional education Paul Dowswell "The unknown about the known". Recommended by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation in accordance with the Federal State Educational Standard.
Type of lesson: combined
Target: development of erudition, cognitive and creativity students; developing the ability to search for information to answer questions.
Tasks:
Educational: the formation of cognitive culture, mastered in the process of educational activities, and aesthetic culture as the ability to have an emotional and value-based attitude towards objects of living nature.
Educational: development of cognitive motives aimed at obtaining new knowledge about living nature; cognitive qualities of a person associated with mastering the fundamentals of scientific knowledge, mastering methods of studying nature, and developing intellectual skills;
Educational: orientation in the system of moral norms and values: recognition of the high value of life in all its manifestations, the health of one’s own and other people; environmental consciousness; nurturing love for nature;
Personal: understanding of responsibility for the quality of acquired knowledge; understanding the value of adequately assessing one’s own achievements and capabilities;
Cognitive: ability to analyze and evaluate the impact of environmental factors, risk factors on health, the consequences of human activities in ecosystems, the impact of one’s own actions on living organisms and ecosystems; focus on continuous development and self-development; the ability to work with various sources of information, transform it from one form to another, compare and analyze information, draw conclusions, prepare messages and presentations.
Regulatory: the ability to organize independent completion of tasks, evaluate the correctness of work, and reflect on one’s activities.
Communicative: formation of communicative competence in communication and cooperation with peers, understanding of the characteristics of gender socialization in adolescence, socially useful, educational and research, creative and other types of activities.
Technologies: Health conservation, problem-based, developmental education, group activities
Progress of the lesson
Learning new material (teacher's story with elements of conversation)
Savannah- a place where diametrically opposed landscapes and amazing ecosystems are surprisingly combined. The harsh struggle for life in the savannas is in amazing harmony with luxurious nature, and the richness of the flora and fauna is with attractive exoticism and African flavor.
Questions and tasks for discussion
What are savannas and where are they located?
What seasons are there in tropical savannas?
Why do so many wild animals live in savannas?
Why do many animals graze in large herds?
Why do termites build huge termite mounds?
How does an anteater feed?
Why are elephants and giraffes so big?
Termites - what are they? Where do termites live and what do they eat?
Savanna fauna
Presentation “Fauna of the Savannas”
What are savannas and where are they located?
Unfortunately, not many people know what savannas are and where they are located. Savannas are a natural area that is found mainly in the subtropics and tropics. Most important feature This strip has a humid seasonal climate with a pronounced alternation of dry and rainy seasons. This feature determines the seasonal rhythm natural processes Here. This zone is also characterized by ferrallitic soils and herbaceous vegetation with groups of isolated trees. what are savannas and where are they located?
Savannah localization
Let's take a closer look at what savannas are and where they are located. The largest shroud zone is in Africa, it occupies about 40% of the area of this continent. Smaller areas of this natural zone are located in South America (on the Brazilian plateau, where they are called campos, and in the Orinoco River valley - llanos), in the east and north of Asia (the Indochina Peninsula, the Deccan Plateau, the Indo-Gangtai Plain), as well as in Australia .
Climate
Savannah is characterized by monsoon-trade wind circulation air masses. In summer, these regions are dominated by dry tropical air, and in winter by equatorial humid air. The farther from equatorial belt, the more there is a reduction in the rainy season (from 8-9 months to 2-3 on the outer borders of this zone). The amount of annual precipitation decreases in the same direction (from approximately 2000 mm to 250 mm). Savannah is also characterized by slight temperature fluctuations depending on the season (from 15C to 32C). Daily amplitudes can be more significant and reach 25 degrees. Such climatic features created a unique natural environment in the savannah.savannahs of south america.
Soils
The soils of the region depend on the duration of the rainy season and differ in leaching regime. Near equatorial forests, in areas where the rainy season lasts about 8 months, ferrallitic soils have formed. In areas where this season is less than 6 months, you can see red-brown soils. On the borders with semi-deserts, the soils are unproductive and contain a thin layer of humus.
Savannahs of South America
In the Brazilian Highlands, these zones are located mainly in its interior areas. They also occupy areas of the Orinoco Lowland and the Guiana Plateau. Brazil has typical savannas with red ferrallite soils. The vegetation of the zone is predominantly herbaceous and consists of the legume, grass, and asteraceae families. Woody species vegetation is either not present at all, or occurs in the form of separate species of mimosa with an umbrella-like crown, milkweeds, succulents, xerophytes and tree-like cacti. In the northeast of the Brazilian Highlands, most of the area is occupied by caatinga (a sparse forest of drought-resistant shrubs and trees on red-brown soils). The branches and trunks of caatinga trees are often covered with epiphytic plants and vines. Several types of palm trees are also found.
Savannahs of South America also located in the arid regions of the Gran Chaco on red-brown soils. Sparse forests and thickets of thorny bushes are common here. The forests also contain algarrobo, a tree from the mimosa family, which has a curved column and a highly branched, spreading crown. Low forest tiers are shrubs that form impenetrable thickets.
Among the animals in the savannah are the armadillo, ocelot, Pampas deer, Magellan cat, beaver, Pampas cat, rhea and others. Of the rodents, the tuco-tuco and viscacha live here. Many areas of the savanna suffer from locust infestations. There are also many snakes and lizards here. Another one characteristic feature landscape - a large number of termite mounds.
African shrouds
Now all readers are probably wondering: “Where is the savanna in Africa?” We answer, on the black continent this zone practically follows the contour of the humid area. tropical forests. In the border zone, forests are gradually thinning out and becoming poorer. Among forest areas there are patches of savannas. Tropical wet forest gradually limited only to river valleys, and in the area of watersheds they are replaced by forests, the trees of which shed their leaves in dry times, or savannas. There is an opinion that tall grass tropical savannas began to form in connection with human activity, as he burned out all the vegetation during the dry season. In areas with a short wet season, the grass cover becomes shorter and sparse. From tree species Various flat-crowned acacias are found in the region. These areas are called dry or typical savannas. In regions with a longer rainy season, thickets of thorny bushes grow, as well as tough grasses. Such vegetation areas are called desert savannas; they form a small strip in the northern hemisphere.
The African savannah world is represented by the following animals: zebras, giraffes, antelopes, rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards, hyenas, lions and others.
Savannahs of Australia
Let's continue our topic “What are savannas and where are they located” by moving to Australia. Here this natural zone is located mainly north of 20 degrees south latitude. In the east there are typical savannas (they also occupy the south of the island of New Guinea). During the wet season, this region is covered with beautiful flowering plants: the families of orchids, ranunculaceae, lilies and various grasses. Typical trees are acacias, eucalyptus, casuarina. Trees with thickened trunks, where moisture accumulates, are quite common. They are, in particular, represented by the so-called bottle trees. It is the presence of these unique plants makes the Australian savanna a little different from the savannas that are located on other continents. This zone is combined with sparse forests, which are represented by different types eucalyptus. Eucalyptus forests occupy most of the country's northern coast and a large part of Cape York Island. In the Australian savannah you can find many marsupial rodents: moles, rats, wombats, and anteaters. The echidna lives in the bushes. The emu, a variety of lizards and snakes can also be seen in these regions.
The role of savannas for humans After we have found out in detail what savannas are and where they are located, it is worth saying that these natural areas play an important role for humans. Peanuts, grains, jute, cotton, and sugar cane are grown in these regions. In dry areas, livestock farming is quite developed. It is also worth noting that some tree species growing in this region are considered very valuable (for example, teak wood). -
Despite its greater importance, people, unfortunately, continue to systematically destroy the savanna. Thus, in South America, many trees die as a result of burning fields. Large areas of savannah are cleared of forest from time to time. Until recently, in Australia, about 4,800 square meters were cleared annually to provide livestock pasture. km of forest. Such events are now suspended. Malicious influence many people have an interest in the savannah ecosystem exotic trees(Nile acacia, vaulting landata, prickly pear and others). Climate change leads to changes in the function and structure of the savanna. Woody plants are suffering greatly as a result of global warming. I would like to believe that people will begin to take care of nature in the near future. -
Tropical savannas have two seasons: winter and summer. They are not accompanied by sudden changes in temperature and do not have seasonal differences associated with this. These are areas located in warm or hot climatic zone. average temperature air ranges from +18 to +32 degrees. It rises very smoothly. wild animals of the savannah
Winter
This is the so-called “dry season” in the tropical savanna. It lasts from November to April. During this period, the savannah zone receives very little rainfall. From December to February there may be absolutely no rain. This is the coolest time of the year, when the air temperature does not rise above +21 degrees. Thunderstorms begin in October. They are accompanied by strong winds that dry out the air. Fires are common in savannas during the dry season.
Summer
During the rainy season, savannas experience high humidity. Tropical showers begin in May or early June. From May to October, the area receives between 10 and 30 mm of rainfall. During the rainy season, the African savannah blossoms: they grow rapidly dense forests, picturesque meadows are blooming. Savannah animals actively reproduce, and during this period the mother's milk of females is saturated with useful substances due to the variety of herbs in the diet.
Wildlife of the savannah
You can immediately say that this is unique world, which does not exist anywhere else on Earth. Primarily due to the variety of large and very large animals. Before the advent of white colonialists, the animals of Africa felt free and at ease. Savannas provided food for countless herds of herbivores that moved from place to place in search of water. They were accompanied by numerous predators, and carrion eaters (jackals and vultures) moved behind them.
Later the situation changed radically. Plowing large areas land, steppe fires, road construction, and industrial cattle breeding have put wild animals in distress. The situation was saved by the creation of nature reserves in which hunting and any economic activity. Thanks to the animals, the savannah has a characteristic, incomparable appearance.
Herbivorous animals of the savannah
Giraffe
These are amazing animals of Africa. It is impossible to imagine Savannah without these majestic beauties. Even children know their graceful gait and surprisingly long neck. Not everyone knows that the “name” of the giraffe is translated from Latin language means camel-leopard. Perhaps those who first met this handsome man decided that he was a cross between these animals. These giants are herbivores. They feed on tree leaves. Thanks to tall they can reach young and succulent foliage. It is not very convenient for a giraffe to drink: you have to bend your legs. The long neck of this giant, like all mammals, has 7 vertebrae. It surpasses the elephant in height, reaching almost 7 meters, but not in weight. The length of the giraffe's tongue alone is 50 centimeters. This length allows the animal to grab succulent leaves from the tops of tree crowns. The neck also helps. Its length is more than a third of the giraffe's total height. To send blood to the “high-rise floors,” the heart of a savanna inhabitant is enlarged to a mass of 12 kilograms.
Elephants
When talking about what animals live in the savannah, one cannot fail to mention the steppe, or African elephants. They have powerful tusks and wide ears, unlike their Indian counterparts. Plus, they are much larger. These giants live in groups, each of which is led by a large female elephant.
Because of the value of their tusks, these huge animals were brought to the brink of extinction in the last century, and the threat remained until their destruction was banned. Nature reserves have played a huge role in protecting elephants.
Wildlife of the savannah does not know a larger creature. However, over time, elephants become smaller. In the last century, hunters exterminated individuals with large tusks. The most massive and tall elephants had these. In 1956, for example, a male weighing 11 tons was shot dead in Angola. The height of the animal was almost 4 meters. The average height of African elephants is 3 meters.
Even a newborn elephant weighs 120 kilograms. Gestation lasts almost 2 years. This is a record among land animals. It is not surprising that the elephant’s brain is impressive, weighing more than 5 kilos. Therefore, elephants are capable of altruism and compassion, they know how to grieve, they listen to music and play instruments, they paint by holding brushes in their trunks.
Zebras
Another animal that lives in the African savannah is the cute striped zebra horse. Many people wonder why she needs this bright color? Savannah animals have hair of certain colors not only to recognize each other from afar. Mainly it helps to deceive the attacking enemy. Let's say a zebra is attacked by a lion. Alone, she is clearly visible to a predator. What if she rushes to her herd? When there is a large concentration of animals, all the stripes merge, causing ripples in the eyes of the predator... Hunting becomes more difficult.
Striped horses eat grass. However, the life of savannah animals is not easy, and in search of watering places and pastures, they travel long distances across the hot savannah. Antelopes, giraffes, and ostriches often graze next to zebras. Such a large company helps to escape from enemies. Despite its harmless appearance, the zebra knows how to stand up for itself. She strives to strike the enemy with her forelimbs with hard hooves; a herd of these cute animals can even repel the attack of a lion. Zebras usually live in small herds; they gather into large herds only before a long journey. At the head of such a herd is an experienced and strong leader. Zebras are monogamous: they build their families once and for the rest of their lives. Animals of the African Savannah The foal recognizes its mother by the pattern of stripes. Interestingly, it never repeats itself. And so that the baby remembers his mother, she does not let anyone near him for several days after birth. When the cub grows a little, it is protected by all the zebras in the herd.
Rhinoceros
Savannah animals can be proud that they live next to the largest land animal (after the elephant). This is a rhinoceros. Its weight reaches 2.2 tons, length - 3.15 m, height - 160 cm. Its name is not accidental. There really is a horn growing on his nose, huge and very sharp. Moreover, some individuals have two of them: one is very large, the other is slightly smaller. They are formed from hard, compressed hair. However, this is a very dangerous weapon.
These giants love water, swamps, and even more pleasure is given to them by mud, in which they can wallow to their heart's content during the rainy season. This way they escape the heat. The thick skin of a rhinoceros gathers into folds. He resembles an ancient knight dressed in armor. Birds can often be seen on its back. The giant is not against these guests, since they are his assistants. Birds clean the skin of rhinoceroses from various insects and ticks.
Rhinoceroses see poorly, but hear very well. Their sense of smell is even better developed. They find a familiar path to the lake by smell. Each rhinoceros has its own path. These huge animals feed on leaves, grass, and fruits fallen from trees. Having had enough, the rhinoceros goes to bed. He falls asleep so soundly that at this time you can get quite close to him. But if he suddenly wakes up, it’s better not to catch his eye: he’s quick-tempered and really doesn’t like being disturbed from resting.
Most often, rhinoceroses live completely alone. The exception is the African white rhinoceros, which grazes in small groups. The mother rhinoceros feeds her offspring (usually one cub) with milk for a year. Currently, the number of rhinoceroses has decreased significantly.
Kudu antelope
It is divided into 2 subspecies: small and large. The latter inhabits the savannas of Africa, which occupy almost half of the continent, everywhere. The lesser kudu is limited to Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. This is the difference from big view are ending.
The color of the small and large kudu is the same - chocolate blue. The transverse stripes on the body of antelopes are white. Horns savannah animals They wear spiral ones. In the large species they reach one and a half meters in length. The small kudu is content with 90 centimeters.
Kudu horns are a weapon for battles and protection. Therefore, during the mating season, males turn their heads away from females, standing sideways to them. This is how males demonstrate a peaceful, romantic mood.
Blue wildebeest
Numerous species, distributed not only in protected areas of national parks. At the withers, the wildebeest reaches one and a half meters. The weight of the ungulate reaches 270 kilograms. The color is distinguished not only by a blue tint, but also by transverse dark stripes on the front side of the body.
Wildebeest migrate twice a year. The reason is the search for water and suitable herbs. Wildebeest feed on a limited list of plants. Having swept them away in one area, the antelopes rush to others.
Hippopotamus
Otherwise called hippopotamus. This term is made up of 2 Latin words, translated as "river horse". This name reflects the animal's love for water. Hippos plunge into it, falling into a kind of trance. There are fish underwater that clean the mouths of hippos and their skin.
There are swimming membranes between the animals' toes. Fat also contributes to buoyancy. Hippopotamuses' nostrils close underwater. Inhalation is required every 5 minutes. Therefore, hippos periodically raise their heads above the water.
The hippopotamus' mouth opens 180 degrees. The bite force is 230 kilograms. This is enough to take the life of a crocodile. Hippos diversify their diet from herbs with reptile meat. The fact that hippos also eat meat is a discovery of the 21st century.
Buffalo
Pictured are savannah animals look impressive. No wonder, because the buffalo is almost 2 meters tall and 3.5 meters long. A meter of the latter falls on the tail. Some males weigh up to a ton. The average weight is 500-900 kilograms. Females are smaller than males.
It seems that all the buffalos are depressed and wary. This is the result of the structural features of the ungulate. The buffalo's head is below the straight line of the back.
Grant's Gazelle
Herbivores of the savannah listed in the international Red Book. The population consists of approximately 250 thousand individuals. Most of them live in protected areas of African national parks.
The species can be recognized by the beige coloration of its short fur, white belly, darkening on the legs and lightened markings on the face. The height of the gazelle does not exceed 90 centimeters, and its weight is 45 kilos.
The Grant's gazelle is similar to the Thomson's gazelle. However, the first has lyre-shaped horns, as if made up of separate rings. At the base of the outgrowths their diameter is larger. The length of the horns is 45-80 centimeters.
Oryx
Oryx — wild animals of the savannah, whose young are born with horns. In babies they are protected by leathery bags. As the oryx grows, straight horns break through them. They are like that of the savannah oryx. There are also Arabian and Saharan species. Those horns are curved towards the back.
Oryx is a Red Book animal. The representative of savannahs is the most common. And here is the last Saharan oryx last time seen about 20 years ago. The animal may have gone extinct. However, Africans periodically report encounters with ungulates. However, the statements are not supported by documents.
7.Warthog
It is the only wild pig that digs burrows. A warthog lives in them. Sometimes a pig conquers the holes of other animals or takes empty ones. Females select spacious burrows. They should also accommodate offspring. Males' burrows are smaller, up to 3 meters in length.
Warthogs are shy. This spurred the savannah pigs to reach speeds of 50 kilometers per hour. Warthogs rush like a bullet to their burrows or thickets of bushes. Other pigs are not capable of such speeds.
Dik-dik
Does not go far into the savannah, staying along its perimeter. The reason is that the miniature antelope needs cover in the form of dense bushes. It is easy for an ungulate about half a meter long and 30 centimeters high to hide in them. The weight of the dik-dik does not exceed 6 kilograms.
Females of the species lack horns. The coloring of different-sex individuals is the same. The belly of antelopes is white, and the rest of the body is red-brown or yellow-gray.
Somali wild ass
Found in Ethiopia. The species is on the verge of extinction. There are black horizontal lines on the animal's legs. In this way, the Somali donkey resembles a zebra. There are similarities in body structure.
There are purebred individuals left in Africa. In zoos and national parks the ungulate is often crossed with the Nubian donkey. The offspring are called animals of the savannahs of Eurasia. In Basel, Switzerland, for example, 35 hybrid donkeys have been born since the 1970s.
The most purebred Somali donkeys outside Africa are found in zoos in Italy.
Predatory animals of the savannah
There are a maximum of 50 thousand individuals left on the planet of lions. In the last century, a male weighing 318 kilograms was shot. The length of the cat was 335 centimeters. There are no such giants left in this century. Average weight lion - 200 kilograms.
The males of the species have a mane for a reason. During fights for females and territory, the teeth of opponents get stuck in the wool. In addition, lionesses evaluate the size of their mane when choosing partners for mating. What animals are in the savannah coats, which is what females of the species prefer.
Cheetah
In 3 seconds it accelerates to 112 kilometers per hour. Such mobility requires energy expenditure. To replenish them, the cheetah constantly hunts. Actually, for the sake of hunting, the animal develops impressive speed. This is such a vicious circle.
Life of savannah animals can be interrupted after 10 unsuccessful attacks. As a rule, there is no strength left at 11-12. Predators collapse from exhaustion.
Leopard
The smallest among big cats. The height of a leopard at the withers does not exceed 70 centimeters. The length of the animal is 1.5 meters. There is also a size limit for the amount of precipitation required for a leopard to settle in the savannah.
The cat remains in it only if at least 5 centimeters of water fall from the sky over the course of a year. However, this amount of precipitation occurs even in semi-deserts. Leopards also live there.
The color of a leopard depends on the surrounding landscape. In the savannah, cats are often orange. In deserts, animals are sand-colored.
Baboon
A typical inhabitant of East Africa. Baboons there have adapted to hunt together. Antelopes become victims. Monkeys fight over prey because they do not like to share. We have to hunt together, because otherwise the ungulate cannot be killed.
Baboons are smart and easy to tame. The ancient Egyptians used this. They tamed baboons by teaching them to pick dates on plantations.
Hyena
She has a bad reputation. The animal is considered cowardly and, at the same time, vile and evil. However, scientists note that the hyena is the best mother among mammals. Puppies are breastfed for 20 months and are the first to eat. Females drive males away from food, allowing children to come in. Among lions, for example, the offspring humbly wait for the father to feast on them.
Hyenas eat not only meat. The inhabitants of the savannah love juicy fruits and nuts. Having eaten enough of them, hyenas often fall asleep next to the place where they eat.
Aardvark
The only representative of the aardvark order. The animal is a relic, similar to an anteater and also eats ants, but belongs to a different order of mammals. The ears of an aardvark are like those of a hare.
The animal's nose resembles a trunk or a vacuum cleaner hose. The tail of an aardvark is similar to that of a rat. The body somewhat resembles a young wild boar. You can see verya in the savannas south of the Sahara.
If a trip to Africa is not planned, you can see the aardvark in Russian zoos. In 2013, by the way, a baby exotic animal was born in Yekaterinburg. Previously, it was not possible to obtain offspring of aardvarks in captivity.
Porcupine
Among the porcupines, the African one is the largest. Among rodents, the animal also has no equal. Some of the porcupine's spines are longer than itself. Africans do not know how to throw “spears” at enemies, although such a myth exists.
The animal only lifts the needles vertically. The tubes on the tail are hollow. Taking advantage of this, the porcupine moves its tail quills, making rustling sounds. They frighten enemies by reminding them of hissing rattlesnake.
In battles, the porcupine's quills break off. If it is not possible to scare off the enemy, the animal runs around the offender, exhausting and stabbing. Broken needles grow back.
Birds of the savannah
There are many insects and worms in the grass and soil, so the fauna of the savannah is distinguished by a large number of bird representatives. They flock here from all over the world.
The most common are storks, red-billed quilles, vultures, marabou, African ostriches, vultures, horned crows, etc. The savannas are home to the largest and, perhaps, one of the most beautiful birds in the world - ostriches.
