Understanding What a Savanna Is
A savanna is a warm ecosystem dominated by grasses with scattered trees. It has long dry seasons and short periods of heavy rain.
Key Features of Savannas
Grasslands with trees: Not as dense as forests, not as bare as deserts.
Seasonal rainfall: Wet and dry seasons shape plant and animal life.
Fire-dependent: Natural fires help maintain the open landscape.
Where Savannas Are Found
Savannas exist in Africa, South America, Australia, and parts of India. The African savanna is the most famous due to its wildlife.
Plants of the Savanna
Grasses grow quickly during the rainy season. Trees like acacias and baobabs survive drought with deep roots and thick bark.
Animals That Live in the Savanna
Large herbivores: Elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes.
Predators: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs.
Birds and insects: Vultures, ostriches, termites, and many more.
How Life Survives Dry Seasons
Animals migrate to find water, rest in shade, or hunt at cooler times. Plants store water or drop leaves to reduce moisture loss.
Why Savannas Matter
They support huge migrations, store carbon, protect soil, and host some of the world’s most iconic wildlife communities.
The Simple Takeaway
A savanna is a warm grassland with scattered trees, seasonal rains, and diverse wildlife. It’s one of Earth’s most dynamic and iconic ecosystems.