The African Savannah

The Savannah as a tourist destination. . . Tourist attractions of the Savannah- the wildlife running over the grassy plains and scattered trees Savannah considered to be wilderness/adventure/cultural/eco-tourism at it’s best Huge network of National Park and Game Reserves Most tourists combine a wildlife safari with a resort vacation- giving an exciting yet relaxing trip that allows much of the region to be seen

Region- a refresher  A region is an area defined by a particular characteristic or set of characteristics, either human or physical

Physical Region An area with common physical characteristics, such as climate and vegetation

The African Savannah Region consists of tropical and sub-tropical grasslands that stretch across the continent covers more than 30% of Africa Divided into two by the rainforests in the D.R. (Democratic Republic) of Congo and Gabon The two areas join in East Africa, forming a horseshoe shape

Vegetation

Vegetation Extensive grassy plains Distribution and types of grasses, trees and shrubs depends on rainfall patterns Rainfall can range from 250mm in dry regions to 1270mm in wetter regions

Savannah Rainfall and Vegetation Annual Rainfall Vegetation Wettest Areas 890-1270mm Dry season lasts 3 months or less Coarse grasses up to 3m tall Some deciduous trees 640-799 mm Dry season 3-7 months Shorter grass Shrubs Few trees 380-639mm Short grasses Bushes Driest Areas 250-379 mm Drought for 5-8 months Short grasses in tufts Bare soil between tufts Xerophytic (drought-resistant) trees and bushes

Adaptations to survive. . . Xerophytic (drought resistant) trees such as the acacia and baobab are found throughout the region Generally have small leaves to minimize water loss Store water in their trunks, which can be as large as 9m around!

Climate Very defined seasonal wet and dry periods Depends on prevailing winds When the wind blows from the northeast, it is a dry season When the wind blows from the southeast it is a rainy season

Check your Understanding. . . Please complete: Page 180 #6 (handout) #7a #8 #9 (use Figure 6.7 at the bottom of the page)

Wildlife

African grasslands support a greater variety of large mammals than any other region in the world

Grazers such as herds of zebras, wildebeests, impalas and gazelles live in the savannah

Many carnivores such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals hunt these grazers

Elephants, rhinoceroses and buffalo also roam the grassland

Crocodiles and hippopotamuses inhabit lakes and rivers

Over 2300 species of birds such as eagles, flamingos, pelicans, ducks, vultures and ostriches live in the region

Savannah Ecosystem

The plants, animals and environment in the Savannah are all interconnected with each other in an ecosystem

Energy- The sun is the original energy source for the entire ecosystem. Producers- Grasses and bushes (plants) convert energy to grow plant tissue Decomposers- Bacteria break down plant an animal matter into nutrient energy. Consumers 3- Scavengers feed on carrion (partly decayed flesh) when primary predators abandon the carcass. Consumers 1- Herbivores (grazers and browsers) feed on plants, converting plant energy to flesh and blood Consumers 2- Carnivores (meat eaters) feed on grazers, browsers and other carnivores