1. The African Savannah

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. Vegetation

7. 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

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

9. 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!

10. 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

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

12. Wildlife

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

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

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

16. Elephants, rhinoceroses and buffalo also roam the grassland

17. Crocodiles and hippopotamuses inhabit lakes and rivers

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

19. Savannah Ecosystem

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

21. 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