Savannas and woodlands of Australia. natural areas

The geographical position, evenness of the relief contributed to the location of the geographical zones of Africa (equatorial, subequatorial, tropical and subtropical) and natural zones twice on both sides of the equator. With a decrease in moisture north and south of the equator, the vegetation cover becomes more sparse and the vegetation more xerophytic.

In the north, there are many Mediterranean plant species. In the center and in the south, the most ancient representatives of the planet's vegetation have been preserved. Among flowering plants there are up to 9 thousand endemic species. Africa has a rich and diverse wildlife(see fig. 52 on p. 112). Nowhere in the world is there such an accumulation of large animals as in the African savannah. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, buffaloes and other animals are found here. A characteristic feature of the animal world is the wealth of predators (lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, hyena dogs, jackals, etc.) and ungulates (tens of species of antelopes). Among the birds there are large ones - ostriches, vultures, marabou, crowned cranes, bustards, hornbills, crocodiles live in the rivers.

Rice. 52. Typical representatives of the animal world of Africa: 1 - elephant; 2 - hippopotamus; 3 - giraffe; 4 - lion; 5 - zebra; 6 - marabou; 7 - gorilla; 8 - crocodile

In the natural zones of Africa there are many animals and plants that are not found on other continents. The African savannas are characterized by the baobab, whose trunk reaches 10 m in diameter, the doom palm, the umbrella acacia, the tallest animal in the world - the giraffe, lions, the secretary bird. In the African equatorial forest (Gilea), the great apes gorilla and chimpanzee, the pygmy okapi giraffe live. In tropical deserts, there is a one-humped camel dromedary, a fennec fox, as well as the most poisonous mamba snake. Lemurs live only on the island of Madagascar.

Africa is the birthplace of a number of cultivated plants: oil palm, cola tree, coffee tree, castor beans, sesame, African millet, watermelons, many indoor flower plants - geraniums, aloe, gladioli, pelargonium, etc.

Zone of moist equatorial forests (giley) occupies 8% of the mainland - the basin of the Congo River and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. The climate here is humid, equatorial, warm enough. Precipitation falls evenly, more than 2000 mm per year. The soils are red-yellow ferralitic, poor in organic matter. A sufficient amount of heat and moisture promotes the development of vegetation. In terms of the richness of species composition (about 25 thousand species) and area, the humid equatorial forests of Africa are second only to the humid equatorial forests of South America.

Forests form 4-5 tiers. Giant (up to 70 m) ficuses, oil and wine palms, ceiba, cola tree, and breadfruit grow in the upper tiers. In the lower tiers - bananas, ferns, Liberian coffee tree. Among the vines, the rubber-bearing liana landolphia and the rattan palm liana (up to 200 m in length) are interesting. This is the longest plant in the world. Red, iron, black (ebony) trees have valuable wood. There are many orchids and mosses in the forest.

There are few herbivores in the forests and fewer predators than in other natural areas. Of the ungulates, the pygmy okapi giraffe is characteristic, hiding in dense forest thickets, forest antelopes, water deer, buffalo, and hippopotamus are found. Predators are represented by wild cats, leopards, jackals. Of the rodents, the brush-tailed porcupine and broad-tailed flying squirrels are common. Monkeys, baboons, mandrills are numerous in the forests. Great apes are represented by 2-3 species of chimpanzees and gorillas.

The transition zone between equatorial forests and savannahs are subequatorial variable wet forests . They border the humid equatorial forests with a narrow strip. Vegetation gradually changes under the influence of a shortening of the wet period and an intensification of the dry season as one moves away from the equator. Gradually, the equatorial forest turns into a subequatorial, mixed, deciduous-evergreen forest on red ferrallitic soils. The annual precipitation decreases to 650-1300 mm, and the dry season increases to 1-3 months. A distinctive feature of these forests is the predominance of trees of the legume family. Trees up to 25 m high shed their leaves during the dry period, a grassy cover forms under them. Subequatorial forests are located on the northern edge of the equatorial rainforests and south of the equator in the Congo Basin.

Rice. 53 African Savannah

Savannah and woodlands occupy large expanses of Africa - the marginal uplifts of the Congo depression, the Sudanese plains, the East African plateau (about 40% of the territory). These are open grassy plains with groves or individual trees (Fig. 53). The zone of savannahs and light forests encircles moist and variable-humid forests from the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans and extends northward to 17¨ s. sh. and south to 20¨ S. sh. Savannahs have alternating wet and dry seasons. In the wet season, in the savannah, where the rainy season lasts up to 8-9 months, lush grasses grow up to 2 m high, sometimes up to 5 m. 53. In the African savannah (elephant grass). Among the continuous sea of ​​​​cereals (cereal savanna), individual trees rise: baobabs, umbrella acacia, doum palms, oil palms. During the dry season, the grasses dry up, the leaves on the trees fall off, and the savannah becomes yellow-brown. Under the savannas, special types of soils are formed - red and red-brown soils.

Depending on the duration of the wet period, savannahs are wet or tall grass, typical or dry, and deserted.

Wet, or tall grass, savannahs have an insignificant dry period (about 3-4 months), and the annual precipitation is 1500-1000 mm. This is a transitional area from forest vegetation to typical savannah. The soils, like those of the subequatorial forests, are red ferralitic. Among the cereals - elephant grass, bearded man, from trees - baobab, acacia, carob, doom palm, cotton tree (ceiba). Evergreen forests are developed along the river valleys.

Typical savannahs are developed in areas with precipitation of 750-1000 mm, the dry period lasts 5-6 months. In the north, they stretch in a continuous strip from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ethiopian highlands. In the Southern Hemisphere they occupy the northern part of Angola. Characterized by baobabs, acacias, fan palms, shea tree, cereals are represented by bearded man. Soils are reddish brown.

Deserted savannas have less rainfall (up to 500 mm), the dry season lasts 7-9 months. They have a sparse grass cover, and acacias predominate among shrubs. These savannahs on red-brown soils stretch in a narrow strip from the coast of Mauritania to the Somali peninsula. In the south, they are widely developed in the Kalahari Basin. African savannahs are rich in food resources. There are more than 40 species of herbivorous ungulates here, antelopes are especially numerous (kudu, eland, pygmy antelopes). The largest of them is the wildebeest. Giraffes are preserved mainly in national parks. Zebras are common in the savannas. In some places they are domesticated and replace horses (not susceptible to tsetse bites). Herbivores are accompanied by numerous predators: lions, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, hyenas. Endangered animals include the black and white rhino and the African elephant. Birds are numerous: African ostriches, guinea fowls, francolins, marabou, weavers, secretary bird, lapwings, herons, pelicans. In terms of the number of species of flora and fauna per unit area, the savannahs of Africa are unmatched.

Savannas are relatively favorable for tropical farming. Significant areas of the savannas are plowed up, cotton, peanut, corn, tobacco, sorghum, and rice are cultivated.

North and south of the savannas are tropical semi-deserts and desert occupying 33% of the mainland. The desert zone is distinguished by a very low amount of precipitation (no more than 100 mm per year), and sparse xerophytic vegetation.

Semi-deserts are a transitional area between savannahs and tropical deserts, where the amount of precipitation does not exceed 250-300 mm. A narrow strip of semi-deserts in North Africa is subshrub-cereal (acacia, tamarisk, hard cereals). In South Africa, semi-deserts are developed in the interior of the Kalahari. The southern semi-deserts are characterized by succulents (aloe, spurge, wild watermelons). During the rainy period, irises, lilies, amaryllis bloom.

In North Africa, vast areas with precipitation up to 100 mm are occupied by the Sahara Desert, in South Africa the Namib Desert stretches in a narrow strip along the western coast, and in the south is the Kalahari Desert. According to vegetation, the deserts are grass-shrub, shrub and succulent.

The vegetation of the Sahara is represented by individual bunches of cereals and thorny shrubs. From cereals, wild millet is common, from shrubs and semi-shrubs - dwarf saxaul, camel thorn, acacia, jujube, euphorbia, ephedra. Solyanka and wormwood grow on saline soils. Around shotts - tamarisks. The southern deserts are characterized by succulent plants that resemble stones in appearance. In the Namib Desert, a kind of relic plant is common - the majestic velvichia (stump plant) - the lowest tree on Earth (up to 50 cm tall with long fleshy leaves 8-9 m long). There are aloe, euphorbia, wild watermelons, bush acacias.

Typical desert soils are gray soils. In those parts of the Sahara where groundwater is close to the surface of the earth, oases are formed (Fig. 54). All the economic activities of people are concentrated here; grapes, pomegranate, barley, millet, and wheat are grown. The main plant of the oases is the date palm.

Rice. 54. Oasis in the Sahara

The fauna of semi-deserts and deserts is poor. In the Sahara, among large animals, there are antelopes, wild cats, fennec foxes are found. Jerboas, gerbils, various reptiles, scorpions, phalanxes live in the sands.

natural area tropical rainforests found on the island of Madagascar and in the Dragon Mountains. It is characterized by ironwood, rubber-nosed and rosewood trees.

The transition zone between tropical deserts and subtropical evergreen forests and shrublands is subtropical semi-deserts and deserted steppes . In Africa, they occupy the interior regions of the Atlas and Cape mountains, the Karoo plateau, and the Libyan-Egyptian coast to 30°N. sh. The vegetation is very sparse. In North Africa, these are cereals, xerophytic trees, shrubs and shrubs, in South Africa - succulents, bulbous, tuberous plants.

Zone subtropical evergreen hardwood forests and bushes represented on the northern slopes of the Atlas Mountains and in the west of the Cape Mountains.

The forests of the Atlas Mountains form cork and holm oaks, Aleppo pine, Atlas cedar with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. Maquis is widespread - impenetrable thickets of hard-leaved evergreen shrubs and low trees (myrtle, oleander, pistachio, strawberry tree, laurel). Typical brown soils form here.

In the Cape Mountains, vegetation is represented by Cape olive, silver tree, African walnut.

In the extreme south-east of Africa, where there is a humid subtropical climate, lush mixed subtropical forests grow, represented by evergreen deciduous and coniferous species with an abundance of epiphytes. The zonal soils of subtropical forests are krasnozems.

The fauna of the northern subtropics is represented by European and African species. Red deer, mountain gazelle, mouflon, jungle cat, jackals, Algerian fox, wild rabbits, tailless narrow-nosed magot monkey live in the northern subtropical forests, canaries and eagles are widely represented among birds, and in the south - earthen wolf, jumping antelope, meerkats.

Bibliography

1. Geography grade 8. Textbook for the 8th grade of institutions of general secondary education with the Russian language of instruction / Edited by Professor P. S. Lopukh - Minsk "Narodnaya Asveta" 2014

Savannahs are dominated by herbaceous vegetation. Most of the African savanna is located in Africa, between 15 ° N. sh. and 30°S sh. Savannahs 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 of the Congo, Angola, Uganda , Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.

There are two seasons in the African savanna: 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. During the whole season, only about 100 mm of precipitation falls.
• 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 it can rain for hours without stopping.

Savannah is characterized by grasses and small or scattered trees that do not form a closed dome (as in), allowing sunlight to reach the ground. The African savanna contains a diverse community of organisms that interact and form a complex food web.

Healthy, balanced ecosystems are made up of many interacting ecosystems called food webs. (lions, hyenas, leopards) feed on herbivores (impalas, warthogs, cattle) that consume producers (herbs, 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 biological community of the savanna and often compete with other organisms for food.

Threats

This ecoregion has been significantly harmed by humans in many ways. For example, local residents use the land for grazing, as a result of which the grass dies and the savannah turns into a barren, desert area. People use wood for cooking and create problems for the environment. Some also engage in poaching (hunting animals illegally), which leads to the extinction of many species.

To restore the damage caused and preserve the natural environment, some countries have created nature reserves. The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The African savannah is one of the largest wild habitats in the world, it covers almost half the area of ​​the continent, 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.

African savannah animals

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 hot air currents allow them to soar above the ground with ease, and the sparse trees provide an opportunity to rest or nest.

The savannah has a large species diversity of fauna: the African savannah has become home to more than 40 different species of herbivorous animals. Up to 16 different herbivorous species (those that feed on tree leaves and grass) can coexist in one area. This is possible due to their own food preferences of each individual species: they can graze at different heights, at different times of the day or year, and so on.

These various herbivores are food for predators such as lions, jackals, and hyenas. Each carnivorous species has its own preferences for living in the same territory and not competing 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 bush 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 they measure up to 3.2 m at the withers and weigh up to 6 tons. They have a long and very flexible trunk that ends with nostrils. The trunk is used to capture food and water and carry them to the mouth. On the sides of the mouth are two long teeth called tusks. Elephants have thick, gray skin that protects them from the deadly bites of predators.

This type of elephant is common in the African savannas and grasslands. Elephants are herbivores and feed on herbs, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, and the like.

These animals have an important job in the savannas. They eat bushes and trees, and thereby help the grass to grow. This allows many herbivorous animals to survive. There are about 150,000 elephants in the world today and they are endangered because poachers kill them for their ivory.

hyena dog

The African wild dog lives in the grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. The fur of this animal is short and colored in red, brown, black, yellow and white. Each individual has a unique coloring. Their ears are very large and rounded. The muzzle of the dogs is short and they have powerful jaws.

This species is well suited for chasing. Like greyhounds, they have a slender body and long legs. The bones of the lower front legs are fused together, preventing them from twisting when running. African wild dogs have large ears that help to remove heat from the animal's body. The short and wide muzzle has powerful muscles that allow it to grab and hold prey. The multicolored coat provides camouflage to the environment.

The African wild dog is a carnivore 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 common in the savannas, rocky and open woodlands of Africa. The 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 in color, but brownish gray, with a light belly and brownish scales on the back. It got its name because of the purple-black color of the inner surface of the 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. Mamba bites and holds smaller animals, waiting for the action of toxic poison.

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 of the body and opening its mouth wide. They quickly attack and inject their poison into the victim, and then crawl away. Before antidotes were developed, mamba bites were 100% fatal. However, to prevent death, the drug should be administered immediately. They have no natural enemies and the main threat comes from habitat destruction.

Caracal

- a species of mammal from, widespread in the savannas of Africa. The physique is similar to that of a normal cat, but the caracal is larger and has large ears. Its coat is short, and the color varies from brown to reddish-gray, sometimes even becoming dark. Its head is shaped like an inverted triangle. The ears are black on the outside and light inside, with tufts of black hair at the tips.

They are active at night, mainly preying on small mammals such as rabbits and porcupines, but sometimes large animals such as sheep, young antelopes or deer become their prey. They have special skills for catching birds. 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 savannah and high mountain meadows. 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-grey fur.

Bear baboons do not live in trees, they spend most of their time on the ground. They may climb trees when threatened, for food or to rest. These mainly eat fruits from trees, roots and beetles. Baboons inadvertently feed other animals by throwing or leaving food behind them for others to pick up.

Egyptian mongoose

The Egyptian mongoose is the largest of all mongooses in Africa. Animals are common in scrublands, rocky regions and small areas of the 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 hair, usually gray with brown dots.

They are primarily carnivorous, but will also eat fruit if 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 fauna can eat poisonous snakes. They prey on birds of prey and large savannah carnivores. Egyptian mongooses benefit the environment by killing animals (such as rats and snakes) that are considered pests to humans.

Zebra Grant

Grant's zebra is a subspecies of the 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, however the 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 in the savannah and they are endangered.

a lion

They live in the African savannas south of the Sahara. They eat gazelles, buffaloes, zebras and many other small to 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 perfect for biting and chewing meat.

They play an important role in the survival of other animals. When this predator kills its prey and eats it, parts or pieces of the carcass are usually left, which are consumed by vultures and hyenas.

Lions are quite interesting and graceful creatures that are interesting to watch, however they are endangered due to over-hunting and loss of habitat.

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. The body color is dark olive. They are considered the smartest reptiles on earth.

Crocodiles eat almost anything in the water, including fish, turtles, or birds. They even eat buffalo, antelopes, big cats, and sometimes humans when they get the chance.

Nile crocodiles skillfully disguise 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 the pond to quench their thirst, these reptiles are a mortal danger. This species is not endangered. They are not threatened by other animals except humans.

African savannah plants

This habitat has become home to a huge number of wild plants. Many representatives of the flora have adapted to grow in 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.

Herbs have an adaptation that prevents certain animals from eating them; some are too spicy or bitter for certain species, while others are more than acceptable. The advantage of this adaptation is that each animal species has something to eat. Different species may also consume individual plant parts.

There are many different types of plants in the African savanna and below is a list of some of them:

Acacia Senegal

The 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 juice of this tree is gum arabic - a hard transparent resin. This resin is widely used in industry, cooking, watercolor painting, cosmetics, medicine, etc.

Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the Senegalese acacia. Like other legumes, these trees store nitrogen and then enrich poor soils with it.

Baobab

Baobab is found in the savannahs of Africa and India, mostly 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 a thick stem, with 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 the locals. The bark of the baobab is used to make cloth and rope, the leaves are used as spices and medicines, and the fruit, called "monkey bread", is eaten pure. 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.

bermuda grass

This plant is also called pig finger. Bermuda grass is widely distributed in warm climates from 45°N. up to 45°S It got its name from an introduction from Bermuda. Grass grows in open areas (pastures, open forests, and gardens) where frequent disturbances to the ecosystem occur, such as animal grazing, floods, and fires.

Bermuda grass is a creeping plant that forms a dense carpet when it touches the soil. It has a deep root system, and in drought conditions, the roots can be underground at a depth of 120-150 cm. The main part of the root is at a depth of 60 cm.

Pigtail 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. Nevertheless, it saved a huge amount of agricultural land from erosion. This plant is highly nutritious for 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 herb to their animals.

The plant is very invasive and clogs natural waterways that need to be cleared periodically. Elephant grass grows well in tropical climates and can be killed by a slight frost. The underground parts will remain alive if the soil does not freeze.

This herb is used by the locals in cooking, agriculture, construction and as an ornamental plant.

Persimmon loquat

Persimmon medlar is widely distributed throughout the African savannah. It prefers wooded areas where termite mounds are nearby, and is also found along riverbeds and wetlands. In heavy soils, termite mounds provide the tree with aerated and moist soil. Termites do not eat live trees of this species.

This plant can reach 24 m in height, however, most trees do not grow that tall, but reach a height of 4 to 6 m. The fruit of the tree is popular with many animals and locals. 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 a hot and dry climate 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-retaining trunk, long roots, and thick bark.

This species is widely distributed throughout the southern savannah. Nuts from this tree are part of the daily diet of many Africans and are even used to make oil.

Kombretum krasnolistny

Redleaf combretum prefers a warm and dry climate, 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 spring. Parts of this tree are used in medicine and the woodworking industry. Good adaptability, fast growth, dense spreading canopy, interesting fruits and attractive leaves make it a popular ornamental tree.

Acacia twisted

Acacia twisted is a tree from the legume family. Its homeland is the African savanna of the 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 withstand dry and hot environmental conditions. In addition, trees that reach the age of two are notable for slight frost resistance.

The wood of these trees is used in construction and furniture is made from it. Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the acacia tree. Parts of the tree are used by the locals to make jewelry, weapons and tools, as well as in traditional medicine.

The black locust plays an important role in the restoration of degraded drylands, as the roots of the tree fix nitrogen (the main plant nutrient) in the soil through interaction with symbiotic nodule bacteria.

Acacia sickle-bladed

The sickle-bladed acacia is commonly found in the savannahs of equatorial East Africa, in particular the Serengeti Plain.

This acacia can grow up to 5 m tall and has sharp spikes up to 8 cm long. The hollow spikes can be inhabited by 4 species of ants and they often make tiny holes in them. When the wind blows, the spikes thrown by the ants make a whistling sound.

Savannah and woodland is a natural area that can only be found in certain geographical zones. They are widespread in the subequatorial belts in both hemispheres, and small areas are also located in the subtropics and tropics. More precisely, they are territorially located on almost half of the African continent (about 40% of the total area). The savanna and woodlands are also very common in South America, in the northern and eastern parts of Asia (for example, in Indochina), and also in Australia. Geographical position.

For most natural areas, the main reason for the characteristics of the animal and plant world, as well as the state of the soil, is, first of all, the climate, and directly the temperature regime and temperature changes (both daily and seasonal). Based on the above-described features of the geographical position of the savannahs, it is reasonable to conclude that hot weather is typical here for all seasons of the year, and dry tropical air is noted in winter, while in summer, on the contrary, humid equatorial air prevails. The removal of these territories from the equatorial belt, respectively, affects the reduction of the rainy season to a minimum of 2-3 months from its characteristic 8-9. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are relatively stable - the maximum difference is 20 degrees. However, the daily difference is very large - it can reach a difference of as much as 25 degrees. Savannah and woodland zone. Climate features.

Seasonal animal migrations are one of the most impressive phenomena in nature. Birds are the most avid travelers in the animal world. Half of all bird species fly long distances to places where there is a lot of food or where they can hatch chicks. Huge flocks or herds, as if on command, are removed from their place and set off on a journey hundreds and thousands of kilometers away. Migration can be caused by the need to search for food, the lack of which is due to natural causes. In much of Africa, for example, during a drought, the grass dries up completely, and wildebeest and zebra are forced to go in search of new fresh pastures. Predators that feed on herbivores also migrate behind them. They return later. Seasonal migration of animals. What is it caused by?

The condition of the soil, its fertility directly depend on the duration of the rainy period and is characterized by increased leaching. Thus, closer to the equator and equatorial forests, the natural zone of savannas and light forests, namely their soil, is characterized by a huge content of red soils. In areas where the rainy season lasts for 7-9 months, most soils are ferralitic. Places with rainy seasons of 6 months or less are "rich" in red-brown savannah soils. In poorly irrigated areas with rains that fall only in a period of two to three months, unsuitable soils are formed with a very thin layer of humus (humus). Soil type in the savannah.

Even soils such as savannas have found their way into human activities - the most suitable of them are used for grazing livestock, as well as for growing various crops, but due to their misuse, already depleted areas turn into depleted and deserted areas, unable to in the future, at least somehow feed both people and animals.

Describing the flora of such a natural zone as savannah and woodlands, it is impossible not to mention baobabs - amazing trees, like camels, accumulating water reserves in their trunk. Acacias, epiphytes, palm trees, quebrachos, tree-like cacti, etc. are also often found. During the period of drought, many of them turn yellow, wither, but with the advent of rains, the whole environment seems to be reborn and once again gives the arrived animals the opportunity to gain strength and prepare for the next drought . Vegetation of savannahs and light forests.

We can immediately say that this is a unique world that is not found anywhere else on Earth. First of all, because of the variety of large and very large animals. Before the advent of white colonialists, the animals of Africa felt free and at ease. Savannahs 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. Thanks to the animals, the savannah has a characteristic, incomparable appearance. Animal world.

The appearance of the wildebeest is so peculiar that it is difficult to confuse it with another animal - a dense and short body on disproportionately thin legs, a heavy head decorated with sharp horns and a mane, and a fluffy tail. Next to them there are always small herds of cute African horses - zebras. Antelopes and zebras.

Photos of the African savannah, which we see in textbooks, brochures of travel companies, necessarily show us one of the typical representatives of the fauna of these places - giraffes. Once the number of these animals was very large, but they were the first to suffer from the white colonists - they made coverings for wagons from their skins. Now giraffes are under protection, but their number is small. Giraffes.

They are the largest land animals in Africa. Savannahs are unimaginable without huge steppe elephants. They differ from their forest counterparts in powerful tusks and wider ears. By the beginning of the 21st century, the number of elephants had greatly decreased, but thanks to conservation measures and the creation of nature reserves, today there are more elephants than in the last century. Elephants.

The fate of the white and black rhinos that inhabit the African savannah causes serious concern for scientists. Their horns cost four times as much as elephant tusks. Therefore, they are the most desirable prey for poachers. Only the reserves created in Africa helped protect these animals from complete extermination. Rhinos.

African savannas are inhabited by many predators. Unconditional superiority among them have lions. They live in groups (prides). They include adults and juveniles. In prides, responsibilities are clearly distributed - young and mobile lionesses provide the family with food, and males protect the territory. Lions.

These predators are a little similar to each other in appearance, but differ in their way of life. The main prey of the cheetah is the gazelle. The leopard is a universal hunter, he successfully hunts for warthogs (African wild pigs), baboons, small antelopes. Leopards and cheetahs.

There are many insects and worms in the grass and soil, so the savannah fauna is distinguished by a large number of birds. They flock here from all over the world. The most common are storks, red-billed quillies, vultures, marabou, African ostriches, vultures, horned crows, etc. The largest and, perhaps, one of the most beautiful birds in the world, ostriches, live in the savannas. The picture of the animal world of the African continent would be incomplete if we did not mention termites. These insects have dozens of species. Their buildings are a characteristic element of the savannah landscape. It should be noted that animals are very revered in Africa. Indeed, it is not for nothing that their images can be seen on the emblems of many African states: the lion - the Congo and Kenya, the zebra - Botswana, the elephant - Côte d'Ivoire. The wildlife of the African savannah has developed over the centuries as an independent whole. The degree of adaptability of animals to specific conditions is unusually high It can be attributed to a strict division according to the method of nutrition and the composition of feed.Some use the shoots of young shrubs, others use the bark, others use the buds and buds of plants.In addition, different animals take the same shoots from different heights.Birds.

Conclusion: The savannah of South Africa is a place where diametrically opposed landscapes and amazing ecosystems are combined in an amazing way. The harsh struggle for life in these places is in amazing harmony with the luxurious nature, and the richness of flora and fauna - with attractive exoticism and African flavor.

Knowing the elementary basics from geography lessons, most students will unanimously say that the savannah and light forests are the same natural zone as the taiga, steppe, tundra, desert, etc. This article is intended to give a more definite and clear concept of the savannah and woodlands.

Geographical position

So, savannah and light forests are a natural zone that can only be found in certain areas. They are widespread in both hemispheres, and small areas are also located in the subtropics and tropics. More precisely, they are territorially located on almost half of the African continent (about 40% of the total area). The savanna and woodlands are also very common in South America, in the northern and eastern parts of Asia (for example, in Indochina), and also in Australia.

Most often, these are places with insufficient moisture for the normal growth of moist forests. Usually they begin their "development" in the depths of the mainland.

Zone Climate features

For most natural areas, the main reason for the characteristics of the animal and plant world, as well as the state of the soil, is, first of all, the climate, and directly the temperature regime and temperature changes (both daily and seasonal).

Based on the above-described features of the geographical position of the savannahs, it is reasonable to conclude that hot weather is typical here for all seasons of the year, and dry tropical air is noted in winter, while in summer, on the contrary, humid equatorial air prevails. The removal of these territories from, respectively, affects the reduction of the rainy season to a minimum of 2-3 months from its characteristic 8-9. Seasonal temperature differences are relatively stable - the maximum difference is 20 degrees. However, the daily difference is very large - it can reach a difference of as much as 25 degrees.

Soils

The condition of the soil, its fertility directly depend on the duration of the rainy period and is characterized by increased leaching. Thus, closer to the equator, the natural zone of savannahs and light forests, namely their soil, is characterized by a huge content of red soils. In areas where the rainy season lasts for 7-9 months, most soils are ferralitic. Places with rainy seasons of 6 months or less are "rich" in red-brown savannah soils. In poorly irrigated areas with rains falling in just two to three months, unsuitable soils are formed with a very thin layer of humus (humus) - up to 3-5% maximum.

Even soils such as savannas have found their way into human activities - the most suitable of them are used for grazing livestock, as well as for growing various crops, but due to their misuse, already depleted areas are turning into depleted and deserted areas, unable to in the future, at least somehow feed both people and animals.

Flora and fauna

To survive in such changeable conditions, animals need to adapt to the zone, as, in fact, in all other regions. Savannah and light forests surprise with the richest fauna. So, in Africa, on the territories of the savannas, mainly mammals live: giraffes, rhinos, elephants, wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs, lions, zebras, etc. Anteaters, armadillos, ostriches, rhea, etc. are found in South America. and the number of birds - this is the well-known secretary bird, African ostriches, sunbird, marabou, etc. In Australia, the "inhabitants" of the savannas and woodlands are kangaroos, their fellow marsupials, wild dingo dogs. During the drought period, herbivores migrate to areas better provided with water and food, on the way to which at times they themselves become objects of hunting for most predators (and humans too). Termites are common in savannahs.

Describing flora such as savannah and woodlands, it is impossible not to mention baobabs - amazing trees, like camels, accumulating water reserves in their trunk. Acacias, epiphytes, palm trees, quebrachos, tree-like cacti, etc. are also often found. During the period of drought, many of them turn yellow, wither, but with the advent of rains, the whole environment seems to be reborn and once again gives the arrived animals the opportunity to gain strength and prepare for the next drought .

In Africa, evergreen moist equatorial forests, seasonally humid forests, savannahs and light forests, semi-deserts and deserts, and hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs are common. High-altitude natural zones are located in the mountains.

equatorial forest zone. The zone of equatorial forests is characteristic of the equatorial climatic zone, which is located near the equator and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Equatorial forests are called wet, or hylaea.

Equatorial forests grow on red-yellow soils. High humidity and high temperature contribute to the oxidation of iron, which is contained in the soil. It is the processes of iron oxidation that give the soils of equatorial forests a reddish hue. The considered soils are poor in humus. Forests have a tiered structure, that is, they grow in several tiers. Due to the density of the vegetation cover, sunlight almost does not penetrate under the crowns.

The equatorial forest is rich and diverse. Up to a thousand species of trees and 25 thousand species of other plants are found here. The upper tier (35-50 m) of the equatorial forest is formed by palm trees and sei-by. An oil palm tree grows in the middle tier, and a palm tree called raffia grows in the lower tier. Tree-like ferns and creepers also grow, which densely wrap around tree trunks. The lowest tier of the equatorial forest is occupied by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation.

Animals of equatorial Africa live mainly on trees. These are a wide variety of birds, rodents, insects, as well as monkeys (monkeys, chimpanzees). The pygmy African gazelle (height 40 cm), pygmy hippopotamus (height 80 cm), forest elephant, okapi, gorilla, etc. live on the earth. A large predator of the equatorial forests is the panther.

The zone of equatorial forests to the north and south is replaced by wet seasonal forests. The fauna of the seasonally humid forests is not much different from the fauna of the equatorial forests, where only two months a year there is no or little precipitation. Various snakes, lizards and other insects live here.

Savannah. About 40% of Africa is occupied by savannahs. In their appearance, savannahs with high shrub vegetation resemble the landscape of the steppes. Woody vegetation occurs in small clusters or groves. Savannahs differ from the equatorial forest zone in having pronounced wet and dry seasons. A distinctive feature of the savannas is also the fact that large animals live in them. Dense herbaceous plants up to 3 m grow in the adjacent moist seasonal forests.

Red soils are developed in the savannahs.

The rainy season lasts 6 months, which is generally typical for a typical savannah. Precipitation falls mainly in the summer. Of the trees, umbrella acacia, sand palm, etc. are common.

As we approach the Sahara, the landscape of the savannas changes. Dense herbaceous and shrub cover gives way to stunted and sparse vegetation, among which leafless euphorbia, cacti and various thorns stand out, and huge baobabs also grow here.

The largest animals live in the savannas: antelopes (up to 40 species), zebras, giraffes, elephants (up to 4 m high, weighing up to 12 tons), buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, baboons, lions, panthers, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, crocodiles (length 5-6 m) (Fig. 12). There are also ostriches (up to 2.8 m long, weighing up to 90 kg), secretary birds, marabou, etc. Widely known nature reserves, national pariahs and wildlife preserves have been created in the savannahs.

A. Soatov, A. Abdulkasymov, M. Mirakmalov "Physical geography of continents and oceans" Publishing and printing art house "O`qituvchi" Tashkent-2013