What are Savannas?

Credit: Gary M. Stolz, USFWS

Savannas are areas of open grassland with very few trees. There are two types of savannas, tropical and semi-tropical savannas. Savannas are typically dry, receiving less than 30 inches of rain on average per year. The lack of water makes savannas a difficult place for tall plants such as trees to grow.

Many of the animals that live in savannas rely on speed for survival, as the vast open areas provide little means of escape from quick predators.

Camouflage is also very important to animals of the savanna. Both predators and prey use this technique to conceal themselves from one another.

Some locations of savannas include Africa, Central America, South America, and Southern Asia.

Learn more about savannas and other biomes, see:

• Land Biomes