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How do Savannahs in Africa differ from those in South America?

Rhys Vowells

Savannahs, also known as grasslands, are vast biomes that cover a significant portion of the world's surface. Although they share some similarities, there are some notable differences between Savannahs in Africa and South America.

Firstly, the composition of species differs between these two Savannahs. African Savannahs are home to a higher concentration of large, grazing mammals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. In contrast, South American Savannahs contain a more diverse range of herbivorous and omnivorous species like capybaras, giant anteaters, jaguars, and anacondas. In terms of vegetation, African Savannahs host a mix of trees and grasslands while South American Savannahs are mainly comprised of grass.

The climate of these two Savannahs also varies. Typically, African Savannahs experience a warm and dry climate, with two different seasons—wet and dry. Rainfall is usually between 300mm to 1500mm yearly in the African Savannahs, but it can vary based on the region. In contrast, the climate of South American Savannahs is affected by the presence of the Andes Mountains and unique atmospheric circulation known as the Hadley cell. This means that the climate of the South American Savannahs is more tropical and wet than the African Savannahs, and rainfall can reach up to 2000mm annually.

Moreover, human activity impacts these two Savannahs differently. African Savannahs are facing a lot of challenges from increasing human population, grazing, and deforestation. However, national parks and conservation efforts work to protect these Savannahs from human activity. Meanwhile, South American Savannahs are experiencing less human impact than African Savannahs as a result of being in remote areas, but deforestation for agriculture, mining activities, and ranching are still a critical threat.

In conclusion, African and South American Savannahs demonstrate some significant differences in terms of climate, geographic location, species composition, and human activity. Although both areas are important to ecological diversity worldwide, the factors mentioned above make them unique and important in their way, and it is crucial to preserve them for generations to come.