Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome

The Sudan Climate, also referred to as the Savanna Climate, represents a transitional climate type situated between equatorial forests and hot deserts influenced by trade winds.
Predominantly found in tropical regions, it reaches its peak development in Sudan, where the distinct dry and wet seasons contribute to its nomenclature.
This climatic belt extends from West African Sudan to East Africa and southern Africa, positioned north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
Two notable savanna regions exist in South America, both north and south of the equator—the llanos in the Orinoco basin and the Campos in the Brazilia Highlands.
In Australia, the savanna is situated south of the monsoon belt that traverses north of the Tropic of Capricorn from west to east.
The Sudan Climate exhibits alternating rainy and dry seasons, resembling a monsoon climate but with substantially lower annual precipitation.
Unlike traditional monsoon climates, it lacks a distinctly defined rainy season, resulting in frequent occurrences of droughts and floods.
The Sudan Climate manifests unique characteristics in terms of vegetation, fauna, and human life, setting it apart from regions with traditional monsoon climates.

Table of Contents

DISTRIBUTION

Savannahs, characterized by a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, are prevalent in regions such as Africa, South America, Australia, India, Myanmar (Burma)–Thailand in Asia, and Madagascar.

African Savanna:
- North of the Tropic of Capricorn, the savanna belt encompasses West African Sudan before curving southwards into East Africa and southern Africa.
South American Savanna:
- In South America, two distinct locations with savanna features are the llanos of the Orinoco basin (north of the equator) and the campos of the Brazilian Highlands (south of the equator).
Australian Savanna:
- The Australian savanna is located south of the monsoon strip in northern Australia, extending from west to east and running north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
Indian Savanna:
- Specific areas in Northern Karnataka, Southern Maharashtra, and Telangana exhibit characteristics of both semi-arid and savanna climates. This region stands out from other savanna zones due to the influence of irrigation and horticulture practices.

CLIMATE

Rainfall:

The average annual rainfall in this region ranges between 80 and 160 cm, with a gradual reduction as one moves away from the equator.
In the northern hemisphere, the rainy season spans from May to September, while in the southern hemisphere, it occurs from October to March.

Temperature:

The average yearly temperature exceeds 18°C.
Lowland sites experience monthly temperature fluctuations between 20°C and 32°C. Interestingly, the hottest months align with the commencement of the rainy season rather than the peak of summer.
Days are characterized by heat, while nights can be freezing, contributing to a notable diurnal temperature range.

Winds:

The dominant winds in the region are the Trade Winds, which bring moisture to coastal areas.
While strongest in the summer, these winds tend to become relatively dry by the time they reach continental interiors or western beaches.
In West Africa, the North-East Trades blow off-shore from the Sahara Desert, arriving as dry, dust-laden winds on the Guinea coast.

NATURAL VEGETATION

The savanna landscape is characterized by tall grasses and low trees. Often referred to as ‘bush-veld,’ these grasslands undergo distinct seasonal changes.

Deciduous Trees:

The trees in the savanna are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the chilly, dry season to reduce excessive water loss through transpiration.
Adaptations to survive prolonged drought include broad trunks with water-storing systems.

Umbrella-Shaped Trees:

Many trees in the savanna have an umbrella-shaped canopy, exposing only a thin edge to powerful winds.
This design helps them endure the harsh conditions.

Tall Grasses:

Grasses in the savanna can grow remarkably tall, ranging from 6 to 12 feet.
Notably, elephant grass, a prominent variety, can reach heights of up to 15 feet.
During the rainy season, the grass appears green and vibrant, contrasting with the yellow and withered look it adopts in the subsequent dry season.

Transition to Thorny Scrub:

As one moves closer to desert regions where rainfall diminishes, the savanna transforms into thorny scrub, marking a transition in vegetation types.
This adaptation reflects the dynamic nature of the savanna ecosystem in response to varying moisture levels.

BIODIVERSITY

The savanna, often referred to as “big game country,” attracts thousands of individuals globally who engage in activities that involve capturing or hunting animals each year. The savanna is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring both grass-eating herbivores and flesh-eating carnivores.

Herbivorous Mammals:

Zebra: Recognized for distinctive black-and-white stripes.
Antelope: Diverse species inhabit the savanna, each with unique adaptations.
Giraffe: Known for its long neck and distinct spotted pattern.
Deer: Various deer species contribute to the herbivorous population.
Gazelle: Characterized by swift movements and curved horns.
Elephant: Majestic and iconic, with large tusks.

Carnivorous Predators:

Lion: The king of the savanna, known for its social structure and hunting prowess.
Tiger: Though not native to the savanna, tigers are formidable predators in some regions.
Leopard: Agile climbers and skilled hunters.
Hyena: Adapted to scavenging and formidable hunters in packs.
Panther: Agile and stealthy, contributing to the carnivorous diversity.
Jaguar: Native to the Americas, exhibiting strength and versatility.
Jackal: Known for their distinctive howls and scavenging habits.

Aquatic Life:

In rivers and marshy lakes within the savanna, a diverse array of reptiles and mammals

coexist:

Crocodiles: Formidable predators with a presence in aquatic habitats.
Alligators: Well-adapted to marshy environments, often cohabiting with crocodiles.
Huge Lizards: Varied lizard species contribute to the savanna’s reptilian diversity.

Large Mammals:

Rhinoceros: Impressive herbivores known for their distinctive horns.
Hippopotamus: Semi-aquatic mammals with formidable strength.

The savanna’s complex ecosystem supports interactions among these diverse species, contributing to the dynamic and intricate web of life in this iconic biome.

SAVANNA’S LIFE AND SOCIOECONOMIC DYNAMICS

The savanna region accommodates diverse tribal communities, each contributing to the region’s unique way of life.

Nomadic pastoralists, exemplified by the Masai on the East African plateau, contrast with settled cultivators like the Hausa in northern Nigeria.
Historically, immigrant white settlers appropriated ancestral grazing lands of the Masai in the Kenyan Highlands.
This takeover aimed at establishing plantation agriculture (focusing on coffee, tea, cotton) and dairy production.
The Masai prioritize cattle for milk production and refrain from slaughtering them for meat, making agriculture a rare practice among them.
In contrast, the Hausa, residing in Nigeria’s savanna lands, form an established farming community with a more advanced societal structure.
They adopt a sedentary lifestyle, clearing plots of land and dwelling on them for extended periods, showcasing a distinctive approach to cultivation.
The socioeconomic fabric of the savanna reflects the coexistence of nomadic and settled communities, shaped by historical events, agricultural practices, and cultural nuances.

Farming Challenges:

The savanna grapples with prolonged droughts, exacerbated by inconsistent rainfall and hindered agricultural infrastructure development due to political instability.
Intense downpours during the rainy season lead to the leaching of vital nutrients like nitrate, phosphate, and potash.
The subsequent dry season witnesses significant water evaporation, leaving behind poor lateritic soils incapable of supporting robust crops.

Cattle Rearing Challenges:

While the savanna is considered a natural habitat for cattle, challenges persist in large-scale ranching.
The grass quality falls short compared to the nourishing grasses of temperate regions.
Additionally, indigenous cow breeds are often subpar, yielding limited meat and milk.
As a result, neither beef nor milk exports from tropical grasslands have achieved significant prominence.
Despite these challenges, a few regions, notably Queensland in Australia, have embraced science and technology, propelling them to the forefront of cattle production.
Queensland has surpassed Victoria, becoming Australia’s primary cattle producer, with successful exports of both meat and milk.
This underscores the selective advancements and adaptations occurring in specific savanna areas.

Agricultural Opportunities in the Savanna:

Crops Cultivation:

Settlements in central Africa, northern Australia, and eastern Brazil stand as testaments to the immense agricultural potential of the savanna.
These regions have successfully harnessed the fertile savanna soils for cultivating crops such as cotton, sugar cane, coffee, oil palm, groundnuts, and even tropical fruits through plantation agriculture.

Success in Tropical Queensland:

Tropical Queensland, despite labor challenges, has proven remarkably successful in unlocking the agricultural potential of its extensive undeveloped terrain.
region’s concerted efforts have led to effective cotton production on a considerable scale.

Expansion of Commercial Agriculture:

Commercial production of crops like groundnuts, oil palm, and cocoa has seen a notable expansion into savanna regions in West Africa.
This expansion reflects the increasing recognition of the savanna’s viability for sustaining and enhancing agricultural activities.

Temperate Crops in Highlands:

In some cooler highland areas of the savanna, successful cultivation of temperate crops has been achieved.
This diversification showcases the adaptability of savanna regions to various crops, broadening the scope of agricultural activities beyond traditional tropical varieties.

FAQs Savanna Biome

1. What is the Sudan Climate, and why is it referred to as the Savanna Climate?

A: The Sudan Climate, also known as the Savanna Climate, is a transitional climate type located between equatorial forests and hot deserts. It receives this name due to its peak development in Sudan, where distinct dry and wet seasons contribute to its unique characteristics.

2. Where is the Sudan Climate predominantly found, and what regions does it cover?

A: The Sudan Climate is primarily found in tropical regions and reaches its peak development in Sudan. This climatic belt extends from West African Sudan to East Africa and southern Africa, situated north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

3. Are there notable savanna regions in South America and Australia?

A: Yes, there are two distinct savanna regions in South America, both north and south of the equator—the llanos in the Orinoco basin and the campos in the Brazilian Highlands. In Australia, the savanna is located south of the monsoon belt, which runs north of the Tropic of Capricorn from west to east.

4. How does the Sudan Climate differ from traditional monsoon climates?

A: The Sudan Climate exhibits alternating rainy and dry seasons similar to a monsoon climate, but with significantly lower annual precipitation. Unlike traditional monsoon climates, it lacks a distinctly defined rainy season, leading to frequent occurrences of droughts and floods.

5. What are the distinctive characteristics of vegetation in the savanna biome?

A: The savanna landscape is characterized by tall grasses and low trees, often referred to as ‘bush-veld.’ Deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season, and many trees have umbrella-shaped canopies to endure powerful winds. Grasses, including elephant grass, can grow remarkably tall.

6. What is the distribution of the savanna biome globally?

A: Savannas, featuring a mix of grasslands and scattered trees, are prevalent in regions such as Africa, South America, Australia, India, Myanmar–Thailand in Asia, and Madagascar.

7. How does the climate vary in terms of rainfall, temperature, and winds in the savanna?

A: The average annual rainfall ranges between 80 and 160 cm, decreasing as one moves away from the equator. The rainy season in the northern hemisphere is from May to September, and in the southern hemisphere, it is from October to March. The average yearly temperature exceeds 18°C, with distinct diurnal temperature ranges. Dominant winds are the Trade Winds, bringing moisture to coastal areas.

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Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome – UPSC Environment Notes