East African Acacia Savannas - A Global Ecoregion
An outstanding concentration and diversity of large land mammals
Snapshot: Ecoregion 87
Size:
572,000 sq. km (221,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Geographic Location:
Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Which is the world's fastest mammal?
Answer:
The cheetah! Hunters of the African grasslands need lightning speed, or cunning stealth, or a combination of both, to capture their prey. A cheetah's long stride and flexible back and limb joints help to make it the world's fastest mammal. It can reach a speed of 90 kph, but only over a short distance.
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Southern Acacia-Commiphora bushlands and thickets; Serengeti volcanic grasslands; Northern Acacia-Commiphora bushlands and thickets.
These dramatic savanna/grassland complexes are among the most distinctive in the world, with globally outstanding concentrations and diversity of large land mammals.The largely intact rangelands of East African Acacia Savannas support one of the world's most spectacular migration of large mammals. The region experiences a dramatic cycle of seasons with periods of drought alternating with monsoon months.
As the drought approaches, great numbers of grazing wildebeests and zebras migrate north in search of food. Then, when the rains return, the animals alternate between two habitats: the Serengeti and Mara Plains. Predators follow.
Local Species
Species such as Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African elephant (Loxodonta africana), and more than one million Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) typify the popular image of this ecoregion.
Other mammals known from this area include Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphuscokei) and Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti).
This ecoregion is also home to tremendous numbers of birds, including a few species found nowhere else, such as Grey-breasted spurfowl (Francolinus rufopictus), Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri), Karamoja apalis (Apalis karamojae), and Rufus-tailed weaver (Histurgops ruficauda).
Other endemic species include the Scheffler's dwarf gecko (Lygdactylus scheffleri) and Mpwapwa worm lizard (Chirindia mpwapwaensis).
Threats
The region has many large protected areas, but there are increasing problems with poaching, agriculture, land use conflicts with pastoralists, and uncontrolled trophy hunting.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
