Horn of Africa Acacia Savannas - A Global Ecoregion
Major centre of endemism for dry land plants
Snapshot: Ecoregion 86
Size:
1,053,000 sq. km (407,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Geographic Location:
Eastern Africa: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Why are star-spotted nightjars difficult to spot during the day?
Answer:
The feathers of these nocturnal birds blend in perfectly with dry leaves so they stay well hidden while they rest on the ground during the day.
About the Area
Temperatures are mild year-round on the Horn of Africa and rainfall isn't heavy enough to sustain lush tropical rain forests.
The area thus comprises mainly of bush land and thicket, with a gradation to semi-desert grasslands and shrub lands in the driest places.Found here are several endemic species in the more mesic habitats found along the Jubba and Shabelle, the only permanent rivers in the area.
Local Species
Birds include Degodi lark (Mirafra degodiensis), Short-billed crombec (Sylvietta philippae), and Bulo Burti bush-shrike (Laniarius liberatus).
Mammals endemic to this ecoregion include the African wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis), Speke's gazelle (Gazella spekei), Hirola (Damaliscus hunteri), Dibatag (Ammodorcus clarkei), Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), Naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), and Hunter's hartebeest (Damaliscus hunteri).
Endemic reptiles include Taylor's strange agama (Xenagama taylori), Similar agama (Agama persimilis), Atractaspis scorteccii, and Parker's leaf-toed gecko (Hemidactylus megalops).
Threats
Grazing livestock and fuel wood collection pose major problems, particularly near villages and towns. The populations of most endemic and near endemic larger animals have declined dramatically and are very fragmented due to illegal hunting, following decades of political instability and open warfare over large parts of the region.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
