Congo Savannah

Map of the Congo Savannah

A reconstruction of the Congo Savannah

Description:

The savannas of Africa are a textbook definition of a tropical grassland. Congo Savannah, as a geographical location, includes a variety of habitats, a mix of mixed savanna, open woodland, and open flat grassland. The African savanna has not changed over the millions of years. Grasses are still the dominant species, with acacia trees and shrubs in sparse patches. Given this mix of habitats, it is hard to draw a defined border around the area, but the map above is where it is. There is also a defining factor of a distinct dry and water season. During the dry season, there is little to no rain. The grasses turn golden brown or die off, and many animals migrate to locations with more water and food. Drought is a concern in this environment. Many animals die due to thirst, hunger, and heat stress. It is a rough time for the animals of this region. The landscape changes in the wet season. At the beginning of the wet season, there are commonly large wildfires due to lightning storms that form due to the changing weather. These wildfires recycle nutrients into the ground, which is necessary for the grassland to remain healthy. Throughout the season, rains bring new life to the area. Grasses become green again, ponds fill, and many flowering plants bloom. Some places even get flooded, making them seasonal wetlands.

Wildlife:

The Congo Savannah supports many of the megafauna in the Novicene. Mainly consisting of mammals, the megafaunal niches are competitive and harsh. Some animals stay in one location year-round, while others migrate to where food is most plentiful. The fauna of the Congo Savannah mainly rely on the grasses to keep them alive. Whether it is food, reproduction, or hunting, the grasses support all wildlife. Mammals are the main large herbivores and carnivores of the Congo Savannah. It also supports medium to small mammals, like elephant shrews, rodents, weasels, and other animals. It also supports a variety of bird life, with many songbirds, bee-eaters, and other birds inhabiting the area. They mainly eat the seeds and insects of the savanna. Lizards and snakes are also found in this region due to the high temperatures, available sunlight, and plenty of insects. These animals help to support a complex and diverse food web that keeps this area a biodiversity hot spot.