Amazing African steppe: flora and fauna. The wonderful world of savannah Animals living in the savannah

Savannas occupy almost 40% of the area of ​​the African continent. They are located around evergreens equatorial forests.

In the north with equatorial forests borders the Guinea-Sudanese savannah, which stretches for 5,000 thousand kilometers from the Western shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Eastern shores Indian Ocean. From the Kenyan Tana River, the savanna extends into the southern parts of Africa to the Zambezi River valley, then, turning west for 2,500 kilometers, it runs all the way to the Atlantic coast.

Animal world

African savanna- a completely unique phenomenon in terms of the diversity of large animals. At no other point globe you won't find such an abundance of wild animals.

Even at the end of the 19th century, nothing threatened the wild inhabitants of the savannas. But at the beginning of the 20th century, with the arrival of European colonialists who were armed firearms, mass shooting of herbivores began. The countless herds that roamed the vast expanses of the savanna of animals began to decline sharply. Their numbers have dropped to a minimum.

Compromise between economic activity humans and a unique diversity of animal life was found. And he was embodied in the creation of savannas on the territory national parks. There are numerous predators here: lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards. Herbivores include zebras, blue wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and huge heavyweight elands. Rare antelopes include oryx and kudu, inhabitants of the bush savannah. Elephants and giraffes are a real decoration of the African savannas.

Vegetable world

The vegetation cover of these places is rich and varied. Savannah is located in subequatorial belt, there is a nine-month rainy season, which contributes to the intensive growth of a wide variety of plants.

Baobab is a typical representative arboreal world. The trunk wood of this tree is saturated with moisture, which allows the Baobab to survive even during severe fires during the dry season. A variety of palm trees, mimosas, acacias, and thorny bushes also grow here.

The middle region with an abundance of large animals. This is how the savannah can be characterized. This biotope is located between wet and dry deserts. The transition from one to another gave the world grassy steppes with single trees or groups of them. Umbrella crowns are typical.

Life in savannas is characterized by seasonality. There is a rainy season and a dry season. The latter causes some animals to hibernate or burrow underground. This is the time when the savannah seems to calm down.

During the rainy season, under the influence of the tropics, the steppes, on the contrary, abound with manifestations of life and flourish. It is during the wet period that fauna representatives reproduce.

Animals of the African savannah

There are savannas on three continents. Biotopes are united by their location, openness of space, seasonality of climate and precipitation. Animals and plants separate savannas in different parts of the globe.

In the steppes of Africa there are many palm trees, mimosas, acacias and baobabs. Interspersed with tall grasses, they occupy almost half the area of ​​the mainland. Such space determines the richest fauna of the African savannas.

African buffalo

The largest recorded individual weighed 2 kilos less than a ton. The standard weight of an ungulate is 800 kilograms. The African one reaches 2 meters in length. Unlike its Indian counterpart, the animal was never domesticated. Therefore, African individuals are distinguished by their ferocity.

According to statistics, buffaloes killed more hunters than other animals of the continent's steppes. Like elephants, African ungulates remember offenders. Buffaloes attack them even after years, remembering that people once attempted to kill them.

The strength of a buffalo is 4 times greater than that of a bull. The fact was established when checking the draft power of animals. It becomes clear how easily a buffalo can kill a person. In 2012, for example, an African ungulate killed Owain Lewis. He owned a safari in Zambezia. For three days the man tracked the wounded animal. Having outwitted the man, the buffalo ambushed him.

In a herd of buffaloes, the males rule and protect the cubs and females.

Greater Kudu

This horned antelope 2 meters long and 300 kilograms in weight. The height of the animal is 150 centimeters. Among the antelopes, this is one of the largest. Externally, it is distinguished by spiral-shaped horns. Brown coat with transverse white stripes on the sides and light markings extending from the center of the muzzle to the eyes.

Despite their size, kudu are excellent jumpers, over 3-meter obstacles. However, the African antelope is not always able to escape from hunters and predators. Having rushed at a speed of several hundred meters, the kudu always stops to look around. This delay is enough for a fatal shot or bite.

Elephant

These are the largest animals among land animals. African ones are also the most aggressive. There is also an Indian subspecies. He, like the eastern buffalo, is domesticated. African elephants are not in the service of humans; they are larger than others, weighing 10 or even 12 tons.

There are 2 subspecies of elephants. One is forest. The second is called savannah, based on the place of residence. Steppe individuals are larger and have triangular-shaped ears. In forest elephants it is rounded.

The trunk of elephants replaces both the nose and the hand to put food in the mouth

Giraffe

Once upon a time, Africans made shields from giraffe skin, the animal’s cover was so durable and dense. Veterinarians in zoos are unable to give injections to sick animals. Therefore, they created a special device that literally shoots syringes. This is the only way to penetrate the skin of giraffes, and not everywhere. They aim at the chest. Here the cover is the thinnest and most delicate.

Standard height is 4.5 meters. The animal's stride is slightly shorter. It weighs approximately 800 kilograms. Wherein African savannah animals reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Grant's Gazelle

The height itself is 75-90 centimeters. The horns of the animal are extended to 80 centimeters. The outgrowths are lyre-shaped and have a ring structure.

Grant's gazelle has learned to survive without water for weeks. The ungulate is content with crumbs of moisture from plants. Therefore, in times of drought, gazelles do not rush after zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes. Grant's individuals remain in abandoned, desert lands. This protects the gazelles, because predators also follow the bulk of the ungulates to watering holes.

Rhinoceros

These animals living in the savannah, are the second largest land creatures, second only to elephants. The height of rhinoceroses is 2 meters, and the length is 5. The weight of the animals is 4 tons.

The African has 2 growths on the nose. The back one is underdeveloped, more like a bump. The anterior horn is complete. The outgrowths are used in fights for females. The rest of the time, rhinoceroses are peaceful. Animals feed exclusively on grass.

African ostrich

The largest among flightless birds, it weighs about 150 kilograms. One ostrich egg is equal in size to 25 chicken eggs of the first category.

In Africa they move in 3-meter steps. Birds cannot take off not only because of their weight. The animals have shortened wings, and the plumage resembles down, loose. This cannot resist air currents.

Zebra

For insects striped zebras resemble bees or some kind of poisonous hornets. That’s why you won’t see blood-sucking horses near African horses. The midge is afraid to approach zebras.

If it is overtaken by a predator, the horse runs away along a zigzag path. It looks like the movements of a hare. It doesn’t so much confuse the tracks as make it more difficult to catch itself. Throwing itself at its prey, the predator flops to the ground. The zebra is on the sidelines. The predator wastes time rearranging itself.

Animal life in the savannah gregarious. The leader is always the male. He moves ahead of the herd, bending his head to the ground.

Oryx

Otherwise called oryx. A large antelope gains weight up to 260 kilograms. At the same time, the height of the animal at the withers is 130-150 centimeters. Horns add height. They are longer than other antelopes, stretching out to a meter or more. Most oryx subspecies have straight and smooth horns. There is something like a mane on the oryx's neck. Long hair grows from the middle of the tail. This makes antelopes look like horses.

Blue wildebeest

Having eaten them in some pastures, they rush to others. At this time, the necessary herbs are restored first. Therefore, wildebeest lead a nomadic lifestyle.

The blue ungulate is named due to the color of its coat. In fact the color is grey. However, it casts blue. Wildebeest calves are rather beige, painted in warm colors.

The wildebeest is capable of dashing at speeds of 60 km/h

Leopard

These African savannah animals similar to cheetahs, but larger and not capable of record speeds. It is especially difficult for sick and old leopards. They are the ones who become cannibals. A man is an easy prey for a wild animal. It’s simply not possible to catch a friend.

Young and healthy are not only capable of killing a frisky and cautious animal. Wild cats produce carcasses that are twice their weight. Leopards manage to drag this mass into the trees. There, the meat is out of reach of jackals and others who want to profit from someone else's prey.

Warthog

Being a pig, it dies without grass. It forms the basis of the animal's diet. Therefore, the first individuals brought to zoos died. The pets were fed the same as ordinary wild boars and domestic pigs.

When the diet of warthogs was revised to include at least 50% plants, the animals began to feel good and live on average 8 years longer than in wildlife.

Sharp fangs protrude from the warthog's mouth. Their standard length is 30 centimeters. Sometimes the fangs are twice as large. Having such a weapon, warthogs protect themselves from predators, but do not use it in fights with relatives. This indicates the organization of the herds and careful attitude to other pigs.

a lion

Among the cats, he is the tallest and most massive. The weight of some individuals reaches 400 kilograms. Part of the weight is the mane. The length of the hair in it reaches 45 centimeters. At the same time, the mane can be dark and light. Owners of the latter, who are genetically less wealthy in male terms, have a more difficult time leaving offspring. However, dark-maned individuals do not tolerate heat well. Therefore, natural selection “leaned” towards the average.

Some lions lead a solitary life. However, most cats unite in prides. There are always several females in them. There is usually only one male in a pride. Sometimes there are families with several males.

Lions' vision is many times sharper than that of humans.

Horned Raven

Refers to the hoopoe-like hornbills. There is a protrusion above the beak. It, like the plumage, is black. However, the African Crow has bare skin around its eyes and neck. It is wrinkled, red, and forms like a goiter.

Unlike many hornbills, the African crow is a predator. The bird hunts snakes, mice, and lizards, throwing them into the air and killing them with a blow from its powerful, long beak. Together with it, the length of the raven's body is approximately a meter. The bird weighs about 5 kilograms.

Crocodile

Among crocodiles, the African is the largest. About savannah animals they are said to reach 9 meters in length, weighing about 2 tons. However, the officially registered record is only 640 centimeters and 1,500 kilograms. Only males can weigh this much. Females of the species are about a third smaller.

African skin is equipped with receptors that determine the composition of water, pressure, and temperature changes. Poachers are interested in the quality of the reptile's cover. The skin of African individuals is famous for its density, relief, and durability.

Guinea fowl

It has taken root on many continents, but is native to Africa. Externally, the bird is similar to a turkey. It is believed that the latter originated from the guinea fowl. Hence the conclusion: African poultry also has dietary and tasty meat.

Like the turkey, the guinea fowl is a large galliform. The bird weighs 1.5-2 kilograms. In the savannas of Africa, guinea fowl are found. In general, there are 7 types of them.

Hyena

They live in packs. Alone, animals are cowardly, but together with their relatives they even go after lions, taking their prey. The leader leads the hyenas into battle. He holds his tail higher than other relatives. The most powerless hyenas almost drag their tails along the ground.

The leader of a pack of hyenas is usually the female. The inhabitants of the savannas have a matriarchy. Females are rightfully respected, since among predators they are recognized as the best mothers. Hyenas feed their cubs milk for almost 2 years. Females are the first to let their children approach the prey, and only then do they allow males to approach.

Animals of the American Savannas

American savannas are primarily grasslands. There are also a lot of cacti there. This is understandable, because steppe expanses are typical only for the southern continent. Savannahs are usually called pampas here. Querbacho grows in them. This tree is famous for the density and strength of the wood.

Jaguar

In America, he is the largest cat. The length of the animal reaches 190 centimeters. The average one weighs about 100 kilograms.

Among cats, the jaguar is the only one that cannot roar. This applies to all 9 species of predator. Some of them live in Northern. Other - animals of the savannas of South America.

Maned wolf

More like a long-legged fox. The animal is red, with a sharp muzzle. Genetically, the species is transitional. Accordingly, the “link” between wolves and foxes is a relic that has managed to survive millions of years. Meet maned wolf only possible in the pampas.

The height of the mane at the withers is about 90 centimeters. The predator weighs approximately 20 kilograms. Transitional features can be seen literally in the eyes. With a seemingly fox-like face, they are wolf-like. Red cheaters have vertical pupils, while wolves have normal pupils.

Puma

Can "argue" with a jaguar, what animals are in the savannah America is the fastest. picks up speed at 70 kilometers per hour. Representatives of the species are born spotted, like jaguars. However, as they mature, cougars “lose” their markings.

When hunting, cougars overtake victims in 82% of cases. Therefore, when faced with a one-color cat, herbivores shake like an aspen leaf, even though there are no aspens in the savannas of America.

Armadillo

It has a scaly shell, which makes it stand out among other mammals. Among them, the armadillo is considered inferior. Accordingly, the animal roamed the planet millions of years ago. Scientists believe that it was not only their shell that helped armadillos survive, but also their pickiness in food. Savannah inhabitants feed on worms, ants, termites, snakes, and plants.

When hunting snakes, they press them to the ground, cutting them with the sharp edges of the plates of their shell. By the way, it folds into a ball. This is how armadillos escape from offenders.

Vizcacha

This is a large South American rodent. The length of the animal reaches 60 centimeters. Vizcacha weighs 6-7 kilograms. The animal looks like a large mouse-rat hybrid. The color is gray with a white belly. There are also light marks on the rodent's cheeks.

South American rodents live in families of 2-3 dozen individuals. They hide from predators in holes. The passages are distinguished by wide “doors” of about a meter.

Ocelot

This is a small spotted cat. The animal is no more than a meter long and weighs 10-18 kilograms. Most ocelots live in the southern tropics. However, some individuals settle in the pampas, finding areas with trees.

Like other cats of the South American savannas, they lead a solitary lifestyle. Cats meet with their relatives only for mating.

Nandu

It is called the American ostrich. However, the overseas bird belongs to the order of rheas. All birds entering it call “nan-doo” during mating. Hence the name of the animal.

Wildlife of the savannah Rheas are decorated in groups of about 30 individuals. Males in families are responsible for building the nest and caring for the chicks. The “houses” are being built in different “corners” of the savannah.

Females move from nest to nest, mating with all the males in turn. The ladies also lay their eggs in different “houses”. One nest can accumulate up to 8 dozen capsules from different females.

Tuco-tuco

“Tuko-tuko” is the sound made by the animal. His small eyes are “turned up” almost onto his forehead, and his small rodent ears are buried in the fur. Otherwise, the tuco-tuco is similar to a bush rat.

The tuco-tuco is somewhat more massive than the bush rat and has a shorter neck. The animals do not exceed 11 centimeters in length and weigh up to 700 grams.

Animals of the Australian savannah

Australian savannas are typically characterized by open woodlands of eucalyptus trees. Casuarinas, acacias and bottle trees also grow in the steppes of the continent. The latter have expanded, like blood vessels, trunks. Plants store moisture in them.

Dozens of relict animals roam among the greenery. They make up 90% of Australia's fauna. The continent was the first to separate from the single continent of antiquity Gondwana, isolating the bizarre animals.

Ostrich Emu

Like the South American rhea, it is not related to ostriches, although it is similar in appearance to Africans. In addition, the flightless birds of Africa are aggressive and shy. They are curious, friendly, and easily tamed. Therefore, they prefer to breed Australian birds on ostrich farms. So it’s difficult to buy a real ostrich egg.

Being a little smaller African ostrich, the emu takes 270 cm steps. The speed developed by the Australians is 55 kilometers per hour.

Dragon of Komodo Island

The large reptile was discovered in the 20th century. Having learned about a new species of lizards, the Chinese, obsessed with the cult of the dragon, flocked to Komodo. They mistook the new animals for fire-breathing animals, and began killing them to make magical potions from the bones, blood, and sinews of dragons.

The farmers who settled the land were also destroyed from Komodo Island. Large reptiles attempted to kill domestic goats and pigs. However, in the 21st century, dragons are protected and are listed in the International Red Book.

Wombat

It looks like a small bear cub, but in fact it is a marsupial. A wombat is one meter long and can weigh up to 45 kilos. With such a mass and compactness, the bear cub looks short-legged, however, it is capable of reaching a speed of 40 kilometers per hour.

Not only does it run briskly, but it also digs holes in which it lives. The underground passages and halls are spacious and can easily accommodate an adult.

Ant-eater

Long and narrow muzzle. Even longer tongue. Lack of teeth. This is how the anteater adapted to extract termites. The animal also has a long and prehensile tail. With its help, the anteater climbs trees. The tail serves as a rudder and grabs branches when jumping.

It clings to the bark with long, powerful claws. Even jaguars are afraid of them. When a 2-meter ant stands on its hind legs, spreading its clawed front legs, the predators prefer to retreat.

The Australian anteater is called. There are subspecies living in Central America. Regardless of the continent where anteaters live, their body temperature is 32 degrees. Among mammals this is the most low rate.

Echidna

Outwardly it resembles a cross between a hedgehog and a porcupine. However, the echidna has no teeth and the animal’s mouth is very small. But, tropical savannah animals stand out with a long tongue, competing with the anteater for food, that is, termites.

The lower mammal is monotreme, that is, the reproductive tract and intestines are connected. This is the structure of some of the first mammals on Earth. have existed for 180 million years.

Lizard Moloch

The reptile's appearance is Martian. The lizard is painted in yellow-brick tones, covered in pointed growths. The reptile's eyes are like stone. Meanwhile, these are not guests from Mars, but Savannah animals.

The indigenous Australians nicknamed Moloch the Horned Devils. In the old days, human sacrifices were made to the strange creature. In modern times, the lizard itself can become the victim. It is included in the Red Book.

The lizard reaches 25 centimeters in length. In moments of danger, the lizard appears larger because it can swell. If someone tries to attack Moloch, turn the reptile over, its spines cling to the soil surrounding the plants.

Dingo dog

He is not an indigenous inhabitant of Australia, although he is associated with it. The animal is considered a descendant of feral dogs brought to the continent by people from South-East Asia. They arrived in Australia about 45 thousand years ago.

The dogs that escaped from the Asians chose not to seek shelter from humans anymore. There was not a single large placental predator in the vastness of the continent. Foreign dogs have filled this niche.

They are usually about 60 centimeters tall and weigh up to 19 kilograms. The physique of a wild dog resembles a hound. At the same time, males are larger and denser than females.

Opossum

On its tail there is a tassel of wool, like a jerboa. The pompom's hairs are black, like the rest of the marsupial's cover. Having been born as such, it is better to be a female. Males die after the first mating. Females do not kill partners like praying mantises, this is simply the life cycle of males.

Savannah animals of Australia climb trees standing in the steppes. Tenacious claws help. At higher elevations, the rat catches birds, lizards, and insects. Sometimes the marsupial encroaches on small mammals, fortunately, its size allows it.

Marsupial mole

Deprived of eyes and ears. The incisors protrude from the mouth. The paws have long, spade-shaped claws. This is what a marsupial mole looks like at first glance. In fact, the animal has eyes, but they are tiny, hidden in the fur.

Marsupial moles are miniature, not exceeding 20 centimeters in length. However, the dense body of underground savannah inhabitants can weigh about one and a half kilograms.

Kangaroo

The choice of a partner in a population is somewhat similar to human interests. Female kangaroos choose beefier males. Therefore, males take poses similar topics what bodybuilders show at their performances. By flexing their muscles, kangaroos assert themselves and look for their chosen ones.

Although it is a symbol of Australia, some individuals end up on the tables of its residents. As a rule, the indigenous population of the continent eats marsupial meat. Colonizers disdain kangaroo meat. But tourists are showing interest in it. How can you visit Australia and not try an exotic dish?

Australia's savannas are the greenest. The most dry steppes are the steppes of Africa. The middle option is the American savanna. Because of anthropogenic factors their areas are shrinking, depriving many animals of places to live. In Africa, for example, many animals live within national parks and are almost exterminated outside their “fences.”

There are ten natural zones on Earth. One of them is the African savanna. Today we will introduce you to this region and its inhabitants.

Description of the savannah

Tropical savannas have two seasons: winter and summer. They are not accompanied by sudden changes in temperature and do not have seasonal differences associated with this. These are areas located in a warm or hot climate zone. The average air temperature ranges from +18 to +32 degrees. It increases very smoothly.

Winter

This is the so-called “dry season” in the tropical savanna. It lasts from November to April. During this period, the savannah zone receives very little rainfall. From December to February there may be absolutely no rain. This is the coolest time of the year, when the air temperature does not rise above +21 degrees. Thunderstorms begin in October. They are accompanied by strong winds that dry out the air. During the dry season, fires are common in savannas.

Summer

IN rainy season Savannas have high humidity. Tropical showers begin in May or early June. From May to October, the area receives between 10 and 30 mm of rainfall. During the rainy season, the African savannah blossoms: dense forests grow rapidly, picturesque meadows bloom. Savannah animals actively reproduce, and during this period the mother's milk of females is saturated with useful substances due to the variety of herbs in the diet.

Wildlife of the savannah

We can immediately say that this is a unique world that does not exist anywhere else on Earth. Primarily due to the variety of large and very large animals. Before the advent of white colonialists, the animals of Africa felt free and at ease. Savannas provided food for countless herds of herbivores that moved from place to place in search of water. They were accompanied by numerous predators, and carrion eaters (jackals and vultures) moved behind them.

Later the situation changed radically. Plowing up large areas of land, steppe fires, building roads, and industrial cattle breeding have put wild animals in distress. The situation was saved by the creation of nature reserves in which hunting and any economic activity. Thanks to the animals, the savannah has a characteristic, incomparable appearance. In this article we will look at the most typical wild animals of the savannah. The list may not be complete, since the fauna of these areas is very diverse.

Giraffe

These are amazing animals of Africa. It is impossible to imagine Savannah without these majestic beauties. Even children know their graceful gait and surprisingly long neck. Not everyone knows that the “name” of the giraffe is translated from Latin language means camel-leopard. Perhaps those who first met this handsome man decided that he was a cross between these animals. In addition to a long neck, the giraffe also has a very long tongue (up to 45 cm).

These giants are herbivores. They feed on tree leaves. Thanks to their high growth, they can reach young and succulent foliage. It is not very convenient for a giraffe to drink: you have to bend your legs. The long neck of this giant, like all mammals, has 7 vertebrae.

Elephants

When talking about what animals live in the savannah, one cannot fail to mention the steppe, or African elephants. They have powerful tusks and wide ears, unlike their Indian counterparts. Plus, they are much larger. These giants live in groups, each of which is led by a large female elephant.

Because of the value of their tusks, these huge animals were brought to the brink of extinction in the last century, and the threat remained until their destruction was banned. Nature reserves have played a huge role in protecting elephants.

Lions

The main predator of the savannah, the king of beasts well known to all of us, is a beautiful and formidable lion. He poses a danger to almost all inhabitants of the places where he lives.

These predators prefer to live in prides (groups). They usually include adult females and males, as well as their offspring. In a pride, responsibilities are very clearly distributed: lionesses get food, and males protect the territory of the “family.”

Hyenas

The fauna of the savannah is very interesting. Take, for example, the relationship between lions and other predators, for example, the spotted hyena. More recently, it was believed that the hyena is a cowardly animal that is not capable of hunting, and therefore it eats leftovers after the meal of the “king of beasts.”

Cheetahs

The savannah zone of Africa is a diverse world where a wide variety of animals live nearby. For example, the record holder for long-distance speed running is a graceful and at the same time incredibly powerful cheetah. This adorable “cat” is the fastest animal on Earth.

It is capable of reaching incredible speeds in pursuit of prey (110 km/h). This is explained by a special running technique: the animal rests on two legs. This predator is amazingly strong and fantastically fast. These qualities allow him to easily obtain food for himself: antelopes or zebras.

Leopards

Savannah animals are very different. Leopard is another predator from the cat family. This incredibly beautiful animal has a flexible, strong and at the same time very slender body. Thanks to its powerful limbs, it quickly overtakes its prey. Its strong body is covered with thick, but not fluffy, fur, which has a characteristic color: black spots on a light yellow background. This is excellent camouflage, making the leopard invisible among the grass and branches.

The leopard is naturally endowed with excellent vision, excellent hearing, and a keen sense of smell. He easily climbs tall trees and even prefers to take a nap there during the day, sitting comfortably on the branches. More often, the leopard hunts at night: it sneaks up on its prey so silently that not a single leaf crunches under its powerful body. And then a rapid rush follows - and the antelope, monkey or zebra has no chance to survive. The leopard drags the remains of its meal up a tree and hides it securely among the branches so that jackals or hyenas do not get it.

A leopard, regardless of its gender, has its own hunting territory. It is better for an uninvited guest not to enter it: he will face serious punishment. Leopards live more comfortably alone.

Zebras

Another animal that lives in the African savannah is the cute striped zebra horse. Many people wonder why she needs such a bright color? Savannah animals have hair of certain colors not only to recognize each other from afar. Mainly it helps to deceive the attacking enemy. Let's say a zebra is attacked by a lion. Alone, she is clearly visible to a predator. What if she rushes to her herd? At large cluster animals, all the stripes merge, in the eyes of the predator it dazzles... The hunt becomes more complicated.

Striped horses eat grass. However, the life of savannah animals is not easy, and in search of watering places and pastures, they travel long distances across the hot savannah. Antelopes, giraffes, and ostriches often graze next to zebras. Such big company helps to escape from enemies. Despite its harmless appearance, the zebra knows how to stand up for itself. She strives to strike the enemy with her forelimbs with hard hooves; a herd of these cute animals can even repel the attack of a lion. Zebras usually live in small herds; they gather into large herds only before a long journey. At the head of such a herd is an experienced and strong leader. Zebras are monogamous: they build their families once and for life.

The foal recognizes its mother by the stripe pattern. Interestingly, it never repeats itself. And so that the baby remembers his mother, she does not let anyone near him for several days after birth. When the cub grows a little, it is protected by all the zebras in the herd.

Rhinoceros

Savannah animals can be proud that they live next to the largest land animal (after the elephant). This is a rhinoceros. Its weight reaches 2.2 tons, length - 3.15 m, height - 160 cm. Its name is not accidental. There really is a horn growing on his nose, huge and very sharp. Moreover, some individuals have two of them: one is very large, the other is slightly smaller. They are formed from hard, compressed hair. However, this is a very dangerous weapon.

These giants love water, swamps, and even more pleasure is given to them by mud, in which they can wallow to their heart's content during the rainy season. This way they escape the heat. The thick skin of a rhinoceros gathers into folds. He resembles an ancient knight dressed in armor. Birds can often be seen on its back. The giant is not against these guests, since they are his assistants. Birds clean the skin of rhinoceroses from various insects and ticks.

Rhinoceroses see poorly, but hear very well. Their sense of smell is even better developed. They find a familiar path to the lake by smell. Each rhinoceros has its own path. These huge animals feed on leaves, grass, and fruits fallen from trees. Having had enough, the rhinoceros goes to bed. He falls asleep so soundly that at this time you can get quite close to him. But if he suddenly wakes up, it’s better not to catch his eye: he’s quick-tempered and really doesn’t like being disturbed from resting.

Most often, rhinoceroses live completely alone. The exception is the African white rhinoceros, which grazes in small groups. The mother rhinoceros feeds her offspring (usually one cub) with milk for a year. Currently, the number of rhinoceroses has decreased significantly. Fortunately, they can still be seen in zoos.

Buffalo

This is a very dangerous African animal. Sensing danger, he immediately attacks his opponent and kills him with his powerful horns. Even the lion tries to avoid meeting him because he is not sure of the outcome of the battle. The herds of these animals are very large, sometimes numbering more than a hundred animals.

Antelope

This animal has a very unusual appearance. A large and heavy head with curved horns, and a shaggy thick mane on the neck. The tousled fur on the face resembles a beard. With a massive body, the legs with sharp hooves are quite slender, reminiscent of a horse. The color of the antelope's coat is grayish-blue, only the mane and tail are dark. These animals make abrupt sounds similar to grunting. The antelope lives only in Africa. In the vast expanses of savannas they graze in huge herds. The antelope feeds on certain varieties of grass.

Antelopes travel vast distances in search of water and food. They go to areas where it has already rained. Having reached the water, they rest for a long time.

Antelopes often become prey for lions, leopards and hyenas. However, you should not think that antelopes are so harmless. They can stand up for themselves. The animals, frightened by the predator, launch into a fast gallop, kick their hind legs, and thrust their sharp horns forward threateningly.

With the arrival of spring, tournaments take place between male antelopes. This usually happens on the knees. The males rest their heads and try to knock the enemy onto his side. The strongest wins the fight.

When an antelope has a baby, the adult antelopes of the herd decorously go to meet it. Their attention sometimes turns out to be excessive, so the mother is forced to drive away her fellow tribesmen.

There is no winter or summer in the savannah. There are rainy seasons followed by drought. During drought, trees and shrubs shed their leaves to reduce moisture evaporation. And many trees store water for future use, such as the baobab tree.

Its thick trunk (it would take several people to grasp it) is rotten and empty inside. And water accumulates in it, as if in a huge flask.

And in the heat, elephants sometimes break the trunks of baobab trees with their tusks in search of life-giving moisture. The trunks of some trees are protected from loss of moisture and from frequent fires by thick bark, like armor.

It’s difficult for the inhabitants of the savannas now. Many lakes and rivers dry up, and all living things are drawn to the few who take heed. Countless herds of antelope roam, making long journeys to places where water can be found. And they are followed by predators - cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals... With the onset of the rainy season, the savanna comes to life. Everything around is blossoming. The antelopes return to their former pastures. You can also see towering cone-shaped termite mounds.

The fauna of the savannas amazes with its richness and diversity. You can see giraffes, zebras and ostriches grazing nearby. In the warm water of the lakes, in their mud “baths,” hippos and rhinoceroses bask.

Lions rest in the shade of spreading acacias. The largest animals on land, elephants, tear off branches with their trunks. And monkeys scream in the treetops. And also a huge number of species of insects, snakes, birds...

Animals of the African savannah

Cheetah

No one can escape the cheetah. Even fast gazelles are doomed if he gives chase. Cheetah is the most fast beast on the ground. Over a short distance, it can run at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. Has sharp vision. It lives alone or in pairs. In a deserted, secluded place, the female gives birth to 1–5 cubs. However, they are often killed by leopards, lions and hyenas. And adult cheetahs are from poachers. Cheetahs were once found throughout almost all of Africa, Western Asia, Turkmenistan and India. Now they have survived only in nature reserves. The animals are well tamed, but do not breed in captivity. In ancient times, cheetahs were kept in special nurseries and used instead of greyhounds during hunting by noble Arabs and Indian rajahs. Now this is prohibited.

African buffalo

Ruminant bovid animal. Lives south of the Sahara. Big African bull- Kaffir, or black. The buffalo easily adapts to its surrounding conditions. With its huge horns it can repel the attack of a lioness. The buffalo herd is gradually decreasing. The buffalo became an object of hunting only for its meat and skin. However, many hunters died from the horns and hooves of buffalo. A wounded or enraged Kaffir bull becomes especially dangerous.

Greater Kudu

Among all the antelopes living on the African continent, large kudu have the most striking and memorable appearance. These tall and majestic animals grow up to one and a half meters at the shoulders and can weigh more than three hundred kilograms, thus being one of the largest antelopes in the world.

Their native home is eastern and central areas Africa. Here, depending on the season, they inhabit bush-covered plains, savannas, forests, and occasionally desert hillsides, and in the dry season they gather along river banks. When choosing places to live and search for food, large kudu prefer bushy thickets.

Greater kudu's gray-brown coat is adorned with bright white stripes on their sides, white cheek markings, and diagonal stripes between the eyes called chevrons. The coat of males is dark, with a gray tint, while females and cubs are colored beige tones– this makes them more invisible among savannah vegetation.

The main advantage of male great kudu is their large helical horns. Unlike deer, kudu do not shed their antlers and live with them all their lives. The horns of an adult male are twisted in two and a half turns and grow strictly according to a certain schedule: appearing in the first year of a male’s life, by the age of two they make one full turn, and take their final shape no earlier than the age of six. If the horn of a large kudu is pulled out into one straight line, its length will be slightly less than two meters.

African savannah elephant

African savannah elephant - the largest land mammal in the world. These animals grow up to 3.96 m at the withers and can weigh up to 10 tons, but most often have a size at the withers of up to 3.2 m and a weight of up to 6 tons. They have a long and very flexible trunk that ends in nostrils. The trunk is used to capture food and water and transfer it to the mouth. On the sides of the mouth there are two long teeth called tusks. Elephants have thick, gray skin that protects them from the deadly bites of predators. This species of elephant is common in African savannas and grasslands. Elephants are herbivores and eat grasses, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, etc. These animals have an important job on the savannas. They eat bushes and trees, and thereby help the grass grow. This allows many herbivorous animals to survive. Today there are about 150,000 elephants in the world and they are endangered because poachers kill them for their ivory.

Giraffe

The giraffe is the tallest animal on our planet. The height of this majestic mammal can reach 6 meters. 1/3 of its height comes from its long neck. And the weight of an adult animal can exceed a ton.

A giraffe simply needs a long neck in order to survive in the savannahs of Africa. It would be logical to say that with the onset of drought, food became less available, and only those giraffes with a long neck could reach the tops of the trees. And accordingly, giraffes with short necks had hundreds of times less chances for survival and reproduction. But Namibian zoologist Rob Siemens suggests that giraffes' long necks are a consequence of neck battles between males. After all, the winner always has more attention from females, and accordingly he will have more offspring. It’s difficult to say who is right and who is wrong.

Despite the fact that the neck of giraffes reaches two meters in length, it has only 7 cervical vertebrae, just like a human. And when, during the rare hours of sleep, the giraffe decides to lie down, it rests its head on its back or hind leg for a long time. A giraffe sleeps only two hours a day. And he spends almost all his time on food (16-20 hours a day).

A female giraffe can be recognized not only by her height (she is shorter and lighter than the male), but also by her feeding style. Males, as leaders, always reach for leaves that are taller than their height, while females are content with what grows at the level of their heads.

Remove leaves from hard-to-reach branches tall tree The giraffe is helped not only by its neck, but also by its muscular tongue. After all, a giraffe can stretch it to 45 cm.

Monkeys

These small, fragile, long-tailed monkeys live throughout the tropical forests. Their bright colors help the monkeys not to lose sight of their relatives while traveling in the treetops. They feed on a variety of fruits and leaves, do not neglect insects and lizards, and happily eat bird eggs and chicks. The female gives birth to only one cub, which she constantly carries with her, clutching it to her chest. Over time, the cub itself holds tightly to the mother’s fur during her desperate jumps. It feeds on milk for up to six months. Because of their bright and varied appearance, different types of monkeys received corresponding names: green, mustachioed, white-nosed, etc.

Grant's Gazelle

This large group animals that inhabit savannas, deserts, coastal plains, sand dunes and mountainous areas. They feed on grass and acacia leaves. The back of gazelles is sand-colored, so the animal seems to merge with the surrounding space and becomes invisible to predators. Males have significantly larger horns than females. During the dry season, they gather in herds and roam in search of a watering hole. They may not drink for a long time. Gazelle are unpretentious in their choice of food; they feed equally on grass, leaves and shoots of bushes, and often go to graze on millet and other crops. The number of some species is very small, as people hunt animals and simply destroy them.

wild dog

The African wild dog lives in the grasslands, savannas and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. The fur of this animal is short and colored in red, brown, black, yellow and white colors. Each individual has a unique coloring. Their ears are very large and rounded. Dogs have a short muzzle and they have powerful jaws. This species is perfectly suited for chasing. Like greyhounds, they have a slender body and long legs. The bones of the lower front legs are fused together, which prevents them from twisting when running. African wild dogs have large ears that help conduct heat away from the animal's body. The short and wide muzzle has powerful muscles that allow it to grasp and hold prey. The multi-colored coat provides camouflage to the environment. The African wild dog is a predator and feeds on medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, and other herbivores. They do not compete with hyenas and jackals for food, as they do not eat carrion. Humans are considered their only enemies.

Rhinoceros

This huge pachyderm lives in both Africa and South and Southeast Asia. There are two species of rhinoceroses in Africa, distinct from the Asian ones. African rhinoceroses have two horns and are adapted to habitats characterized by large spaces with very few trees. The Asian rhinoceros has only one horn and prefers to live in forest thickets. These animals are on the verge of extinction because they are ruthlessly hunted by poachers for their horns, which are in high demand in some countries.

A female rhinoceros usually gives birth to one calf every two to four years. The baby stays with his mother for a long time, even when he grows up and becomes independent. Within an hour, a newborn calf can follow its mother on its own legs; moreover, it usually walks either in front of her or on the side. It feeds on mother's milk for a year, and during this time its weight increases from 50 to 300 kilograms. A rhinoceros's eyesight is poor; it sees only close up, like a nearsighted person. But he has the finest sense of smell and hearing; he can smell food or an enemy from afar. A rhinoceros horn can reach a length of 1.5 meters.

Flamingo

Large flocks of these beautiful birds live near bodies of water. They feed on small invertebrates. To do this, the bird lowers its head under the water and uses its beak to look for prey on the marshy bottom. The bird's tongue is like a piston that filters water through rows of horny plates located along the edges of the beak. The bird swallows small crustaceans and worms that remain in the mouth. It builds nests from silt and shells in the form of small towers about half a meter high. Lays 1–3 eggs. Parents feed the chicks by regurgitating semi-digested food. A flock of flying flamingos presents an amazing, unforgettable sight - against the backdrop of the reddish-yellow seashore, its blue surface and pale blue sky, a chain of large pink birds. Flamingo chicks are born sighted, with a straight beak, and covered with down. Their beak becomes bent only after 2 weeks.

Ostrich

The natural environment in which the ostrich lives determined the final adaptability of this bird, the largest of all: the ostrich's mass exceeds 130 kilograms. The long neck increases the ostrich's height to two meters. A flexible neck and excellent vision allow him to notice danger from afar from this height. The long legs give the ostrich the ability to run at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour, usually fast enough to escape predators.

Ostriches do not live alone, but in groups of varying numbers. While the birds are looking for food, at least one stands guard and looks around the area to spot enemies, primarily cheetahs and lions. The ostrich's eyes are surrounded by long eyelashes, which protect them from both the African sun and dust raised by the wind.

Ostriches build a nest in a small depression, digging it in sandy soil and covering it with something soft. The female incubates the eggs during the day because her gray coloration blends well with her surroundings; the male, with predominantly black feathers, incubates at night.

Females lay from three to eight eggs in a common nest, and each of them takes turns incubating the eggs in turn. One egg weighs more than one and a half kilograms and has a very strong shell. Sometimes it takes a baby ostrich a whole day to break the shell and hatch from the egg.

The ostrich's beak is short, flat and very strong. It is not specialized for any particular food, but serves to pluck grass and other vegetation and grab insects, small mammals and snakes.

Black Mamba

The black mamba is a highly venomous snake found in savannas, rocky and open forest areas of Africa. Snakes of this species grow about 4 m in length and can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h. The black mamba is not actually black, but rather brownish-gray, with a light belly and brownish scales on its back. It got its name because of its purple-black color. inner surface graze. Black mambas feed on small mammals and birds such as voles, rats, squirrels, mice, etc.

A snake can bite a large animal and release it. She will then chase her prey until she is paralyzed. The mamba bites smaller animals and holds them, waiting for the toxic venom to take effect. Black mambas are very nervous when a person approaches them and try to avoid it in any way. If this is not possible, the snake shows aggression by raising the front part of its body and opening its mouth wide. They quickly attack and inject their prey with their poison, and then crawl away. Before antivenoms were developed, a mamba bite was 100% fatal. However, to prevent death, the medicine should be administered immediately. They dont have natural enemies, and the main threat comes from habitat destruction.

Zebra

Zebra belongs to the equine family of the equid order of the equid class of mammals. These animals live in groups - herds. There is only one adult male in one herd. All other “participants” are females with cubs. The male is the leader and is the father of all foals. But it is not the male who leads the herd, but the oldest female. Her cubs follow her, and then the rest of the females with their foals.

Newborn “minke whales” begin to walk within 20 minutes after birth. And after 45 minutes they are jumping briskly and running after their mother. They reach maturity at 1-1.5 years. Young males at this age or a little later (up to 3 years) leave their herd, first ending up in bachelor groups or staying alone. They acquire their herd at the age of 5-6 years. Young females begin to bear offspring at the age of 2.5 years.

Like all herbivores, zebras flee from danger by running. The main thing is to see the enemy, the lion. Therefore, they willingly accept other animals into their society: antelopes, giraffes, gazelles and even ostriches. The more eyes, the greater the chances of noticing danger and retreating in time.

Stripes that appeared in the process of evolution. probably also served as camouflage from predators: they make it more difficult to assess the outline of the body. According to another hypothesis, stripes appeared as a means of camouflage from horseflies and tsetse flies, which, as a result of such coloring, perceive the zebra as flashing white and black stripes. Each zebra has a unique set of stripes, like fingerprints, unique to each individual. Thanks to him, the foal remembers its mother. Therefore, after the baby is born, the zebra mother shields it with her body from other zebras for some time.

Oryx

Oryx (oryx) the size of a deer. Is it straight or slightly curved long horns. It can go without water for weeks, making long journeys in search of favorable habitats. In the open areas where these antelopes live, it is difficult to hide, so predators can easily spot them.

Oryx lead a herd lifestyle. They graze early in the morning, in the evening and at night.
The long, beautiful, pointed horns of the white oryx are a coveted hunting trophy. At one time, these animals inhabited the entire Arabian Peninsula and Palestine; now there are only a few hundred of them.

Caracal

The caracal is a species of mammal from the cat family, widely distributed in the savannas of Africa. The body type is similar to a regular cat, but the caracal is larger and has larger ears. Its coat is short and the color varies from brown to reddish-gray, sometimes even becoming dark. His head is shaped like an inverted triangle. The ears are black on the outside and light on the inside, with tufts of black hair at the tips. They are active at night, mainly hunting small mammals such as rabbits and porcupines, but sometimes large animals such as sheep, young antelope or deer become their victims. They have special skills for catching birds. Strong legs allowing them to jump high enough to actually knock down flying birds with their large paws. The main threat to caracals is people.

Blue wildebeest

The blue wildebeest is one of the few antelopes that have survived in large numbers in Africa to this day, and not only in protected areas of national parks and reserves. In the Serengeti Park, for example, there are now more than 300,000 wildebeest, and 14,000 animals graze in the Ngoro Ngoro Crater (an area of ​​250 km2). On both sides of the highway that runs south from Nairobi to Na-manga and passes through unguarded areas, dozens or even hundreds of wildebeest are constantly visible.

The blue wildebeest is a fairly large animal; the height of adult males reaches 130-145 cm at the withers and weighs 250-270 kg. The general color tone of the short, smooth coat is bluish-gray, dark transverse stripes run along the sides of the animal, and the mane and tail are blackish. The blue wildebeest inhabits East and Southern Africa, almost never going north beyond the latitude of Lake Victoria. The wildebeest's favorite habitats are typical savannas and vast low-grass plains, sometimes flat, sometimes slightly hilly. However, it is by no means uncommon to find wildebeest among thickets of thorny bushes and in dry, sparse forests. Wildebeest feed on certain types of grasses. Therefore, in most places, wildebeest herds lead a nomadic lifestyle, migrating twice a year to where there has been rain and there are suitable food plants. Migrating wildebeest, stretching in regular, endless chains from horizon to horizon, or scattered in countless masses across the steppe, are an exciting and unique sight.

Leopard

Leopard is a species of predatory mammal of the cat family, one of four representatives of the panther genus, belonging to the subfamily big cats.

A large cat, however, is significantly smaller in size than a tiger and a lion. The body is elongated, muscular, somewhat laterally compressed, light and slender, very flexible, with long tail(its length is more than half the entire body length). The legs are relatively short but strong. The front legs are powerful and wide. The head is relatively small and rounded. The forehead is convex, the facial parts of the head are moderately elongated. The ears are small, rounded, and set wide apart.

The eyes are small, the pupil is round. There is no mane or elongated hair on the upper part of the neck and on the cheeks (sideburns). Vibrissae are represented by black, white and half-black and half-white elastic hair up to 110 mm long.

The size and weight of leopards depend on the geographic area of ​​their habitat and vary greatly. Individuals inhabiting forests are usually smaller and lighter, while those living in open areas, on the contrary, are larger than their forest counterparts. But on average, males are a third larger than females.

The leopard feeds mainly on ungulates: antelopes, deer, roe deer and others, and during periods of starvation - rodents, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Sometimes attacks domestic animals (sheep, horses). Like a tiger, he often kidnaps dogs; Foxes and wolves suffer from it. It does not disdain carrion and steals prey from other predators, including other leopards.

Egyptian mongoose

The Egyptian mongoose is the largest of all mongooses in Africa. The animals are common in scrubland, rocky regions and small areas of savannah. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length (plus a 33-54 cm tail) and weigh 1.7-4 kg.

Egyptian mongooses have long fur that is typically gray with brown dots. They are primarily carnivores, but will also eat fruit if it is available in their habitat. Their typical diet consists of rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and larvae. Egyptian mongooses also feed on the eggs of various animals. These representatives of the fauna can eat poisonous snakes. They are hunting birds of prey and large carnivores of the savannah. Egyptian mongooses benefit the environment by killing animals (such as rats and snakes) that are considered pests to humans.

Warthog

In the appearance of the warthog, nature surprisingly mixed ugliness and charm. To say that he is unique is to say nothing. The legs are high, the tail is a tassel on a long thin cord, a disproportionately small, almost naked body the color of slate or clay and a huge head with a snout stretched in length and width, on the sides of which growths called “warts” and sickle-shaped fangs stick out. A disheveled black mane with bangs falling over his eyes and sparse white sideburns complete the portrait of the “monster.” It’s not for nothing that such a miracle was filmed in the prologue of the good old (not to be confused with fresh French ridicule!) film “One Million Years BC”. At the same time, there is some strange attractiveness in his appearance. Perhaps thanks to the amazing neck. When the animal is alarmed or frightened, the heavy head rises high up, and the neck allows it to be rotated to the sides by 40-50 degrees even while running, which other pigs are not able to do.

Compared to most of its ungulate neighbors, the warthog is small - on average 75 cm at the withers, however, with a weight of 50-150 kg, it cannot be called small. The body length is up to one and a half meters, the tail is up to 50 cm. Boars are noticeably larger than pigs, but their tails are shorter. But the fangs are longer. In old males they grow up to 60 cm and bend three-quarters of a circle. Another sexual difference is those same “warts,” skin growths that give the animal its name in all languages. Males have four of them - two on each side of the muzzle, with the upper ones extending up to 15 cm in height; in females there are only two and small ones. “Warts” have neither a nucleus nor a bone base, and one can only guess what their purpose is. Perhaps they serve as shock absorbers in ritual fights, but this is just one hypothesis.

a lion

There are many predators in the African savannas. Among them, the first place undoubtedly belongs to the lion. Lions usually live in groups - prides, which include both adult males and females, and growing youth. Responsibilities between the members of the pride are distributed very clearly: the lighter and more agile lionesses provide the pride with food, and the larger and stronger males are responsible for protecting the territory. The prey of lions includes zebras, wildebeest, and kongoni, but on occasion, lions willingly eat smaller animals and even carrion.

The Kaffir horned raven is the largest species of the hornbill family, one of two species included in the genus Hornbill. It lives in the African savanna, south of the equator.

A large bird, from 90 to 129 cm in length and weighing from 3.2 to 6.2 kg. It is distinguished by black plumage and bright red patches of skin on the front of the head and neck. In young birds these areas are yellow. The beak is black, straight, has a helmet, which is to a greater extent developed in males.

Inhabits open spaces with sparse bushes. The main range is southern Kenya, Burundi, southern Angola, northern Namibia, northern and eastern Botswana and northeastern and eastern South Africa. It nests in hollow stumps or hollows of baobab trees - the nest is not walled up, and the female leaves the nest daily to defecate and groom herself.

Horned crows spend most of their time on the ground, collecting food while walking slowly across the savannah. These birds are capable of eating almost any small animal that they can catch. Quickly grabbing prey from the ground, they throw it into the air to make it easier to swallow, and kill it with strong blows of their beak.

Horned crows hunt in groups of 2-8 birds (up to 11); they often pursue large prey together. They are the only hornbills that can pick up several food objects into their beaks without swallowing them and carry them to the nest. Sometimes they eat carrion, feasting on carrion-eating insects at the same time. They also eat fruits and seeds.

Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile can grow up to five meters in length and is common in freshwater swamps, rivers, lakes and other watery places. These animals have long snouts that can capture fish and turtles. Body color is dark olive. They are considered the most smart reptiles on the ground. Crocodiles eat almost anything in the water, including fish, turtles or birds. They even eat buffalo, antelope, big cats, and sometimes people when given the chance. Nile crocodiles They skillfully camouflage themselves, leaving only their eyes and nostrils above the water. They also blend well with the color of the water, so for many animals that come to a pond to quench their thirst, these reptiles pose a mortal danger. This species is not endangered. They are not threatened by other animals except humans.

Guinea fowl

Guinea fowl (kanga, genefal) is a domesticated bird with an almost horizontal body covered with cream, gray-speckled, white or spotted blue plumage, a naked bluish head with a triangular horny “helmet” on the crown having a yellowish tint, and a red beak with two leathery “earrings” on the sides from the Guinea fowl family. Males of this species differ little from females: they only have a slightly higher growth on the head, the body is more vertical, and the cry is monosyllabic (in females it sounds like “chikele-chikele-chikele”).

The wild ancestor of agricultural birds, the helmeted guinea fowl and 6 other species of this family, are still found on the island of Madagascar and in Africa, south of the Sahara. The first attempts to keep this bird by humans were made long before our era, and this happened, as follows from the African epic, in its homeland in Guinea. There are also Egyptian references to domestic guinea fowl dating back to the 15th century BC. In antiquity, guinea fowl were bred in the Mediterranean for cult purposes - they were considered the sacred messengers of the goddess Artemis.

Guinea fowl also appeared in Europe over 2 thousand years ago, where they came from the African state of Numidia, but no information about this event has been preserved in history. Presumably, for a number of reasons, all individuals and their offspring died and people forgot about the existence exotic birds. The Portuguese discovered and brought guinea fowl to the European continent for the second time at the end of the 14th century. In Russia, they began to be bred in poultry farms in the 18th century and, for excellent taste qualities meat, birds were nicknamed guinea fowl, because this word comes from the Old Russian “tsar”.

Hyena

The fauna of Africa is rich and diverse. Among the African fauna, one can distinguish the spotted hyena. Of course, not everyone loves this type of animal. People personify hyenas with such qualities as bloodthirstiness, treachery, and insidiousness. In the famous Disney cartoon “The Lion King,” hyenas are presented as negative characters who only cause hostility. Indeed, a hyena can hardly be called attractive and graceful. However, this does not prevent her from developing a rapid speed while running - sixty-five kilometers per hour. And these animals feel very comfortable in their environment, thanks to their excellent hunting skills and ability to survive even in the harshest conditions.

Spotted hyenas are a collective animal. They live in clans. The highest steps of the hierarchy are occupied by females. Males occupy lower positions. Such a clan includes from ten to one hundred hyenas. Like many other animals, each clan is assigned a certain territory, which they defend from opponents and mark with feces. Communication between individuals is carried out using sounds. Many people have probably heard this unpleasant hum, reminiscent of laughter.

The diet of hyenas includes not only carrion; spotted predators are excellent hunters. They easily catch antelopes, hares, porcupines, as well as young giraffes, hippos and rhinoceroses.

Striped hyena. It can be found throughout North Africa, as well as in large parts of Asia: from Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Bengal. In the wild, the striped hyena practically does not overlap with the spotted hyena.

Animals of the American Savannas

Jaguar

The jaguar is the third largest in the world and the largest representative of the cat family in the New World. The body length of a male jaguar is 120-185 cm, tail length is 45-75 cm, weight is 90-110 kg (females are smaller and weigh 60-80 kg). The jaguar's body is heavy and strong, and its limbs are short and powerful, which is why it looks squat and even clumsy. The disproportionately massive head of this predator is striking; its size is associated with the extraordinary power of its jaws, allowing it to easily gnaw even the hard shells of turtles. The color of the jaguar's coat, although spotted, like many other cats, is still unique: the spots are collected in so-called rosettes.

Jaguars prefer to live in places close to water - they are excellent swimmers and love water very much. Like other cats, they mark their territory with urine. Unlike many other members of the family, the jaguar is a true universal predator. A variety of animals can become its prey: capybaras, deer, peccaries, tapirs, fish, turtles and their eggs; it also attacks birds, monkeys, foxes, snakes, rodents and even alligators. This most dangerous predator in South America is able to cope with prey weighing up to 300 kg.

For a den, a female jaguar chooses a place among stones, in thickets of bushes or in tree hollows. After a 90-110 day pregnancy, she gives birth to two to four cubs. Their pattern contains more black than that of their parents, and it does not consist of rosettes, but of solid spots. Young jaguars spend six weeks in the den, and three months after their birth they already accompany their mother during the hunt. However, they are separated from it only at the age of two.

Ocelot

The ocelot is the third largest American cat after the jaguar and puma. This graceful predator lives in most of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, etc.) and Central America, up to American states Arizona and Arkansas. Throughout the entire range there is intraspecific variability, which is why 10 subspecies of ocelot are distinguished.

The name of the cat is translated from Latin as “like a leopard.” Indeed, there are some similarities between them, but to a greater extent the ocelot is similar to its closest relative - the margi cat. Its body is long (up to 1.3 meters), its legs are quite short and powerful. On an elongated neck rests a somewhat flattened head with rounded ears and large eyes.

The ocelot has one of the most beautiful colors of all cats. The background color of the fur is yellow-golden above and on the sides, white below. Scattered across the entire surface of the body are countless spots, stripes, stains and black dots, which together form an intricate pattern.

Despite the fact that the ocelot itself is a predator, it leads a very secretive lifestyle. This cat can only be found in dense tropical jungles and bushes, and never in open areas. Basically, the animal leads a terrestrial lifestyle, but if necessary, it climbs trees and rocks well, and also swims well.

Agouti

Agouti is a rodent from the tropical forests of Central and South America, similar to a large guinea pig. Its coarse fur is coated with an oily substance that acts as a protective cloak. On the back of the body, the coat is longer. Agoutis have five toes on their front feet and three on their back feet. Like many rodents, they walk gracefully on their toes rather than on their entire foot. Although difficult to see, the agouti does have a tail: it is very small, similar to a dark bean, glued to the back of the animal's body.

Maned wolf

The maned or maned wolf or guar, aguarachai, refers to predatory mammals, the canine family. IN South America the maned wolf is a large representative of the family, having unusual appearance, making him look like a fox. The height of the wolf at the withers is 74-87 cm, body length is 125-130 cm, weight is 20-23 kg. The elongated muzzle, short tail and high ears emphasize the external disproportion of the animal.

The long legs of the wolf are the result of evolution in matters of adaptation to the habitat; they help the animal to overcome obstacles in the form of tall grass growing on the plains.

The tall and soft hair of the wolf is yellowish-red in color, the tip of the tail and chin are light. There is a dark stripe from the head to approximately the middle of the back. The wolf's limbs are dark in color, and dark spots can also be found on the face. On the top of the neck and on the scruff of the neck there is long hair that forms a mane. In an excited or aggressive state, the hair on the mane stands on end, which gives the animal a terrifying appearance.

Giant anteater

The name is associated with the favorite food of this animal - ants. It has an elongated snout that resembles a tube. This unique animal of South America is the largest of the order of edentates. The Giant Anteater is similar in size to the Golden Retriever, but its thick, bushy hair makes it appear more massive. The gray hairs of the anteater feel like straw and are especially long on the tail (up to 40 centimeters). It has a stripe of white, tan or gray that starts on the chest and extends to the middle of the back. Below this stripe is a dark collar. The hairy and bushy tail is often used as a blanket or umbrella. The giant anteater's elongated head and nose are excellent for catching ants and termites.

Puma

Puma is the most major representative felines in the New World. Previously, it was classified in the same genus to which ordinary cats and lynxes belong. But, since the puma is not similar in appearance to either one or the other, it was separated into a separate genus, which includes a single species.

The puma's body is longer than that of other cats, its paws are strong, and its head is relatively small. It is characteristic that the puma has a very long and powerful tail, which acts as a balancer when jumping.

Her fur is thick, but very short. The puma is one of the few cats that does not have a distinct pattern. The overall tone of its coat is sandy, for which this animal is sometimes called a mountain lion, but unlike a lion, the puma’s nose is pink. Animals of this species are characterized by a variety of shades of skin: northern populations have a light yellow and even gray color, while southern populations are brown or bright red. The fur on the belly is whitish, while on the ears, on the contrary, it is black.

The puma's range extends from Rocky Mountains North America to Patagonia in the South. Throughout its range, this predator inhabits a variety of landscapes: it can be found in mountains, lowland forests, tropical jungles and even swamps. This animal only avoids very open places. Like all cats, the puma leads a solitary lifestyle. She is secretive and rarely reveals her presence with her voice. Pumas are very flexible and dexterous cats: they climb trees perfectly and are capable of making huge leaps in length and height.

Armadillo

Armadillos have a really strange appearance. Although most armadillo species appear bald, they have hair on their sides and bellies (for example, the nine-banded armadillo). These animals have a shell that consists of stripes. The number of stripes depends on the type of animal. Although the stripes are as tough as fingernails, the shell is flexible, with softer skin that expands and contracts between the stripes. Armadillos also have long claws for digging and searching for food. Their favorite foods are termites and ants.

Vizcacha

One of the cutest representatives of the chinchilla family, viscacha, has an extremely interesting appearance. The appearance of the rodent simultaneously resembles the appearance of a kangaroo and a rabbit, which has a long squirrel tail.

Whiscacha belongs to the order of rodents and is characterized by a rather large size. Moreover, height and weight depend on the habitat of the animal. Thus, the body length of a male plain viscacha reaches 65-80 cm, and weight varies from 5 to 8 kg.

In this case, you should additionally take into account the length of the tail - at least 15 cm. Females weigh 3.5-5 kg, and the length of the body is 50-70 cm. The tail of females is also 2-3 cm shorter than that of males.

But mountain whiskey, or as it is also called, Peruvian whiskey, has slightly smaller dimensions. The rodent's body length is 30-40 cm. Weight does not exceed 1.5 kg.

The head of the viscacha is distinguished by its massiveness, fairly large ears and wide eyes. The forelimbs are short and weak, but the hind limbs are long and powerful.

The animal has rather short and soft to the touch gray-brown fur on its back. On the sides the color is paler, and on the belly the color becomes white. A peculiarity is the dependence of the color on the color of the soil where the rodent lives. The darker the tone of the soil, the richer the color of the animal’s fur.

Regardless of gender, the animal has white and black markings on its head. But differences between the sexes have still been identified - males are distinguished by a more massive structure and a clearly defined mask on the muzzle.

Nandu

The rhea ostrich lives in the vast expanses of South America, in the steppes of Brazil and Argentina. This bird has long powerful legs, and develops higher speed. Its weight is about 30 kilograms, and its height can reach 130 centimeters. The plumage of the bird is inconspicuous, gray, and it is the same in both females and males. The head and neck appear bald. The small feathers on these areas of the body barely cover the bird's skin.

The plumage on the wings does not look lush, and on the tail there is none at all. The feet have three toes. Bird feeding plant foods(fruits, plant seeds and grass), and only occasionally consumes animal food (invertebrates, worms, rodents). They live in small groups. The male has a harem of several females. During the breeding season, it digs a hole in the ground. This is the nest where the females will lay their eggs.

One such nest can contain up to 50 eggs. The male is an excellent father and family man - he incubates the eggs and protects the hatched chicks. Chicks are born sighted, feathered, able to move and get food from the first days of life. At the beginning of the 20th century, Rheas had a large population. Because of the tasty meat and hearty eggs, a real massive hunt began for the birds. And now they are on the verge of extinction. Today they can be seen on private farms and zoos. People are starting to correct their mistakes...

Tuco-tuco

These animals got their name because they communicate with each other using sounds such as “tuco-tuco-tuco.”

Outwardly, these animals very vaguely resemble bush rats. However, some features, such as small eyes located high on the head and ears almost hidden in the fur, indicate the leading lifestyle of this rodent underground.

In addition, morphological characteristics include a massive physique and a large head connected to a thick and short neck. The muzzle of the tuco-tuco has a somewhat flattened shape. These rodents have muscular and short limbs, with the forelimbs being slightly shorter than the hind limbs, but the powerful claws on the front paws are much more developed. The foot is covered with hard hairs similar to bristles. Due to the bristles, the foot grows larger, and in addition, when cleaning fur, the bristles act as a comb.

Weight adult can vary from 200 to 700 grams. These animals can grow up to 25 cm in length, and their tail up to 11 cm.

Rodents of this species very rarely come to the surface of the earth. Under the ground, usually in areas with loose or sandy soil, they have a complex system of underground burrows that communicate with the central chamber of the nest. These rodents push the earth that appears while digging holes to the surface with their hind limbs. There are separate burrows for food supplies. Active life activity of tuco - tuco occurs in the evening hours and early morning.

Animals of the Australian savannah

Dragon of Komodo Island

The Komodo dragon is an amazing and truly unique animal, which is not without reason called a dragon. The largest living lizard spends most of its time hunting. It is an object of pride for the islanders and a constant source of interest for tourists. Our article will tell you about the life of this dangerous predator, the characteristics of its behavior and characteristics characteristic of the species.

These animals are indeed comparable in size. Most adult Komodo dragons reach 2.5 meters in length, while their weight barely exceeds half a centner. But among the giants there are record holders. There is reliable information about komodo dragon, whose length exceeded 3 meters and weight reached 150 kg. Only a specialist can visually distinguish a male from a female. Sexual dimorphism is practically not expressed, but male monitor lizards are usually slightly more massive. But any tourist arriving on the island for the first time can determine which of the two monitor lizards is older: young animals are always brighter in color.

Monitor lizards are diurnal and prefer to sleep at night. Like other cold-blooded animals, they are sensitive to temperature changes. Hunting time comes at dawn. Leading a solitary lifestyle, monitor lizards are not averse to joining forces while chasing game. It may seem that komodo dragons- clumsy fatties, but this is far from the case. These animals are unusually hardy, agile and strong. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 km/h, and while they run, the earth, as they say, trembles. Dragons feel no less confident in the water: swimming to the neighboring island is not a problem for them. Sharp nails, strong muscles and a tail-balancer help these animals to climb trees and steep rocks perfectly.

Ostrich Emu

Emu is the fastest, largest, non-flying bird. Australia is located far from other continents. This has had a beneficial effect on the conservation of some animal species. These include the Australian ostrich. Amazing creation, the emblem of this country.

The emu was first mentioned at the end of the 16th century in the reports of European explorers. In the middle of the 17th century he was seen on east coast continent. The origin of the name is not exactly known. There are consonant words in Portuguese and Arabic, translation sounds like “big bird”. There is an assumption that the birds are named after the shrill cry of “E-m-uu”. Ornithologist John Latham first described them in Arthur Philip's Voyage to Botany Bay in 1789. At that time, there were six species of ostrich, but the first settlers from Europe mercilessly destroyed them for competing with sheep and cows for food.

Appearance Emu are relatives of ostriches and cassowaries. They reach a height of average human height and a body height of up to a meter. They have a dense body and a small head on a long neck. Round eyes framed by fluffy eyelashes and a pink beak with a slightly curved tip, no teeth. The wings are underdeveloped, like those of all non-flying ratite birds, up to 25 cm long. At the tips there is a growth like a claw. Strong legs that can easily break the bone of an adult. Soft brown feathers that aid in camouflage and regulate body temperature. Representatives of both sexes are equally colored.
Wombat

The wombat is a marsupial herbivore. This large animal, which looks like a bear cub, digs long tunnels, working quickly with short paws with strong claws. By digging up the ground like small bulldozers, wombats damage crops. Therefore farmers for a long time they were destroyed. Now wombats have become rare animals and are listed in the Red Book. Wombats live alone, they are secretive and cautious.

They go out in search of food, feeding on grass, bark and roots of plants. Like beavers, they are capable of felling trees, gnawing trunks with strong front teeth like their namesakes in South America, and feed on ants and termites using a long tongue. These animals do not have a brood pouch. The tiny, underdeveloped cubs that are born hide in the fur on the mother’s belly, holding onto her nipples. When the cubs are a little older, the mother takes them to the hole.

Ant-eater

Anteaters are close relatives of sloths and armadillos. In nature, there are giant, dwarf, tamandua and marsupial anteaters.

All these anteaters live in Central and South America, and the marsupial, numbat, lives in Australia.

The size of the anteater depends on the species to which the animal belongs. The largest is two meters, weighing 35 kg giant anteater, and the tiniest is the dwarf anteater, having a length of less than 20 cm and weighing only 400 grams. The marsupial anteater, the nambat, has approximately the same parameters. Tamandua is larger than the dwarf one. Its body length reaches less than 60 cm, and its weight is about 5 kg.

All American anteaters are toothless, the front part of the head is elongated, and the fused jaws resemble a pipe. A distinctive feature of all anteaters is their longest tongue among all land animals, reaching 60 cm, with the help of which the anteater obtains small insects, mainly termites. The marsupial anteater has teeth, but they are very small. This animal also uses its ten-centimeter tongue to extract termites, which it feeds exclusively on.

Echidna

Echidna vaguely resembles a hedgehog with a very large beak. It is distinguished by an awkward, flattened body, which is covered with fur mixed with sharp spines. The echidna has a cylindrical beak, no teeth at all, instead of them it has sharp horny needles. The tongue of this animal is long and worm-shaped; it extends far from the small mouth slit, like that of an anteater. The echidna has strong, short legs with large claws adapted for digging. The tail is very small and blunt.

When an echidna lays an egg, it carries it in a fold of leather (pouch) on its belly. The interesting thing is that after the cub grows up, the bag itself disappears. There are two types of echidnas. The first one is spiny echidna with five-toed feet and clawed toes. Typical representatives of this genus are the Australian, Papuan and Tasmanian echidnas. All these animals are no more than 50 centimeters in length and their fur is densely mixed with long thick needles.

Spiny echidnas live in mountainous dry forests. During the day they hide in burrows and at night they look for food. These animals dig the ground in search of worms, insects and ants. In case of danger, the echidna instantly curls up into a spiny ball. If you grab it, you can be seriously injured by the sharp needles. Indians often hunt echidnas and claim that a fried echidna is very tasty dish. In captivity, echidnas are very affectionate and not aggressive. They love to sleep and can sleep for 50-70 hours straight.

These are very strange animals. They live only in Australia and the islands adjacent to this continent. They are also called bird-animals because, on the one hand, they resemble animals, are covered with fur, feed their young with milk, have four legs, and on the other hand, lay eggs, just like birds. By the way, they do not have a nose, but a beak, like waterfowl.

Lizard Moloch

Moloch's habitat is the semi-deserts and deserts of the central and western regions of Australia. The body of the moloch is wide and flattened, reaching 22 centimeters in length.

It is abundantly covered with many short and curved horny spines, which take the form of horns above the eyes and above the pillow-like neck outgrowth. The head of the moloch, on the contrary, is small and quite narrow.

Brownish-yellow coloration covers the upper body of the moloch, it can also have reddish-brown shades with dark spots and a narrow yellowish stripe. An amazing feature of this animal is its ability to change its color. This can occur due to many factors, be it temperature, lighting or the physiological state of the body.

The peak of Moloch activity is daytime days. Its method of movement is quite unusual: it slowly walks with outstretched legs and practically does not touch the ground with its tail. Being related to lizards, molochs, having found soft soil, dig holes. However, they can also completely submerge themselves in the sand to a relatively shallow depth, thereby imitating the behavior of some Asian and American lizards.

If the moloch is frightened, then its improvised horns become a means of defense. By bending his head down and exposing his horny outgrowths located on the back of his head, the moloch confronts his offenders. A fairly large growth on the back of the head imitates the so-called false head, thereby confusing the predator.

Dingo dog

Looking at a photo of a dingo dog, you can’t tell that it’s a wild dog. In addition, purebred dingoes cannot even bark, they just growl and howl.

There are many legends and versions about the origin of this species. Some believe that this dog was brought to Australia by immigrants from Asia. Others say that dingoes are descended from Chinese crested dogs. There is also a version that dingo dogs are descendants of the blood of Indian wolves and Pario dogs.

In appearance, this is an ordinary dog ​​with some characteristics of wild dogs. She has a wide head, erect ears and long fangs. These predators try to be nocturnal. They can be found in dry eucalyptus thickets or on the edges of forests. But dingoes can establish their home in a mountain cave, as long as there is water somewhere nearby.

These dogs can live in packs of more than 12 individuals. In such family communities there is a very strict hierarchy: the dominant place is occupied by the couple, which dominates all other members of the pack.

The dingo's diet includes food of both plant and animal origin. They hunt rabbits, small kangaroos, a variety of reptiles, fish, crabs, rats and birds. Sometimes they also eat carrion. It happens that dingoes encroach on the household: they steal chickens.

Opossum

Marsupials once lived all over the planet. These animals replaced more primitive oviparous animals from Olympus. After all, there used to be a land bridge between Australia and Asia, thanks to which animals and plants spread. As ocean levels changed and continents moved, this bridge disappeared. Several million years have passed, the once thriving squad has almost completely disappeared, and only on the lost continent, in Australia, marsupial life continues to flourish.

These isolated animals evolved, and among them predatory, herbivorous and insectivorous animals, jumping, climbing and running forms gradually emerged. They are found on plains and in forests, underground and in the mountains; there are semi-aquatic and gliding forms. Inhabiting the continent and the islands closest to it, they occupied almost all the ecological niches of their habitat, and basically they are not similar to each other. appearance, nor sizes. The rat's marsupial relative is the kangaroo rat, native to Australia and New Guinea. It belongs to the marsupial family of mammals. In total, four genera of these marsupial rodents have been identified.

So, the first genus of these marsupials is large rats with bluish-gray fur and a tassel at the very tip of the tail. This marsupial rat got its name precisely thanks to this brush (brush-tailed rats). This genus includes the tafa (tree rat), a predator that cannot be tamed, as well as the small marsupial rat, which is a very rare animal that is protected.

The tafa or greater marsupial rat is a rodent about the size of the carnivorous arboreal marsupial Dasyuridae. It is distinguished by a tuft of silky black hair on its tail. Males of this species do not live long, their age reaches only one year, since they die after breeding.

The comb-tailed marsupial rat is an animal with legs that do not have thumb. This is the genus marsupial mammals, whose bag is practically absent. There is 1 species in the genus, whose name is similar to the name of the entire genus. These animals are considered relatives of comb-tailed mice and have great similarities with them.

Marsupial mole

The Australian continent is inhabited by many species of animals that are found nowhere else in the world. One of the representatives of this kind of fauna is marsupial moles.

These animals, well known to the Australian aborigines, became known to science only in 1888, when one of their representatives was found sleeping under a bush by one of the migrant farmers from Europe. Despite the fact that marsupial moles are very similar to golden moles living in Africa, these two species of animals belong to completely different systematic groups.

Marsupial moles are mammals. There are two types: Notoryctes typhops and Notoryctes caurinus. The difference between them is only in size and some details of the body structure. Marsupial moles are very different from other types of marsupial animals, and for this reason, zoologists have identified them as a special family.

The body of marsupial moles is oblong, resembling a roller, and has a length of 15 to 18 centimeters. The weight of these animals ranges from 40 to 70 grams. Marsupial moles dig the soil with their front paws, which have powerful triangular claws. Their hind limbs are adapted for throwing sand to the side. The body of these representatives of the Australian fauna is covered with thick and beautiful hair, the color of which can vary from snow-white to brown.

The head of a marsupial mole has the shape of an elongated cone, at the end of which there is a nose, covered with a kind of shield, with the help of which the animal quickly pushes the sand apart.

Kangaroo

The red kangaroo lives throughout almost all of Australia. It has a 3-meter body length (of which the tail is about 90 cm long), and weighs up to 90 kg. Females are smaller than males, and their weight is 30 kg. The animal has a powerful body, strong muscular hind legs, and a strong and thick tail. Thin but very grasping front legs, which are much shorter than the hind legs.

The front paws have five toes, the hind paws have four, with very sharp long claws. The head is small and elongated towards the nose, with attentive eyes, with large ears that hear everything well. The color is brown-red or smoky blue, the paws and tail are almost white, and the belly is lighter than the main tone.

They feed on plant foods: grass, leaves, fruits and grains. They are well adapted to drought conditions and can go many days without water. To escape the wild heat, kangaroos often breathe with their mouths open and try to move less.

They lick their paws, which also cools the body. It was noticed by observers that during a long drought, they dig small holes in the sand where they hide from the scorching sun. During the day they hide in the shadows and doze, and at dusk they go out to pastures.

The red kangaroo is a cautious and timid animal. In case of danger, it runs away at speeds of up to 50 km/h. But he cannot maintain a high pace for long and gets tired quickly. He jumps 10 meters in length, and can even set a record - 12 meters.

Savannah occurs in areas with a hot climate, where all seasons of the year are reduced to two periods: dry and wet. This formation resembles a steppe with tall grass and sparsely scattered trees, most often acacias, the crowns of which look like umbrellas. The dry period forced savannah plants to create biological adaptations in the process of evolution that determined their drought resistance. The rainy season is the equivalent of a steppe spring or a short period of rain in the desert. the main task plants - use the rainy season as fully as possible for intensive development and then survive the drought. Herbaceous plants have adapted well to this. Trees have a harder time. There are not enough water reserves in the savannah for forests to grow there. The lack of water available to plants determines that the trees here are sparse. The sun is burning with unheard of force. There is not enough soil water, and many trees lose their leaves during drought, like ours in winter. They dive into winter dream“And this is how they spend the dry season.

But during the rainy season, the savannah simply explodes with life. There is plenty of water, the temperature is high and constant, without sudden changes during the day, the soil is quite fertile. Everything is turning green and growing at a frantic pace, trying to make up for the time lost due to drought. Plant productivity is high, and the mass of phytoproducts allows a huge number of its consumers - herbivores - to live in the savanna.

Almost all of sub-Saharan Africa is a huge savannah. The only exceptions are the mountains, the Congo River basin and the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, occupied tropical forests, and in southern Africa - the Kalahari Desert and part of the southernmost tip of the continent. Taken together, this entire territory does not even constitute half the area covered by savanna.

The savannah landscape is quite diverse depending on the microclimate of its individual areas. In drier areas, trees are sparse. Sometimes they completely disappear, and a strip of “tropical steppe” is formed. In other places the trees grow more densely. Near the sources they form entire groups. In the valleys of rivers and streams, in places where, due to the topography, the groundwater level is high, small groves and even forests grow.

The invertebrate fauna of the savannah is similar in composition to the steppe fauna. Among the insects, locusts and ants are numerous. They are hunted by spiders, salpugs and scorpions. There are also gastropods in the savannah that are adapted to withstand drought.

Unlike the steppes, termites are an important element in the fauna of the savannah. Everywhere you look there are their buildings. A termite mound is sometimes just a half-meter-high mound, sometimes it looks like a small castle with towers and walls, and sometimes termite structures resemble six-meter-high “clubs of Hercules.” Inside, behind the thick walls of such a fortress, live whitish defenseless insects that never see daylight. The walls protect them from pursuers and from the heat. Termites provide themselves with moisture by gnawing holes down to the groundwater. They feed on wood and must travel underground to reach a branch lying on the ground. Many animals are related to termites in one way or another. There are animals that feed primarily on them. These are lizards and anteaters. When the lizard digs up a termite mound and, having had enough, leaves, birds feed on these “ruins.” Some species of birds make nests in the crevices of the walls of termite mounds or unceremoniously hollow out their “hollow” in them. And even buffalos and rhinoceroses sometimes come to scratch themselves against the walls of the termite mound or rest in the shade of this large farm of small builders.

There are few amphibians in savannas; there are no newts or salamanders. But there are frogs and toads that during the rainy season have time to mate and lay eggs, and tadpoles have time to grow and go through the stages of metamorphosis. During the dry season, all amphibians seek shelter and go into hibernation, which lasts until the new rainy season. But many reptiles thrive in the savannah throughout the year. Covered with keratinized skin, they are not afraid of drought, and there is plenty of food here: plants for turtles, insects for lizards. Snakes are perhaps the most numerous among the reptiles here. Their prey is amphibians and lizards, and in addition, small mammals, mainly rodents. There are many poisonous snakes.

The life forms of savannah birds resemble steppe birds. The savanna bird fauna is much richer and more diverse, mainly due to those species that nest in trees. Thus, a variety of weavers are typical for savannas (Ploceidae), among which the most numerous are small red-billed weavers - quelia (Quelia quelia). They build their nests in the crowns of acacia trees, often forming entire colonies. Such an umbrella tree, hung with hundreds of nests and surrounded by a cloud of chattering inhabitants, is a typical picture for the savannah. In the savannah, there are quite a few species of chickens: quail, various types of guinea fowl, francolins (Francolinus). Peculiar bushlarks are common (Mirafra).

In savannas, as in steppes, running birds are typical. Here is the homeland of the best runner among birds - the ostrich, which has completely lost the ability to fly.

Even among feathered predators there was one species that, although capable of flying, prefers to walk. This is a long-legged secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with a tuft hanging from the back of the head. The first European travelers thought she looked like a secretary with a feather tucked behind her ear. Her favorite prey is snakes, even large and poisonous ones. Eats snakes and marabou (Leptoptilus)- a huge bird, related to storks, with a large ugly bare head and bare neck, with a long thick beak. She walks with a sedate step across the savannah, grabbing any animal that she can swallow. Even a jackal puppy can find its end in the beak of this glutton. There are many diurnal birds of prey in the savanna: hawks, kites, vultures. They have as much food as they want here. If there are a lot of herbivorous mammals, then, of course, often some antelope dies, either in the claws of a lion, or for some other reason.

There are a huge number of rodents in the savannas, which are rarely seen and therefore are almost not mentioned by travelers. However, they represent a very important element of the biocenosis. Dozens of species of mouse-like rodents hide in the tall grass, and jerboas live in more open places, and large striders are found here and there (Pedetes caffer).

It should be noted that, along with herbivorous jerboas, insectivorous jumpers are numerous here (Macroscealididea), they can be distinguished only by their teeth. The family of spiny-tailed flying squirrels is widespread exclusively in African savannas. Anamaluridae. These animals are similar to flying squirrels and also lead an arboreal lifestyle. They are able to jump from tree to tree, which is facilitated by a leathery membrane connecting the front and hind limbs.

Tree mice (family Dendromurinae) and squirrels (family Gliridae).

In some places in the savannahs, calm and phlegmatic porcupines are found, relying on their reliable “armor” of long and sharp quills.

Lagomorphs are represented by several species of hares, while in the savannah hares are smaller than in Europe.

But the most characteristic of the savannah are large ungulate mammals. In the recent past, the African savanna was a paradise for hunters. Among ungulates, in terms of number and diversity of species, antelopes hold the lead, most of them graceful animals with large eyes, bearing horns on their heads. The smallest of the antelopes are gazelles. The genus of gazelles has more than a dozen species. They're sort of the ecological equivalent of jerboas. (Antidorcas). Large impala antelopes are widespread (Aepyceros melampus).

Herds of waterbucks live near streams (Kobus) with saber-shaped horns. Antelopes from the genus Oryx (Oryx) reach a height of 1.3 meters at the withers. These are fast saber-horned antelopes (Oryx algazel), East African oryx-beisa (Orix beisa) and others.

A whole group of species belonging to the genus Bubals is widespread in the savannah. (Alcelaphus). Ugly, long-necked and long-headed creatures with ugly inverted horns, they resemble a caricature of an emaciated horse. Wildebeests look like real monsters (Connochaetes). Their height at the withers is about 1.5 meters, that is, they are the height of an average horse and look the same as a horse, but with the head of a bull. The most valuable hunting trophies- long helical horns of the kudu antelope (Strepsiceros), especially the great kudu (Strepsiceros strepsiceros). Antelopes from the genus Cannas (Taurotragus)- real giants among antelopes; they reach a height of two meters and weigh up to one thousand kilograms.

Of other bovids, large Kaffir buffaloes are typical. (Syricerus caffer). There are bulls with a height of 1.8 meters at the withers. There are hundreds of chilling hunting stories about the dangers of hunting these fearsome animals, and in this case they are true.

Among other ungulates, giraffes stand out. They not only have a unique figure, but differ from other ungulates in that they feed exclusively on leaves, fruits and tree branches. This food is available to them due to their unprecedented growth. Although they have only small horns covered with hair on their heads, they are by no means defenseless. The blow of their long legs with sharp hooves can discourage even a lion from attacking.

In the giraffe enclosure at London Zoo, the posts are covered with five-millimeter steel sheeting. One of them shows a deep imprint of a giraffe's hoof. The blow was aimed at the caretaker's head, but he managed to dodge.

Everyone has heard about herds of zebras in the savannah. Wild donkeys are less well known and there are fewer of them. By the way, donkeys live only where there are no zebras. There are two types of them, one of them is the ancestor of the domestic donkey. There are three types of zebras.

Almost all herbivores live in herds. Herds migrate to watering places and roam in search of pasture. In the savannah, herds are usually mixed and consist of several species of animals. Zebras are almost never seen without their companions - wildebeest and other antelopes. Ostriches often join them. A herd consisting of several different species ensures greater security for each member of the community. Some animals have better vision, others have better hearing, and some have an excellent sense of smell. And it is enough for one to notice the enemy, and the whole herd flees.

The largest herbivores are rhinoceroses and elephants. Rhinoceroses live alone or in small herds of two to four animals. Elephants usually live in herds of several dozen individuals. Elephants and rhinoceroses consume huge amounts of food. They don't have any enemies. Even lions rarely risk attacking their cubs.

Where there are many ungulates, there are also many predators. Contrary to popular belief, lions do not live in deserts. There they would die of hunger and thirst. Only in the savannah is the number of ungulates so large that this powerful predator can feed itself. Lions live in harem families consisting of an old male, several females and sometimes a dozen kittens. Lions hunt collectively, and when the hunt is successful, the whole family begins to feast, observing a certain order.

Another large savannah cat is the leopard (Pantera pardus). It is smaller and lighter than a lion, lives alone, climbs trees, from where it quickly jumps on its prey. Its victims include small antelopes and calves of larger animals.

Smaller than a leopard, about the size of a lynx, the Serval cat (Felis serval). It attacks small antelopes, rodents and birds. Cheetahs lead a somewhat atypical lifestyle for most cats. They are somewhat similar to a large greyhound dog dressed in leopard skin. The cheetah is a good runner and usually does not sneak up on its prey, like other cats, but in broad daylight it catches up with it in the open.

A formidable enemy of antelopes is the hyena dog. (Lycaon pictus). She is small in stature, about the size of a medium-sized domestic dog, but she hunts in a pack like a wolf. A pack of these animals chases the chosen victim, surrounds it and simply tears it apart. If any warlike bull tries to fight back, it will not delay its death. While he is trying to hit one dog with his horns, four others will rip open his belly and release his entrails.

Peculiar predators in the savannah - hyenas (Hyaenidae). These are strong animals with powerful jaws. They are not very fast when running. More often they do not hunt healthy, strong animals, but slaughter those weakened by disease, the old and the wounded. Hyenas are not limited to just ungulates. A lion dying from wounds is as much prey for them as an antelope. A hungry hyena eats mice, lizards, snakes, bird eggs and even locusts and spiders. Hyenas most readily feed on the carrion of large animals and sometimes wander after lions, hunters, or simply following herds.

Jackals play a similar role in the savannah. (Thos). They are small and independently capable of hunting only rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. But they destroy carrion, near which they feed for several days in a row.

Therefore, in the savannah, a certain complex of species is always found near the corpse of a large animal: hyenas, jackals and several species of feathered predators.

Small herbivores serve as prey for a range of small, numerous and diverse predators. This is an African wild cat (Felis ocreata)- probable ancestor of domestic cats; The caracal, known to us from the desert, and long-eared desert foxes are also found here (Otocyon, Fennecus). Important element fauna in the savannah - predatory civets (Viverriadae). The largest of them is the civet. (Civettictis civetta) the size of an average dog. Several species of mongoose (family Herpestes). They are known as snake hunters. In Ancient Egypt they were highly revered. These small predators feed mainly on rodents and birds, but also devour frogs, lizards and snakes; they do not neglect either insects or gastropods. Mongooses, more than anyone else, regulate the numbers of all small animals on the savannah. However, hyenas, servals, and other predators also take part in this.

There is another small group of extremely specialized mammals in the savannah that have adapted to eating only termites. These are strange creatures. One of them is a lizard (Manis)- covered with large horny scales and belongs to the order of lizards (Pholidota). Another animal is a squat, long-faced anteater (Orycteropus afer), belonging to special squad aardvarks (Tubulidentata). These animals have powerful claws for digging up termite mounds, backward-facing teeth and a long, sticky, worm-like tongue for quickly picking up termites. It’s surprising that one species of hyena has also switched to feeding on termites. (Proteles cristatus). Her specialization has not yet gone that far, but her dental system has already undergone some changes.

In the savannah, especially among the hilly areas, live monkeys that lead a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle. These are different baboons (Papio). They live in groups consisting of an old male - the leader, several females and ten to twenty young ones. Such groups can unite into herds numbering tens or hundreds of monkeys. They eat everything that falls into their paws: leaves and locusts, fruits and caterpillars, everything down to lizards, birds and mice.

In savannah biocenoses, deep internal catastrophic changes usually do not occur. But the life of the savannah is regulated by climate. During the dry season, when the springs dry up one after another, herds of animals go in search of pastures and watering places. Sometimes they travel hundreds of kilometers. If the drought drags on and more springs dry up than usual, the animals will die from the heat. Of course, this does not happen so often and only in exceptionally dry years.