Tall grasses stretch between scattered trees under a hot sky. A savanna is a mixed grassland–woodland ecosystem that experiences a pronounced dry season. It occupies the transition zone between tropical rainforest and desert in many parts of Africa, South America, and Australia.

Fire and grazing maintain the open structure by limiting tree density. Large herds of herbivores and their predators are characteristic of African savannas. Rainfall is highly seasonal; most plant growth occurs during the wet months.

Savannas support substantial human populations through pastoralism and agriculture. They are also vulnerable to overgrazing, woody encroachment, and conversion to cropland. The seasonal rhythms of rain, grass growth, and animal movement define life in these landscapes.

• Grassy plain with scattered trees
• Tropical or subtropical with strong dry season
• Maintained by fire and grazing
• Supports large herbivore populations