Our Living World: Earth's Biomes - Volume 6: Grasslands

volume

6 Grasslands

T R A D I T I O N A

N E W

Grasslands

O U R L I V I N G W O R L D : E A RT H ’S B I O M E S Barbara A. Somervill

B O O K S

T R A D I T I O N

®

, I N

M A P L E

P L A I N ,

C H I L D R E N ’ S

M I N N E S O T A P U B L I S H I N G

TM



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara A. Somervill is the author of many books for children. She loves learning and sees every writing project as a chance to learn new information or gain a new understanding. Ms. Somervill grew up in New York State, but has also lived in Toronto, Canada; Canberra, Australia; California; and South Carolina. She currently lives with her husband in Simpsonville, South Carolina.



In gratitude to George R. Peterson Sr. for introducing me to the beauty of creation —George R. Peterson Jr., Publisher, Tradition Books® Published in the United States of America by Tradition Books® and distributed to the school and library market by The Child’s World® [ACKNOWLEDGMENTS] For Editorial Directions, Inc.: E. Russell Primm, Editorial Director; Dana Meachen Rau, Line Editor; Katie Marsico, Associate Editor; Judi Shiffer, Associate Editor and Library Media Specialist; Matthew Messbarger, Editorial Assistant; Susan Hindman, Copy Editor; Lucia Raatma, Proofreaders; Ann Grau Duvall, Peter Garnham, Deborah Grahame, Katie Marsico, Elizabeth K. Martin, and Kathy Stevenson, Fact Checkers; Tim Griffin/IndexServ, Indexer; Cian Loughlin O’Day, Photo Researcher; Linda S. Koutris, Photo Selector For The Design Lab: Kathleen Petelinsek, design, art direction, and cartography; Kari Thornborough, page production [PHOTOS] Cover/frontispiece: Layne Kennedy/Corbis. Interior: ABPL/Animals Animals/Earth Scenes: 81 (Richard Du Toit), 82 (Keith Begg); Animals Animals/Earth Scenes: 11 (Dominique Braud), 26 (Erwin & Peggy Bauer), 34 (McDonald Wildlife Photography), 41 (Bruce Davidson), 42 (Mike Holmes), 43 (Michael Gadomski), 47 (D. Allen Photography), 49 (Bertram G. Murray), 52 (C. C. Lockwood), 58 (Richard Shiell), 59 (Mago World Image), 63 (J. & B. Photographers), 68 (Mark Chappell), 74 (Norbert Rosing), 86 (Lynn Stone), 89 (Azure Computer & Photo Services); Fred Atwood: 17, 54; Brand X Pictures/Punchstock: 4; Corbis: 6 (Tim Wright), 12 (Hubert Stadler), 15 (Charles O’Rear), 18 (W. Perry Conway), 31 (Nigel J. Dennis; Gallo Images), 36 (Eric and David Hosking), 38 (Galen Rowell), 39 (Clive Druett; Papilio), 44 (D. Robert & Lorri Franz), 45 (Doug Wechsler), 50 (Macduff Everton), 53 (Karen Tweedy-Holmes), 65 (Theo Allofs), 71 (Layne Kennedy), 72, 78 (Craig Lovell), 79 (Tom Brakefield), 85 (Reuters); E. R. Degginger/Color-Pic: 35, 69, 83; Phil Degginger/Color-Pic: 90; Digital Vision: 24, 28, 29, 32, 37, 48, 61, 64, 70, 88; Frank Lane Picture Agency/Corbis: 66 (Martin B. Withers), 87 (Terry Whittaker); Wolfgang Kaehler/Corbis: 51, 80; Tom & Pat Leeson: 91; Joe McDonald/Corbis: 30, 33, 76; Photodisc: 19, 62; Fritz Prenzel/Animals Animals/Earth Scenes: 9, 22; James P. Rowan: 8; Paul A. Souders/Corbis: 46, 57; David Watts/Tom Stack & Associates: 21.

CONTENT ADVISER

Susan Woodward, Professor of Geography, Radford University, Radford, Virginia

4

[ L I B R A RY O F C O N G R E S S C ATA L O G I N G - I N - P U B L I C AT I O N D ATA ] CIP data available

Table of Contents

Table of Contents [Chapter One]

4 Defining Grasslands [ C h a p t e r Tw o ]

15 Focus on Key Species [Chapter Three]

26 Predators [Chapter Four]

39 Prey [Chapter Five]

49 Flora [Chapter Six]

59 Herbivores [Chapter Seven]

69 A Cycle of Life [Chapter Eight]

76 The Serengeti National Park [Chapter Nine]

86 The Human Touch 92

[Chart of Species]

93

[Index]

4

1

[Chapter One]

Defining Grasslands

Defining Grasslands

in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The rhino senses danger. He smells the scent of man in the air. Rhinos have only three

4 A black rhinoceros

enemies: old age, disease,

gnaws on tough grasses

and humans.

 A black rhino can charge at speeds up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour.

4

[Defining Grasslands]

?

On this day, two poachers

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

in 1971. Since then,

biome (BYE-ohm) a large ecosys-

are hunting the endangered

both populations

tem in which the plants and ani-

beast. They do not want the

have increased.

mals are adapted to a particular

hide or the meat. They want

Poaching killed

climate or physical environment

only the rhino’s horn. The

many rhinos. Strict

ecosystem (EE-koh-siss-tuhm)

horn is ground up for medi-

laws against poach-

a community of plants and ani-

cine in Asia or is used to make

ing have allowed

mals and their relationship with

knife handles in Yemen.

herds to increase.

the surrounding environment

From 1999 to 2001,

endangered (en-DAYN-jurd)

white rhino populations were

the total white rhino

on the edge of being complete-

wiped out in Kruger Park. In

population grew by

ly wiped out; few members of a

1961, scientists reintroduced

1,265 animals.

species still surviving

white rhinos into the ecosys-

Black rhinos

poachers (POHCH-urz) people

tem. Black rhinos were added

increased by nearly

who hunt or fish illegally

Once, black rhino and

400 animals. Still, scientists and park rangers constantly battle poachers to save A

F

R

I C

these magnificent beasts.

A

What Are Grasslands? Atlantic Ocean

0 0

1000 Miles 1000 KM

4 Rhinos are just one of Kruger National Park

Indian Ocean

many species that thrive in grasslands. A grassland biome

 Africa’s Kruger National Park

5

 Scattered white clouds will not bring rain to the dry grasslands of Bushveld Kruger Park, South Africa.

is one in which

there are distinctly seasonal

precipitation (pri-sip-i-TAY-

grass covers most of

precipitation patterns—wet and

shuhn) all the rain, snow, sleet,

the land. Grasslands

dry seasons. Temperate grass-

hail, or other moisture falling

can be tropical or

lands have few large mammal

on a region

temperate. Tropical

species, usually fertile soil, and

grasslands in Africa

a semiarid climate, which

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

6

host many grazing animals.

means it receives 10 to 20

The soil is often poor, and

inches (25 to 51 centimeters)

[Defining Grasslands]

of precipitation a year. Fire has

when humans clear

been important in both types

forests or fill in wet-

Elephants can also create grass-

of grasslands. Few trees grow

lands with soil. Usu-

lands. Elephants eat huge

in grasslands, but wildflowers

ally, the land

amounts of leaves, twigs, and

prosper.

becomes crop fields.

branches. They knock over trees

When the soil no

and clear land as efficiently as

rally or can be man-made.

longer supports

workers with bulldozers. Within

Glaciers, or huge sheets of ice,

crops, farmers aban-

a short time, grass takes over

paved the way for some grass-

don the fields. Wild

the land cleared by elephants.

lands 12,000 years ago. The

grasses take over,

glaciers flattened the land and

and grasslands

plowed down trees. As the

appear.

Grasslands can form natu-

glaciers melted, they left behind a flat, open plain. Grass began to grow. Salt seas once covered

The Grass 4 If people

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

 READ IT! Uncover the basics of the grassland biome. Read Grassland by Edward R. Ricciuti (Benchmark, 1996).

allowed their lawns

other land that today is grass-

to grow, the grass might reach

land. As the land rose and the

2 feet (.61 meters) tall or more.

seas disappeared, high plains

Their lawns would sprout flow-

appeared. Grasses soon cov-

ers and produce seeds.

ered the plains.

In the wild, grasses don’t

Man-made grasslands,

get mowed weekly. They grow

called derived grasslands, result

to their natural heights, which 7

[Defining Grasslands]

can reach 10 to 12 feet (3 to

es (25 to 102 cm) yearly.

4 m) high. Grasses can be

Rainwater soaks into the soil.

divided into tallgrass and

The roots suck in the water

short-grass varieties. Tallgrass

and feed the grass. The roots

species include bamboo, sugar-

spread underground, sending

cane, and big bluestem. Short-

up new shoots and leaves. A

grass species include buffalo

broad root system helps grass

grass and grama. Usually, one

survive fires, grazing animals,

or two grass species dominate

freezing weather, and drought.

a grassland region. Wild grass develops strong,

Tropical Grasslands

deep root systems. Grass

4 Tropical grasslands lie

thrives in areas where precipi-

just north and south of the

tation measures 10 to 40 inch-

equator. These grasslands,

 Only tufts of scrub grasses survive in this Australian grassland.

called savannas, grow in

the North American tallgrass

warm to hot climates. They

prairie came into being only

are found in Australia,

about 6,000 to 8,000 years

South America, Africa,

ago, after the last glacial peri-

and India. Savannas cover

od. Origins of the African

nearly half of Africa. The

High Veld—the highest and

tropical savannas of Africa

innermost of South Africa’s

are ancient and have

plateau areas—are unknown.

expanded and contracted

Fire and grazing are believed

with climate changes.

to have been important to the

Most experts believe that

High Veld’s creation.

 The short-grass prairie of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is lush and green in the spring.

9

[Defining Grasslands]

Arctic Ocean Arctic Ocean

of rain-drought-burn keeps the land clear of trees. Without the dry season, tropical grasslands

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean Tropical Savannas

would become woodlands and forest. Africa’s tropical grasslands teem with animal life. Australian savannas are home

 The world’s tropical savannas

Savannas have two basic

to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and bandicoots. South

seasons: wet and dry. The sea-

American savannas support

sons each last about half the

rheas, capybara, and maned

year. The dry season is critical

wolves. The African savannas

for savannas to sur-

contain many large animals

vive. During this

recognized throughout the

Check out the species that slith-

season, fire from

world. These include lions,

er, gallop, and trample through

lightning strikes

cheetahs, zebras, giraffes,

the world’s grasslands. Visit

burns the grasses

elephants, and wildebeests.

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org

and clears the land.

and choose from interesting

New grass growth

animal profiles to discover

comes when the

4 Temperate climates feature

more about these creatures.

rainy season returns.

hot summers and cold winters.

The constant cycle

Temperate grasslands have

 LOOK IT UP!

10

Temperate Grasslands

 North Dakota’s Badlands are a mixture of sprawling grasslands and stark hills.

flat land or rolling hills. There

the Tropic of Capricorn and

are few stands of trees, so

the Antarctic Circle. Each

wind constantly whips the

continent has its own name

grassland biome.

for temperate grasslands.

Temperate grasslands

Grasslands are called

appear in North America,

steppes in Russia and range

South America, Europe, Asia,

from southeastern Europe into

and Africa. On a map, these

Asian Siberia. Winters are

grasslands lie between the

bitter cold, with snow and ice

Arctic Circle and the Tropic

covering the land. The steppes

of Cancer in the Northern

are drier than most other

Hemisphere. In the Southern

grasslands. Wildlife on the

Hemisphere, they lie between

Russian steppes includes saiga 11

Africa. This grassland has many of the same animals as the savannas. However, the climate is different. The veld has less rain and colder winters. South American pampas cover the sweeping plains in Argentina and Uruguay. This grassland region has rich, fertile soil and extensive grazing land. Seed-eating birds, such as the doublecollared seedeater and the  Pampas grass grows beside a brook in Chile, South America.

pampas finch, live among bunchgrass and mesquite

 WATCH IT!

antelopes, Corsac

shrubs of the pampas. The

Once Europe was covered with

foxes, susliks,

Geoffroy’s cat, rhea, mara,

grasslands similar to the North

hawks, buzzards,

guanaco, plains viscacha,

American prairies. Discover the

owls, snakes, and

and pampas fox are some of

remains of Europe’s great grass-

hamsters.

the region’s rare animals.

lands in Wild Europe: Wild Grasslands [ASIN: 1578071836].

12

The African

North America’s grass-

veld lies at high ele-

lands are called prairies.

vations in South

These vast open ranges stretch

[Defining Grasslands]

from the Rocky Mountains in

high. Tall grass grows to

the west to the Appalachian

4 feet (1.2 m) or more.

Mountains in the east. The

Short-grass prairie lies just

prairie runs from the plains

to the east of the Rocky Moun-

of Kansas and Nebraska to

tains. The mountains prevent

Alberta, Manitoba, and

heavy rainfall. The grass

Saskatchewan, Canada.

species are those that thrive

There are three basic types of prairie: tallgrass, mixed-grass, and short-grass.

with less precipitation, such as buffalo grass and grama. Short-grass prairies once

Tallgrass prairie lies in the

thundered with the hoofbeats

eastern region of the Great

of American bison. Today,

Plains. This prairie is best

pronghorns, deer, and jack-

characterized by big blue-

rabbits share the short-grass

stem, which can grow 6 to 12 Arctic Ocean

feet (2 to 4 m) high—some-

Arctic Ocean

times growing .5 inches (1.3 cm) a day. Mixed-grass prairie is a

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

blend of tall and short grasses. The grass lies in two distinct layers. The shorter grass

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean Temperate Grasslands

reaches about 1 foot (.3 m)  The world’s temperate grasslands

13

[Defining Grasslands]

prairie with coyotes, badgers,

aren’t as many prairie dogs

black-footed ferrets, and

as before, but their burrows

foxes. Prairie dogs build

still serve as homes for

underground towns beneath

prairie rattlesnakes, burrow-

the short-grass prairie. There

ing owls, and cottontails.

150˚W

45˚N 135˚W

N

O

R

T

H

A

M

E

R

I

C

Atlantic Ocean

A

30˚N

N

Pacific Ocean

Gulf of Mexico

Tallgrass Prairie Mixed-grass Prairie

15˚N

Short-grass Prairie

0 0

120˚W

105˚W

90˚W

75˚W

 North America’s mixed-grass, short-grass, and tallgrass prairies

14

500 Miles 500 KM

6

2

[ C h a p t e r Tw o ]

Focus on Key Species

Focus on Key Species

She knows where to find water when their current water hole dries up. She has used many water sources over her 56 years. Her skin bears the scars of a lifetime. She is gray,

4 A matriarch leads her

wrinkled, and huge, weighing

herd deep into the African

in at about 7,000 pounds

veld. The female elephant travels paths her ancestors walked hundreds of years ago.

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

matriarch (MAY-tree-ahrk) the female leader of a group

 Cows and calves form an elephant family unit led by a matriarch.

15

[Focus on Key Species]

wary of the elephants’ greatest enemy—humans. A

F

R

I

C

A

Keystone Species 4 A keystone species is an

Atlantic Ocean

animal or plant that is crucial

South African Veld 0 0

1000 Miles

Indian Ocean

1000 KM

for the survival of an ecosystem. The species may change

 The South African veld

 WATCH IT!

the land or create new habi-

(3,175 kilograms).

tats. Or, the species may be the

Elephants play the starring

Her right tusk is

main food of area predators.

role in National Geographic’s

broken off halfway

Keystone species of the world’s

Reflections on Elephants

down. It was dam-

grasslands include elephants,

[ASIN: 0792226518].

aged in a battle to

prairie dogs, and other grass-

protect a sickly

land rodents.

calf from a pride of lions. The matriarch is the old-

16

Elephants are the superspecies of the tropical grass-

est in this herd of females and

lands of Africa. Elephants

their calves. As leader, she

build grasslands by clearing

must find food and water for

forests. They uproot trees,

the herd. She is constantly

leaving trunks lying on the

aware of predators that might

ground. The trunks support

attack calves. And she must be

termites, beetles, and other

[Focus on Key Species]

insects. Cleared land allows

cover dozens of other animals

grass to grow. Grass and its

and plants living

seeds provide nesting material

within the ele-

and food for many animals.

phant’s range.

Elephant territories

Elephants win

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

Even elephant dung serves a purpose in the grassland

extend over grassland and for-

popularity contests

ecosystem. Dung beetles

est regions. Legal protection

in every zoo, circus,

collect the solid waste and lay

for elephants covers the herd’s

and wildlife pre-

their eggs in dung balls. The

vast territory. That means the

serve they live in.

waste fertilizes the soil. Dung

laws that protect them also

This popularity

carries plant seeds and spreads plant matter.

 Elephants easily knock over trees on the savanna.

17

 Prairie dogs keep their eyes on possible predators. They chatter to warn of danger.

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

makes them a

who want to save the species

flagship species

from extinction. Prairie dogs are equally

extinction (ek-STINGKT-shuhn)

of the grasslands.

the state of having no more

They draw the

valuable to their ecosystem.

living members of a species

attention and

Settlers in the short-grass

action of humans

prairie of Canada and the

18

[Focus on Key Species]

United States found huge

species need prairie

prairie dog towns. They

dogs to survive.

thought the prairie dogs were

Rodents of all

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

feces (FEE-seez) solid waste of an animal or human

pests, never realizing how

sizes perform ser-

important they were to the

vices to grassland

! WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

prairie’s survival.

biomes. Kangaroo

There were once as many as 5

rats, pocket go-

billion prairie dogs. Humans

of underground burrows. The

phers, ground squir-

killed off entire prairie dog

digging turns and adds air to

rels, mice, voles,

towns using poison bait, guns,

the soil. This helps grasses

shrews, moles,

and traps. Today, prairie dogs

Prairie dogs dig networks

grow. The burrows provide

live in about 1 percent of the

homes for snakes, rodents,

area they covered 200 years ago.

black-footed ferrets, and burrowing owls. The prairie dogs feed on grass and seeds. They trim away dead grasses, keeping grass growth healthy. Their feces carry plant seeds and spread grassland plants. Finally, hawks, owls, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and blackfooted ferrets eat prairie dogs. Dozens of plant and animal  For a coyote, a prairie dog is an ideal dinner.

19

[Focus on Key Species]

hamsters, and ger-

pass laws to protect endan-

threatened (THRET-uhnd) at risk

bils are keystone

gered or threatened species.

of becoming endangered

prey. Birds of prey,

Hunting, taking land for farm-

such as hawks, owls,

ing or housing, and building

and falcons, feed on

roads put grassland plants and

Create a diagram that shows

rodents. Rodents are

animals at risk. Laws protect-

how several plants and animals

the primary food

ing animals or plants with large

are related to one keystone

source for snakes,

territories within these ecosys-

species. Choose prairie dogs

some lizards, and

tems protect all creatures that

or elephants as your keystone

small predatory cats.

live there.

species. List all the plants and

Gray wolves can live

animals that depend on your

exclusively on mice

Australia as hopping with

keystone species. Place these

and rats. Rodents

kangaroos. Two hundred years

names in your diagram and

provide food for

ago, kangaroo populations were

show how they are connected.

dozens of species

huge. More recently, eastern

that could not sur-

gray, western gray, and red

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

 DO IT!

vive without them.

Umbrella Species

20

Most people picture

kangaroo populations have been threatened. The Australian government set up pre-

4 An umbrella species is a

serves and national parks to

protected animal or plant that

save the species. Hunting is

spreads its legal protection over

forbidden in the preserves.

other creatures. Governments

The legal protection that is

This gray kangaroo mother and her joey belong to a larger group, called a mob. 

[Focus on Key Species]

saving the kangaroos is also Indian Ocean

saving wallabies, bandicoots, and koalas that live in the A U S T R A L I A

kangaroos’ natural habitat.

Tropical Savanna Tropical Savanna

In western North Indian Ocean

0 0

Temperate Grassland

500 Miles

America, the sagebrush prairie supports a number of

500 KM

birds, rodents, lizards, and  Australia’s temperate grasslands and tropical savannas

predators. This region is like

[Focus on Key Species]

the steppes of Russia—dry,

endangered species are flag-

windy, and bitterly cold in the

ship species.

winter. A ground-nesting bird

Three important attention-

called the sage grouse feeds

getters are lions, black rhinos,

over a large range in the sage-

and white rhinos. Lions are

brush steppes. Protection for

powerful top predators. They

this bird would also protect

have few natural enemies other

sage sparrows, Brewer’s spar-

than humans. Lions have been

rows, sage thrashers, pygmy

hunted for sport. During the

rabbits, and the sagebrush

late 19th and early 20th cen-

lizard. Coyotes, wolves,

turies, many people boasted of

hawks, and owls that prey

their hunting skills by hanging

on these birds would share

stuffed lion heads on their

the umbrella of the sage

walls. Extensive hunting and

grouse’s protection.

loss of habitat put lions in dan-

Flagship Species 4 Flagship species star in nature films, books, and tele-

ger. Rhinos suffer most from poaching. They are killed for their horns. Organizations support sav-

vision shows. People are inter-

ing lions and rhinos in a num-

ested in their survival because

ber of ways. They write books,

they are cute, ferocious, or

shoot films, and sponsor Web

dramatic. In Africa, many

sites to educate people about

 This long-nosed bandicoot searches for insects and larvae to eat.

23

 READ IT! Come face-to-face with the king of the grasslands. Read The Nature of Lions by Eric S. Grace (Firefly, 2001).

 Lions are a flagship species of the grasslands.

these species. Government pre-

24

Indicator Species

serves replace lost habitats.

4 Indicator species report

People support breeding pro-

on an environment’s health.

grams to increase species

When an indicator species

populations. The efforts to save

thrives, the ecosystem is

flagship species also help less-

healthy. If the species dies or

popular species. The hyena

moves away, the ecosystem has

and the lion share the same

problems. In grassland biomes,

ecosystem. A program that pro-

insects and birds of prey fulfill

tects lions also protects hyenas.

roles as indicator species.

[Focus on Key Species]

Butterflies, moths, and other insects that depend on plants help measure the Russian Steppes

safety of an ecosystem. They move elsewhere or die if

A

S

I

A

food supplies are too low. Their populations increase

0 0

1000 Miles 1000 KM

dramatically when food supplies are high. Insects are

 The Russian steppes in Asia

easily harmed by pollution.

where land has been taken

Increases in pollution can

for farming show a loss of

be measured by decreases

this species.

in insect populations. Swallowtail butterflies

Birds of prey are top predators in many grassland

flutter over the Russian

biomes. They feed on insects,

steppes. They usually lay their

small birds, snakes, lizards,

eggs on fennel or milk pars-

and rodents. They are particu-

ley. Swallowtail caterpillars

larly sensitive to chemical

feed on specific plant species:

pollution. Poison used to kill

wild carrots, fennel, angelica,

rodents or insects, for exam-

and milk parsley. Loss of

ple, may also destroy popula-

these plants means loss of

tions of owls, hawks, falcons,

swallowtail butterflies. Areas

and eagles. 25

3

[Chapter Three]

Predators

Predators

Argentina’s pampas. This cat is a skilled hunter in the

4 A Geoffroy’s cat twitches

water. Today’s menu features

its ears, listening for prey. It

frogs, which are plentiful in

usually hunts small lizards,

the region.

insects, and rodents, but it can catch fish and frogs, too.

26

The cat slips into a river in

The size of an average house cat, the Geoffroy’s cat is

[Predators]

the most common feline

caracals, servals, and

predator in temperate South

Geoffroy’s cats hunt

America. The cat weighs about

in the grasses of dif-

6 pounds (2.7 kg). Its body

ferent continents. Most grass-

measures between 18 and 30

land cats have fur the color of

inches (46 and 76 cm) long.

dry grass. This helps them

The Geoffroy’s cat is smaller

catch prey because they blend

than its jaguar and panther

in with their surroundings.

cousins.

Spotted grassland cats such as

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

feline (FEE-line) related to cats

Humans are the cat’s only

leopards, servals, and cheetahs

natural enemy. Geoffroy’s cats

have yellow-brown background

have beautiful coats. Humans

fur with brown to black spots.

hunt the cat for its fur. In

They can hide easily in tall

1986, laws banned the sale

grass or shrubs.

of Geoffroy’s cat fur. Selling the cat as a pet is also against the law.

Top Predators of the Grasslands

S O U T H A M E R I C A

Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean

Pampas

4 Cats are top predators of the grasslands. Lions, chee-

0 0

1000 Miles 1000 KM

tahs, jaguars, pumas, leopards,  South America’s pampas  Argentina’s Geoffroy’s cat will swim after fish and frogs.

27

[Predators]

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

The size of a

largest buffalo. Servals and

Coyotes are one of the few ani-

predator usually

Geoffroy’s cats stick to small

mals that have extended their

determines the

prey, such as rodents or birds.

range during the past 200 years.

food it hunts.

In North America, coyotes are

Large cats need

hand, do not realize that they

at home in the Los Angeles hills,

plenty of food and

are small cats. They’ll bring

Canada’s tallgrass prairies, and

can kill large prey.

down springboks and even

the forests of the East Coast.

A pride of hungry

ostriches that weigh two, three,

In the early 1800s, coyotes lived

lions can succeed

or five times more than the

mostly in the Southwest. Today,

against even the

caracals. These cats are known

they have spread over all the North American continent.

Caracals, on the other

[Predators]

for leaping into the air to catch flying birds. They can even catch several in one leap! Grassland canines include small Mexican kit foxes, scrawny coyotes, gray wolves, African hunting dogs, and Australian dingoes. Most canine predators hunt in packs. If they hunt alone, it is usually because they no longer have a pack or because the prey is small and easily caught. Lone canines are most commonly males. Wolf packs have a specific

 A caracal can jump 6 feet (1.8 m) high to snatch birds out of trees.

the pack. The alpha male eats first, and pups eat last. If there

social organization. The pack

is not enough food, the lower-

leader is called the alpha male.

ranked members of the pack

His mate is the alpha female.

may go hungry.

They are the only wolves in

African hunting dogs

the pack that produce young.

prefer hunting impalas and ga-

When hunting, wolves usually

zelles. These types of antelopes

eat according to their rank in

are built for speed—and so are

 The coloring on this leopard allows it to hide in tall grass.

29

[Predators]

African hunting dogs. These wild dogs travel in packs of 20

Insectivores

to 40. The dogs rip the stom-

4 Many predators survive

achs from animals they catch.

eating mostly insects. It is easy

The pack feeds in a frenzy,

to understand how small birds,

with all members tearing at

meerkats, and lizards can live

the body. When young pups

on these miniature meals.

are in the pack,

They have small bodies and do

they are allowed

not need much food. However,

They’re fearless and ferocious.

to eat first. This is

some large animals eat mainly

Read about Africa’s cats and

the opposite of wolf

insects, too. They include aard-

canines in African Predators

behavior.

varks, aardwolves, and rheas.

 READ IT!

by Gus Mills and Martin Harvey (Smithsonian, 2001).

 The aardvark limits its diet to ants and termites, but there are billions of those insects in African grasslands.

Aardvarks, also called

Aardwolves are related

anteaters, feed on ants and

to hyenas, but they eat

termites in the African grass-

mostly termites. And not

lands. They weigh up to

just any termite will do.

about 140 pounds (64 kg).

They prefer snouted har-

Aardvarks have long, narrow

vester termites, though

snouts that are designed for

they will eat others in

sticking in anthills and ter-

a pinch. These termites

mite mounds. Long tongues

feed on grasses at night.

and gluey saliva help aard-

Aardwolves wait for dark,

varks collect their meals.

then lick up the termites

 African hunting dogs bring down a wildebeest calf.

31

[Predators]

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

by the thousands.

Grassland Reptiles

The red-billed oxpecker often

One aardwolf

sits on large mammals, such as

may eat a quarter

4 Every grassland biome has

Cape buffaloes, rhinos, and ele-

of a million

its share of reptiles. There are

phants. It eats ticks and fleas

termites in

snakes, lizards, geckos, and tor-

from the mammals’ skin, as

one feeding.

toises. Most grassland snakes

well as bits of dead skin. It

are harmless, such as garter

also feeds on flies.

snakes and grass snakes. Several poisonous snakes do make their homes in grasslands. These include black mambas and puff adders in Africa, and rattlesnakes in North America. Black mambas slither through the central African savannas. They move quickly and are highly dangerous. Black mambas have been known to travel at speeds up to 10 miles (16 km) per hour. Black mamba venom attacks the nervous system.  A red-billed oxpecker cleans insects off a kudu.

 A black mamba is coiled and ready to attack. Its venom is deadly to humans and animals.

 READ IT!

The venom paralyzes its vic-

tlers are about 3 feet

tims, and they cannot breathe.

(.9 m) long and are

An American Safari:

Mambas usually eat rodents,

yellow-brown in

Adventures on the North

bats, lizards, and ground-

color. Western dia-

American Prairie by Jim

nesting birds.

mondbacks are

Brandenburg (Walker & Co.,

larger—nearly 6 feet

1995) takes readers on a trip

poisonous snakes on the North

(1.8 m) long—and

through rattlesnake country.

American prairies. Prairie rat-

are common in

Rattlesnakes are the only

33

 The diamondback rattler announces an attack by shaking its rattle.

 DO IT!

southwestern grass-

ing on where it lives. In the

What can you do to save the

lands. The western

Sierra Nevada range of the

environment? Choose a conser-

rattlesnake enjoys

United States, it is nearly

vation group near you and get

the mountains and

black in color with a banded

involved. Access the Kids

grasslands of the

tail. Rattlesnakes feed on

Ecology Corps at http://www.

western United

rodents, lizards, and ground-

kidsecology.org to find a group

States, Mexico, and

nesting birds. The prairie

that interests you.

Canada. Its color-

rattler lives in old prairie

ing differs, depend-

dog burrows.

34

The open grasslands are good hunting grounds for birds of prey like this peregrine falcon. 

[Predators]

Birds of Prey

PROFILE: SWAINSON’S HAWK Swainson’s hawk is a bird of prey that

4 Birds of prey live well in

migrates between North American

the open grasslands. There are

prairies and the Argentinean pampas.

fewer places for prey to hide

Unfortunately, the hawk travels to a

and more prey available. Birds

place in the pampas where pest-killing

of prey include those that

chemicals were

catch and eat live prey and

once heavily

those that eat carrion.

used. It feeds on

carrion (CAH-ree-uhn) dead or

grasshoppers,

rotting flesh

Birds of prey in North America’s grasslands include

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

which have been eating crops sprayed with strong chemicals. The insects that Swainson’s hawks have been eating have indirectly poisoned the birds. To save the Swainson’s hawks from extinction, the government of Argentina has banned the use of certain pest killers.

35

burrowing owls, peregrine falcons, eagles, and hawks. Burrowing owls live on the short-grass prairie in prairie dog burrows. The owls can dig their own homes but are content to take over empty burrow space. They eat crickets, grass-

36

PROFILE: SAKER FALCONS

hoppers, beetles, young

Saker falcons live on the plains and

prairie dogs, and small lizards.

steppes of Europe and Asia. They are

Peregrine falcons feed on

large falcons, standing about 18 inches

birds. They catch their prey in

(46 cm) tall. Saker falcons specialize in

flight. Peregrine falcons are

hunting rodents. Their excellent eyesight

the world’s fastest birds. They

allows them to fly high above the

can dive at a rate of more than

steppes, then dive down to catch their

200 miles (322 km) per hour.

food. Estimates show that about 1,000

In Africa, secretary birds

breeding pairs live on the Russian

do not catch prey in flight.

steppes, and another 130 pairs live in

Instead, they catch food while

Europe. Humans are the main danger for

walking through the savanna.

saker falcons. These birds are caught and

Secretary birds feed on

trained for a form of sport hunting

rodents, mammals, other

called falconry.

birds, insects, and snakes.

 Secretary birds catch their prey by walking through the grasslands and picking up insects, ground birds, and eggs.

Their skill in catching and

ting flesh. The meat may

killing snakes is remarkable.

be the remains of a lion’s or

When they find a snake, they

puma’s catch. Or it may be

flutter their wings, then run

from an animal dying from

around wildly. Thoroughly

injury or age. Buzzards, vul-

confused, the snake stops

tures, and marabou storks are

moving, and the secretary

carrion eaters. They are grass-

bird pounces. These birds kill

land garbage disposals.

poisonous snakes by pounding the snakes’ heads on rocks. Carrion feeders find

Successful Predators 4 Not every hunt results in

plenty of food on the grass-

catching prey. Species that

lands. They eat leftover rot-

hunt large Cape buffaloes or 37

 A patient lioness stalks zebra in this Kenya grassland.

zebras may make a catch only

prey populations from explod-

once in 4, 10, or even 20

ing. Rodents and birds keep

tries. Those that hunt insects,

insects from taking over grass-

however, eat daily. There is

lands. Hawks, owls, and

much more insect prey avail-

snakes control rodent popula-

able, and it is easier to catch.

tions. Every predator has its

Predators fulfill an important role in nature. They keep 38

part to play in keeping nature’s balance.

4

[Chapter Four]

Prey

Prey

by. The marmot knows the fox is close but is not too worried. Corsac foxes need help

4 A Corsac fox emerges from

when hunting. Unlike most

its burrow in the steppes of

foxes, they may hunt in packs.

Turkestan. It smells a bobak

Their hearing and sense of

marmot, a type of rodent, near-

smell are excellent, which helps

 Corsac foxes move too slowly to catch rodents. Usually, they end up eating seeds, berries, and insects.

39

[Prey]

Supply and Demand 4 Grasslands have many creatures that serve as prey for

Turkestani Steppes A

S

I

A

hungry animals. These include insects, reptiles, amphibians,

0 0

rodents, and ground-nesting

1000 Miles 1000 KM

birds. These animal groups  Asia’s Turkestani steppes

them locate prey. But catching the prey is another story. Cor-

provide the most prey in other land biomes as well. Savannas have three major

sac foxes are so slow that they

insect groups: ants, termites,

cannot even outrun a lazy dog.

and grasshoppers and locusts.

The fox gets too close, and

These are not the only insects

the marmot skitters away. It is

on the savanna, just the ones

a good thing for the Corsac fox

with the largest populations.

that it eats both

Prairies and steppes also have

meat and plants.

grasshoppers and locusts, along

Discover the mysteries within

Today’s hunt failed,

with beetles, wasps, weevils,

the insect world. Check out

and the fox must

flies, and hundreds of other

Eyewitness: Insects [ASIN:

feed on insects,

insect species. As is true with

6303863449].

seeds, and berries

other land biomes, the insect

instead.

population is, by far, the largest.

 WATCH IT!

40

 This massive termite mound houses millions of termite workers and their queen.

Ants and termites live in

Termite

colonies with populations in

mounds are highly

the thousands. Individually,

visible in tropical

Termites in Australia built a

an ant or termite is not much

grasslands. They

mound 20 feet (6 m) high. The

of a meal. In a colony, they

usually rise up to 10

base measured 30 feet (9 m)

become a feast. Birds, lizards,

feet (3 m) above the

across. Mounds are made from

toads, geckos, anteaters, aard-

ground. Within the

soil, saliva, and feces. The mix-

wolves, and echidnas feed on

mound, the colony

ture dries as hard as rock.

ants and termites.

works to feed and

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

41

LOCUSTS IN THE NEWS

protect the queen and king.

The largest swarm of locusts ever

The queen and king are sealed

recorded attacked Kenya in 1954.

into a chamber where they

A plague of desert locusts invaded

mate to produce more ter-

a 77-square-mile (199-sq-km) area of

mites. One queen can produce

grasslands. Scientists estimated that

up to 30,000 eggs a day. The

there were nearly 50 million locusts

eggs are placed in chambers

per square mile (20 million per sq km)—

where they will hatch.

10 billion insects in all.

Soldier termites protect the nest from predators. Grasshoppers and locusts feed other insects, lizards, snakes, mammals, and birds. But the grasshoppers and locusts don’t care whether their own food is wild grass or farm crops. Huge numbers of grasshoppers or locusts can destroy acres of crops in a few hours. A swarm of locusts or grasshoppers attacks grasslands and farmlands somewhere in the world

 A black racer slithers through a short-grass prairie.

every year. These attacks are

less lizards, skinks, geckos,

called plagues.

and snakes prosper in grass-

Larger Prey

lands. They prey on insects and small

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

4 Carnivores get all their

rodents, and serve

carnivores (KAR-nuh-vorz)

nutrition from eating meat.

as food for dozens of

animals that eat meat

They do not need to eat a

larger animals.

balanced diet like humans.

Tropical savannas produce

Meat and water fulfill all

an abundance of seeds and

their needs.

grasses for hungry birds. Many

Grassland reptiles live

seed-eating birds feed on the

in burrows underground or

ground. While feeding, these

in shrubs or thick clumps

birds are open to attack from

of grass. Hundreds of harm-

predators. Lizards and snakes 43

[Prey]

have little trouble catching ground-feeding birds. On North American

Rats for Dinner 4 Kangaroo rats, harvest

prairies, the greater prairie

mice, and prairie dogs are

chicken was once common,

all grassland rodents. They

but its population is declining.

come in sizes ranging from a

Prairie chickens make good

couple of ounces up to several

eating for hawks, owls, and

pounds. Carnivorous mam-

other prairie hunters.

mals, large reptiles, and birds of prey hunt rodents, as well as small mammals such as shrews and moles. Black-tailed prairie dogs are a primary food for blackfooted ferrets, coyotes, wolves, owls, and hawks. The prairie dogs keep watch for predators. They stick their heads above their holes and bark when danger comes close. Rabbits and hares also serve as grassland prey. Jackrabbits are a popular  Greater prairie chickens are ground birds that nest in tufts of grass.

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

The harvest mouse is one of the world’s smallest mice. A full-sized adult weighs barely 2 ounces (57 grams).  Black-tailed prairie dogs once numbered in the millions on North America’s Great Plains.

Harvest mice live in European, North American, and Asian

menu item for coyotes, gray

have no natural ene-

grasslands. These clever mice

wolves, and great horned

mies in Australia.

build nests on tall stalks of

owls. In North American

Within a short time,

grass. Females weave grass,

grasslands, predators control

the rabbit popula-

stems, and leaves into a nest

rabbit populations.

tion exploded. Rab-

about 2 feet (.61 m) above the

bits eat grasses and

ground. A newborn harvest

a different story in Australia.

shrubs, as well as

mouse is about the size of a

Rabbits were originally

crops. Australian

large blackberry.

brought from England but

ranchers and farm-

The rabbit situation is

45

[Prey]

ers put up rabbit

themselves from predators.

camouflage (KAM-uh-flahzh)

fences to keep

In grassland ecosystems,

coloring that blends in with

hordes of them

camouflage is important.

the surroundings

from invading

Many species have skin or fur

grazing land.

the color of grass. Tall grasses

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

 LOOK IT UP Learn more about the Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetlands

Defensive Measures

even hide zebras with their vivid black-and-white stripes. Most animals see only in black

Reserve, a stunning grassland

4 Many types of

and white. A zebra’s stripes

wildlife sanctuary in Australia.

prey have some

look just like waving grasses

Visit http://www.mareebass.qld

means of protecting

to the average predator.

.edu.au/mbawetlands.html.

Living underground is another means of defense. Prairie dogs, kit foxes, rodents, rabbits, and reptiles have protected underground burrows. Many burrows have several exits. If a predator starts to dig at the front door, the prey scoots out the back. Prey also protect themselves by looking for food at night. Under cover of  Fenced grassland prevents the normal movement of animals across the land.

 A herd of zebra grazes on the Etosha Plain in Namibia, Africa.

darkness, prey can slip, slither,

temperature sensors to detect

and skitter through dry, rat-

the location of warm-blooded

tling grasses without being

animals. Foxes, wolves, and

seen. However, predators do

coyotes have excellent senses

not all rely on eyesight for

of smell and hearing. Owls,

catching their prey. Snakes use

which do depend on sight, 47

others. Prey may be the eggs, infants, or adults of a species. It can also be the carrion left when animals die. Even the largest grassland beasts—elephants, rhinos, and giraffes—eventually die and feed insects, rodents, and vultures. The eaters and the eaten create an intricate web. Small insects feed on plants, other insects, or  Giraffes are the tallest grassland species. Their height lets them feed off treetop leaves.

They feed larger insects,

have outstanding night

birds, amphibians, reptiles,

vision. They can see rodents

and mammals. The cycle

and rabbits even in the dark.

of eating and being eaten

Every Animal Becomes Prey

48

the flesh of dead animals.

extends to the largest beasts. All plants and animals supply food to some crea-

4 Alive or dead, every

ture. It is the way nature

grassland animal feeds

maintains its balance.

5

[Chapter Five]

prairie dog holes. The prairie dogs feed on buffalo grass.

4 A male mountain plover

They constantly “mow” the

attracts a mate on the short-

areas around their holes.

grass prairie of Montana. The

Their actions keep buffalo

two build their nest amid

grass and blue grama healthy.

scruffy buffalo grass. The

Flora

Flora

The region is dotted with

The plovers share their

plover eggs—olive green

grassy territory with local

speckled with black—will

cattle, deer, pronghorns, rab-

blend in well with the grasses.

bits, and prairie dogs. These

 A mountain plover looks for a mate amid the buffalo grass.

49

[Flora]

species depend on buffalo

shoots to munch on. In sum-

grass and blue grama for food.

mer, pale yellow and golden

Spring thaws bring fresh

flowers dance on stalks above the blades of grass. By fall, the grass clusters have turned a delicate lavender. Throughout the seasons, grasses feed and shelter countless animals.

Short-grass Prairie N O R T H AMERICA

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

0 0

500 Miles

Grasses 4 Grasses have thick, dense

500 KM

root systems and shoots that  North America’s short-grass prairies

rise above the ground. They

 An Indian rhino plows a path through tall elephant grass.

produce flowers to make seeds.

and blue grama. Short grasses

Grasses—natural or human-

usually do not grow taller than

seeded—belong to several

2 feet (.61 m). Tall grasses,

groups: grazing grasses, orna-

such as big bluestem, Sudan

mental grasses, cereal, sugar-

grass, and elephant grass,

cane, and woody grasses.

grow to heights of 6 to 10

Natural grasses that grow in savannas, steppes, and

feet (1.8 to 3 m). Showy grasses grow natu-

prairies are usually grazing

rally in savannas. Pampas

grasses. These grasses may be

grass, for example, is a thick

short, such as buffalo grass

cluster of grass with tall stems.

 Sagebrush and wild grasses cover this Montana prairie.

51

Long before humans began planting grain crops, nature produced cereals. Wild forms of barley, oats, corn, and wheat grew in grasslands. Foxtail barley, side-oats grama, and western wheatgrass are three naturally growing grassland grains. Sugarcane is another crop grass grown for sale. However, sugarcane also grows naturally in many tropical grasslands. Sugarcane reaches up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall. The main stem is thick and is filled  Tall, sturdy bamboo is a woody type of grass.

Pampas grass flowers look like

52

with raw sugar. Woody grasses are types

soft beige feathers. Many

of bamboo. The stems can

people plant pampas grass in

be quite thick—nearly 1 foot

North American gardens, but

(.3 m) across. Bamboo is

this grass grows naturally in

common in Asian grasslands.

Argentina and Uruguay.

Some types of bamboo have

[Flora]

 WATCH IT!

been known to grow as tall as

PROFILE:

120 feet (37 m), although this

RHUBARB

Visit a research ranch in the

is unusual.

Rhubarb is actu-

heart of Canada’s prairie.

ally a grassland

Watch The Nature Connection:

forb. It comes

Carmanah/Grasslands [ASIN:

4 Few people know what a

from northwest-

1568390084].

forb is, although they see forbs

ern China,

every day. A forb is any low

where rhubarb grows in the wild.

plant that grows in grasslands

It has thick, reddish purple stems

but is not grass. Wildflowers

and broad, green leaves. Only the

such as daisies, black-eyed

stems can be eaten. Rhubarb leaves

Susans, and prairie coneflow-

are poisonous.

Forbs

ers are forbs. Stinging nettles, sagebrush, and tumbleweeds are also forbs. Wildflowers brighten up the springtime prairie. They range in color from the milkwhite of prairie fringed orchids to the bright yellow of evening primrose. Delicate lavender spiderwort and pink fameflower wave above blue grama.

 Tickseed sunflowers paint the prairie bright yellow.

Many grassland  LOOK IT UP!

bites. Tea from sunflower

wildflowers were

leaves relieved lung diseases.

The United States Geological

used by Native

Pennyroyal tea treated head-

Survey offers plenty of informa-

Americans to make

aches and mouth sores.

tion about prairie wildflowers

herbal medicines.

at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/

Coneflower, also

mind western movies with

resource/literatr/wildflwr/

called echinacea,

cowboys and cattle herds.

wildflwr.htm.

treated acne, bee

However, this forb is actually

stings, and snake

an immigrant from Mongolia.

54

Tumbleweed brings to

[Flora]

Its common name is Russian

strong roots to hold down soil.

thistle. Tumbleweed grows in

The most common tree in the

dry plains. The reason it tum-

African savannas is the acacia

bles is simple—that is how it

(uh-CAY-shuh). There are

spreads seeds. When a tumble-

many varieties of acacia,

weed plant produces seeds, the

including whistling thorn trees

plant breaks off at the base.

and gum acacias. Acacias have

The round bush rolls along the

small leaves and tiny flowers.

ground and drops its seeds.

They make excellent eating.

Sagebrush is another common grassland shrub. It is found on the Russian steppes,

Elephants, antelopes, and giraffes all feed on their leaves. Africa’s baobab (BAY-o-

Mongolian steppes, and in the

bab) is a tree of which legends

Great Plains. Sagebrush is an

are told. According to an

excellent grazing plant. It is

Arabian tale, the devil pulled

rich in protein, so it provides

a baobab tree out

good nutrition for cattle.

of the ground. He

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

turned it over and

Gum from the Senegal gum aca-

stuck the tree back

cia is used to make face cream,

4 Trees in the grasslands

in the ground with

eyewash, and medicine for diar-

are few, but important. They

it roots hanging in

rhea. It also is used to flavor

provide shade for hot crea-

the air. The legend

soft drinks.

tures, nesting for birds, and

explains why a

Trees Amid the Grasses

55

PROFILE: WHISTLING THORNS

baobab stands leafless for

AND ANTS

three-quarters of the year—its

Whistling thorn acacias grow on the

branches are supposed to be

African savannas. The tree grows sharp,

its roots! This tree grows so

3-inch (7.6-cm) thorns with round bases.

large that people can live in

The trees are home to nigriceps ants.

the trunks.

The ants drill small holes into the

Australia has hundreds of

thorns to build their nests. When the

varieties of eucalyptus. Some

wind blows, flutelike music whistles

have round leaves and others

through the thorns.

have spear-shaped leaves. The

The ants protect their home against

tree’s oil is used to make medi-

all visitors—other insects, birds, and

cines for coughs, colds, and

giraffes. Without the ants, the whistling

sore throats. North Americans

thorn trees would be eaten. The ants

often use eucalyptus oil in

deliver a painful sting. If a giraffe

cough drops and chest rubs.

decides to munch on the acacia’s leaves,

Prairies and steppes have

the ants swarm out of their nests. They

different trees than savannas.

attack the giraffe, stinging its snout

Lower rates of precipitation,

and tongue.

strong winds, and cold winters require hardier trees than those that grow in African and South American savannas. The cold and wind keep trees

56

 Eucalyptus trees flourish on Australia’s grasslands.

from growing very tall on

trees stand alone or in small

the prairie.

clusters. The southern plains

Common trees on the

of Kansas and Nebraska

North American prairie

support a number of fruit

include willows, elms, oaks,

trees. Persimmons, Osage

and cottonwoods. Prairie

orange (which is really a type 57

of mulberry), big tree plum, black cherry, and crabapple grow well in dry prairie environments. Russian steppes support different species of trees than North American prairies do. The Russian olive tree is a common steppe tree. It survives bitterly cold winters and low rainfall rates. Russian steppes have many low-lying bushes that grow in clusters like short, stunted forests. The shrubs include thorn, pear, plum, and hawthorn bushes. In some places, juniper trees invade natural grasslands. They compete with Russian thistle (a tumbleweed) and wild thyme for growing room.  Russian olive trees are scattered across the steppes.

58

6

[Chapter Six]

Herbivores

Herbivores

for any longer than it takes to produce young. The maras have a

4 A pair of maras munch

strange appearance. Their

on the sparse grasses of the

bodies are shaped like rab-

Patagonian grasslands in

bits, but they have long, thin

South America. The two

legs. They hop and leap like

rodents are lifelong mates.

rabbits, too. Their faces more

This is odd for rodents. Few

closely resemble kangaroos

rodent species choose a mate

than rabbits.

 Maras, like this one in Patagonia, South America, can live in colonies of up to 15 pairs.

59

[Herbivores]

handle. Still, the mara population is declining. European S O U T H A M E R I C A

brown hares have invaded mara feeding ranges. The

Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean

mara’s natural habitat cannot support two similar

Patagonian Grasslands

0 0

1000 Miles

species. The hares are eating

1000 KM

the maras out of their home.  South America’s Patagonian grasslands

The maras live in a colony

?

of about 15 pairs and their

4 The largest grassland

young. They all share a den,

animals are plant eaters. In

but each family keeps a feed-

Africa and Asia, these include

ing territory to itself. Males

elephants, rhinos, hippos,

protect these feeding territo-

and Cape or water buffaloes.

ries from invaders, even if the

In North America, large

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

herbivores (HUR-buh-vorz) animals that eat plants

invader is another

plant eaters include prong-

mara that shares

horns, elk, and bison. Austra-

the den.

lia’s largest herbivores are

Maras can weigh up to 35 pounds (16 kg) and are too large for small predators to

60

Large Plant Eaters

brumbies (wild horses), wild camels, and kangaroos. Elephants can eat up to 500 pounds (227 kg) of plant

 These Cape buffaloes in Tanzania, Africa, fend off lion attacks with their massive horns.

matter a day. This includes

use to fend off pred-

grasses, leaves, shrubs, and tree

ators. Cape buffaloes

The easiest way to tell an

branches. To have an ample

travel in herds that

African elephant from an Asian

food supply, elephant herds

also provide protec-

elephant is by the ears. African

travel over a wide territory.

tion. When attacked,

elephants have larger ears that

the herd forms a

are shaped just like the conti-

are fearsome and fearless. They

defensive circle.

nent of Africa.

have massive horns that they

Even lions dare not

African, or Cape, buffaloes

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

61

[Herbivores]

attack a healthy

beests, and warthogs are

ungulates (UHNG-gyoo-luhts)

adult buffalo herd.

ungulates. Some species have

mammals with hoofs

Buffaloes graze on

horns, such as Cape buf-

grasses and leaves.

faloes. Some ungulates, such

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

Where the Deer and the Antelope Roam 4 Deer, antelopes, wilde-

as wildebeests and plains zebras, travel in herds. Others, such as mule deer, prefer living alone.

 Overhunting and habitat loss have reduced the blackbuck population on India’s plains from 4 million to about 10,000.

62

[Herbivores]

All ungulates are herbivores. They feed on grasses and leaves. Most cover a large feeding territory. They move on a schedule, meaning the herds are in a specific area at the same time each year. The Russian steppes support a most unusual ungulate—the saiga antelope. The saiga is a small antelope with a snout like a short trunk. Saigas travel in small herds of

PROFILE: WARTHOGS

30 to 40 animals. A normal

The fierce-looking warthog is an

herd includes a buck (male),

herbivore that feeds on grasses, bulbs,

his harem of does (females),

and roots. Warthogs get their name

and young. Males have long,

from the four large mounds, or warts, on

amber horns that they use to

their faces. A warthog’s tusks are used to

protect their harem.

protect its family, called a sounder, from

On the North American

predators. Angry males will chase away

prairies, pronghorns once

lions, leopards, and African hunting dogs

had a population of nearly

to keep their sounders safe.

63

tion numbered about 20,000 pronghorns. Hunting limits allowed the species to recover. Today, nearly 1 million pronghorns live in North America. Hunters have killed animals by the millions for their horns, tusks, and antlers. Records show that traders sold 350,000 pairs of saiga horns between 1840 and 1850. Tibetan antelopes and both black and white rhinos have been hunted  White rhinos have been hunted nearly to extinction by poachers who kill the animals for their horns.

nearly to extinction for their horns. Elephant poaching

35 million animals.

forced a worldwide ban on

The pronghorns

the sale of ivory to save the

marsupials (mahr-SOO-pee-uhlz)

were hunted exten-

species.

order of animals in which the

sively from the time

young develop in pouches on the

Europeans arrived

mother's body

in the West. By the

4 Although there are mar-

1920s, the popula-

supials on several continents,

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

64

Marsupials

[Herbivores]

the greatest number live in Australia. Marsupials include kangaroos and wallabies. These animals live on the Australian savanna. Kangaroos were once plentiful across the continent. As settlers tried to tame the savanna and establish sheep and cattle ranches, kangaroos lost territory. Fences could not keep the leaping kangaroos from water or healthy grass. Instead, ranchers killed kangaroos to preserve grass for cows and sheep. Wallabies have been less of a problem. They are about one-fourth the size of red kangaroos and can-

 Rock wallabies look much like short kangaroos. This mother carries a joey in her pouch.

Leaves, Berries, and Seeds

not hop over fences as easily.

4 Seed-eating birds include

Both species suffer from loss

a range of songbirds and game

of habitat and overgrazing by

birds. Various species of quail,

sheep and cattle.

pigeons, and finches can be 65

[Herbivores]

found on grasslands throughout the world. Australian

emus are large flightless

grasslands add some remark-

birds. Their bodies weigh

ably colorful birds to their

so much that their wings

seed-eating list: rosellas,

can’t lift them. A full-sized

 READ IT! Learn more about seed-eating birds. Read Birds: National Audubon Society First Field Guides by Scott Weidensaul (Scholastic, 1998).

Ostriches, rheas, and

parrots, and sulfur-

male ostrich can weigh

crested cockatoos.

more than 300 pounds

[Herbivores]

(136 kg). Ostriches live in

seeds, berries,

African savannas. Rheas are

and leaves. Even

Rheas have very odd nesting

the ostriches of the South

bitterly cold Mon-

habits. A male rhea builds a

American pampas. They

golia has a tiny

grass-lined nest. Then he

weigh about 50 pounds

gerbil that survives

attracts as many females as

(23 kg) and live in flocks

on roots and seeds.

he can to his nest. Each female

of 5 to 30 birds. Emus

!

Herbivores help

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

lays one egg. A clutch of rhea

live exclusively in Australia.

spread plants in

eggs has up to 30 eggs—from

They weigh between 65 and

grasslands and keep

30 different mothers. The male

100 pounds (29 and 45 kg).

them healthy. Bur-

sits on the eggs until they

All these birds eat grasses,

row diggers turn

hatch. He feeds and raises the

seeds, leaves, and fruit.

over and refresh

young by himself.

Ostriches also munch on

soil. Grass eaters

grasshoppers and locusts. Rheas add insects and lizards to their diets, while emus will eat mice and lizards.

Mongolian Grasslands

Rodents of all sizes

MONGOLIA

munch their way through

A

S

I

A

the world’s grasslands. Gerbils, prairie dogs, hamsters,

0 0

1000 Miles 1000 KM

kangaroo rats, and field mice find plenty to eat from grass

 The Mongolian grasslands in Asia

 Australia’s crimson rosellas feed on seeds in Queensland grasslands.

67

[Herbivores]

 This tiny kangaroo rat would fit in the palm of your hand.

chew away old growth and

and plants need each other

encourage new

to survive. Without the

sprouts. Herbivores

plants, there would be no

Become part of the effort to

eat large quantities

food for plant eaters. Without

save black-tailed prairie dogs.

of seeds. They

plant eaters, new growth

Find out what you can do at

spread seeds

would become rare, as old

http://www.prairiedogs.org.

through their solid

growth would choke the life

waste. Plant eaters

from prairies and savannas.

 DO IT!

68

7

[Chapter Seven]

They will bolt at the first sign of danger. A vast herd of wildebeests huddles together. A male lion roars in the

4 Fingers of white lightning

darkness. Grassland animals

cut across the black night sky.

are nervous tonight.

Thunder rumbles over the savanna seconds later. Skittish

A Cycle of Life

A Cycle of Life

zebras twitch their muscles.

The end of the dry season is coming . . . but not yet.

 Lightning streaks across a stormy sky in Tanzania.

69

 Wildfire spreads through grasslands, sending animals fleeing for their lives.

Tonight’s lightning brings no

fire. Winds from the east blow

rain. Toward dawn, a lightning

across the plain, pushing the

strike sets savanna grasses on

fire onward. Springboks rush to avoid

Arctic Ocean Arctic Ocean

the fast-moving flames. Zebras and wildebeests are on the run. Lions pass up the chance

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean Tropical Grasslands

for an easy kill. They, too, head for safety. Burrowing lizards, snakes, and rodents huddle down in their holes. The fire should sweep over

 The world’s tropical grasslands

70

[A Cycle of Life]

 DO IT!

their homes quickly. They’ll

It removes trees

be safe underground.

from the savanna.

Fires started by nature or con-

And it feeds the soil.

trolled by rangers are necessary.

Birds of prey hover in the smoky air at the fire’s

Dead grass and

Fires started by careless campers

edge. They know that wild-

shrubs can become

are not. They can be destruc-

fires create a banquet for the

so thick on the

tive. When you camp in a

taking. They swoop down to

savanna that

grassland region, douse your

snag panicky animals fleeing

campfire. Make sure all coals

the flames.

are out. Never light fires during

After devouring all the grass within view, the fire

a drought or fire ban. Never leave a fire unattended.

quickly burns itself out. The savanna lies in ashes, blackened and bare. The air carries a scent of burning. And yet, this fire is as much a part of the savanna cycle of life as rain and sun.

Life-Giving Fire 4 Fire plays a key role in the survival of grassland biomes. It clears dead grass and shrubs.  Burned tree stumps serve as a reminder that a brushfire passed this way.

71

[A Cycle of Life]

 LOOK IT UP!

nothing new can

out the old to make room

Learn about what scientists do

grow. Without

for the new.

at an Arizona-based research

fire, the grasslands

ranch to protect our bioregions

die. Fires “weed”

Surprisingly, many seeds rely on fire to bring them

and ecosystems. Visit http://

to life. The heat burns away

www.audubon.org/local/

or bursts seed coverings.

sanctuary/appleton/.

When rains come, these seeds send down roots and begin to grow. Trees threaten the grassland ecosystem. A few scattered trees are important, but a forest of trees kills the grasslands. Young trees do not survive wildfires. They are also “weeded” out. Some trees actually thrive because of fire. A fire clears out competing shrubs, bushes, and young trees. Larger trees survive fires because they have thick, fire-resistant bark. They  Thick trees like this baobab in Botswana stand a better chance of surviving fire.

[A Cycle of Life]

keep enough water in their

BUSHFIRE IN THE NEWS

roots and branches to with-

After nearly a decade of drought,

stand the fire’s heat.

Australia’s grasslands are like fields

After a fire, ashes cover

of kindling—one spark and the grasses

the soil. The ashes contain

will burst into

chemicals that feed the soil.

flames. The

The chemicals are nutrients

government

nutrients (NOO-tree-uhnts) sub-

that nature uses as a fertiliz-

has tried using

stances needed by plants, ani-

er. Without fire, these nutri-

fire to fight fire.

mals, or humans for growth;

ents would not be available.

Rangers light

key elements of food

Fires allow the earth to

controlled fires

regain a healthy, fertile

to reduce the amount of “fuel” lying

chemical balance.

in the grasslands. The controlled

Fire and Wildlife 4Very little wildlife dies in grass fires. Birds fly away.

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

fires build firebreaks, which are areas cleared of vegetation, that stop wildfires from spreading. Bushfires cover huge areas. One

Mammals run away. Bur-

rancher fought a bushfire on his proper-

rowing animals hide under-

ty for months. His land was part of more

ground. Usually, wildlife

than 1 million acres (405,000 hectares)

deaths are limited to grass-

that was left in ashes from that fire.

hoppers, locusts, stick insects, small rodents, 73

[A Cycle of Life]

 Rain finally comes, bringing new life to the savanna.

74

[A Cycle of Life]

and lizards. Dozens of ani-

vores, such as antelopes,

mals feed on the bodies of

zebras, and wildebeests,

those killed.

graze on new grass growth.

Scientists have found that after a major burn, most

When the Rains Come

animal life increases. Birds

4Within weeks of the

fare remarkably well. That’s

burning season, rain comes

because plants naturally pro-

to the savanna. Ashes on the

duce more seeds after a fire.

land mix with water and sink

It is nature’s way of making

into the soil. They feed the

sure plant species survive.

seeds and roots beneath the

The added seeds attract birds

surface. New plants sprout.

to nest in the area and feed

Tall grasses can grow as

many songbirds and water-

much as 1 or 2 inches (2.5

fowl. Mourning doves, larks,

or 5 cm) in a day. Wild-

grouse, and sparrows show

flowers bloom and bring

population increases after a

color back to the plains.

grass fire. Mammals return to

Because so much food becomes available, animal

burned areas quickly. Once

species produce more young.

the rains come, new grasses

Eventually, an area that

and wildflowers provide

was blackened and barren

excellent grazing. Herbi-

of life prospers. 75

8

[Chapter Eight]

The Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park 4 A wildebeest cow deliv-

76

June, and hundreds of thousands of calves are born within a few weeks. A newborn struggles to rise on wobbly legs. Although it seems impossible, the unsteady calf will be able to run with its herd within a few days of its birth. It is time for the great

ers her calf on the grassy

migration. About 2 million

plains of the Serengeti. It is

wildebeest and 200,000

[The Serengeti National Park]

zebras will follow the rains in search of fresh grass. They will take the same routes

A

F

R

I

C

A

their ancestors followed Serengeti National Park

more than 2,000 years ago.

Atlantic Ocean

It is a trip filled with dangers. The herd begins

0 0

1000 Miles

Indian Ocean

1000 KM

its migration at a slow walk. Soon, the urge to move takes hold. The herd is now on the run. Thousands will die on

 Serengeti National Park in Africa

The Park

 READ IT!

this trip. Old wildebeests

4 The Serengeti

Each year, millions of wildebeest

will drop behind and become

National Park was

travel well-worn paths through

the prey of lions, leopards,

founded in 1913.

the Serengeti Plain. Follow their

and hyenas. Young calves

The name Serengeti

trek in Jonathan Scott’s The

will drown as their parents

comes from the

Great Migration (Rodale, 1989).

race across fast-flowing

Maasai word that

rivers. Stampeding beasts

means “the place where the

will trample the bodies of

land moves on forever.” The

those that fall. Even the

park is the result of a regional

healthiest may become

effort to preserve and protect

meals for the crocodiles that

the natural treasures of Kenya

inhabit Serengeti rivers.

and Tanzania.

 Wildebeest migrate across a river on the Serengeti Plain.

77

 Lions relax in the safety of the Serengeti National Park.

 WATCH IT!

Serengeti sup-

phants, lions, leopards, rhinos,

Go on safari to Africa’s

ports many of the

magnificent Serengeti Plain.

strangest, largest,

Watch Africa: The Serengeti

most endangered,

[ASIN: B00004REBF].

and most fascinating

4 When organizations are

animals on earth. It

looking for flagship species to

78

and Cape buffaloes.

Flagship Species

is home to what park officials

promote conservation, they

call the Big Five—the animals

need look no further than the

most visitors want to see: ele-

Serengeti National Park. On

[The Serengeti National Park]

 LOOK IT UP!

this African savanna, elephants

as they graze. They

lumber in neat lines through

all keep a wary eye

The Serengeti Plain supports

the tall grasses. Giraffes stretch

out for predators.

animals, plants, and people.

to feed on acacia leaves. Leop-

Klipspringers and

Visit http://www.serengeti.org

ards stalk skittish antelopes in

and discover the beauty of this

hope of a meal. Nearsighted

African wilderness.

rhinos charge through the brush, then forget what they are chasing. The roars of lions echo across the land. Rivers and water holes attract Cape buffaloes. These massive creatures rarely go far from water. They prefer to spend their days lying in mud. By doing this, however, they face a distinct danger from the 15-foot (4.6-m)-long Nile crocodiles. Herds of wildebeests and antelopes graze on the open plains. Vividly striped zebras blend in with the waving grass  A leopard stalks its prey, hoping to find a careless antelope near a water hole.

79

 The rhinoceros beetle gets its name from the horns on its head.

dik-diks jump about through the tall grass.

Big Names, Small Critters

80

Ant lions are serious predators that build traps for their victims. As larvae, ant lions capture ants and crawl-

4 A number of small

ing insects in a round pit.

Serengeti creatures have

As the prey try to escape,

big names to live up to. They

the movement alerts the ant

are ant lions, rhinoceros bee-

lion larvae. The larvae emerge

tles, elephant shrews, and

from the sand and gobble

buffalo weavers.

down their dinner.

[The Serengeti National Park]

Rhinoceros beetles are the

1 foot long (.3 m). The shrew

world’s strongest animals. Yes,

gets its name from its trunk-

elephants move more bulk

like snout.

because of their sheer size,

Despite their name, buf-

but they can carry only about

falo weavers do not have any

one-fourth of their own weight.

relationship with buffaloes.

These beetles can carry 850

These birds live in colonies.

times their own weight.

They build scruffy grass nests

Among shrews, which are

in savanna trees and reuse the

usually quite small, the ele-

nests year after year. They pro-

phant shrew is a giant. It can

tect their territories by screech-

weigh up to 1.5 pounds (680

ing a warning call that chases

grams) and measures close to

other birds away.

 Elephant shrews are the giants of the shrew world.

81

 Under attack, this pangolin will roll itself up into a tight, round ball that bewilders predators.

Serengeti Nights

house cat. They get their name

4 There are no lights on the

from their call, which sounds

Serengeti Plain. Dark is just

like a baby crying. Bush babies

that—DARK! The only major

live in trees in groups called

source of light is moonlight. Yet

troops. A troop of bush babies

many creatures feed, hunt, and

feeds, plays, and travels at

travel through the darkness.

night. They eat fruit, flowers,

Two of the most interesting are

and insects.

bush babies and pangolins. Bush babies are related to monkeys and apes. They are 82

small—about the size of a

Pangolins are scaly anteaters. They look somewhat like lizards with large plates

[The Serengeti National Park]

or scales covering them from

or hungry elephants that stam-

head to tail. Pangolins have

pede to eat the “sausages.”

long, sticky tongues that can

Acacias grow beside ponds,

be as long as the animals

where mosquitoes breed. Many

themselves—about 2 feet

years ago, English settlers

(.6 m). They use their tongues

believed that acacias carried

to catch ants and termites.

malaria, a disease that causes

Pangolins protect themselves

fever and chills. They did not

by rolling into tight balls.

realize that mosquitoes carried

Predators have been seen rolling a pangolin around, looking for a way to attack it.

Trees and Grasses 4 Local people laugh about the dangers of the sausage tree. This tree produces fruit measuring about 3 feet (1 m) long and weighing about 11 pounds (5 kg). Visitors are warned to stay away from sausage trees because of potential injuries from falling fruit Hungry elephants can’t wait to get a  mouthful of this sausage tree fruit.

[The Serengeti National Park]

malaria. The tree earned the nickname Fever Tree. Candelabra trees have

4 The park has suffered the

thick, poisonous sap. People

same troubles as most of

who cut branches must be

Africa. Local people are

careful to avoid the sap, which

extremely poor. For many

burns skin and blinds eyes.

years, the poaching of rhinos

Native people use candelabra

and elephants for their tusks

branches as cattle fencing.

and horns helped local families

Lions and leopards will not

survive. Poachers earned more

pass through the branches

money for one elephant tusk

because of the sap.

than they could earn in a year

The Serengeti has three

of farming. By the 1980s, the

major forms of grass: red grass,

elephant population declined

pan dropseed, and red dropseed.

to a few hundred. Amazingly,

The red refers to the color of

there were only two rhinos left.

the grass when it is dry. Drop-

Poaching had to stop before all

seed grasses are low-lying grasses

the animals were gone.

that survive droughts because of

84

Serengeti’s Future

A worldwide ban on the

their deep root systems. All

sale of ivory and rhino horns

three grasses produce large

has helped Serengeti’s endan-

amounts of seeds that attract

gered species regain their pop-

seed-eating birds and rodents.

ulation numbers. But poachers

 Park rangers have taken this ivory away from poachers.

still kill several thousand ani-

and the local people. They

mals each year for meat.

also provide protection for

Wildlife preserves have

endangered species so that

been created around Serengeti

species populations can grow.

National Park. These have

Today, elephant and rhino

helped the park in many

herds are growing. The

ways. The preserves serve

Serengeti—the land that

as a buffer between the park

moves on forever—lives. 85

9

[Chapter Nine]

The Human Touch

The Human Touch

just over 10 years old. His face and ears bear the scars of earlier fights over territory and females. He measures 8 feet (2.5 m) long and weighs nearly 500 pounds (227 kg). The tiger is an expert

4 A Bengal tiger sleeps

hunter. It is larger than most

beside a stream in Royal

lions and prefers prey that

Chitwan National Park in

weighs more than 100 pounds

Nepal. He is a strong male,

(45 kg). Smaller prey will not

 Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal keeps many endangered animals safe, including this Bengal tiger.

86

 All tiger species are endangered. These young cubs offer hope for a positive future.

feed a tiger that eats 40

numbers between 2,750

pounds (18 kg) of meat or

and 3,750. Tigers have

more in a meal. The male

been heavily hunted for

eats about 50 deer and wild

their skins and to protect

pigs each year. Bengal tigers are among the many endangered species

A

S

I

A

of Asia. About 200 tigers NEPAL

live in three protected

Royal Chitwan National Park

regions of Nepal. Bangla-

INDIA Arabian Sea

desh and Bhutan have fewer than 700 Bengal tigers.

Bay of Bengal

0 0

500 Miles 500 KM

India’s tiger population  The Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal

87

[ T h e H u m a n To u c h ]

livestock. Poaching continues

lem. Fragmentation disrupts

to reduce tiger populations

the ecosystem. Even control-

in China, Korea, and India.

ling wildlife populations

Threats That Endanger the Land 4 Threats to grassland bi-

creates its own set of problems. When North American settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains, they found

omes are the same

a land of waving grasses and

on every continent.

rich soil. Settlers immediately

fragmentation (frag-muhn-

Loss of habitat to

began changing the environ-

TAY-shuhn) cutting up a

farming and housing

ment. They plowed through

habitat into smaller sections

is the biggest prob-

the grass to plant corn and

?

WORDS TO KNOW . . .

by building roads, canals, railways, and housing

 Bison thrive on the prairie land of Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada.

wheat. Farmers planted trees to

fort of railroad cars.

break the wind. They did not

They had no interest

realize that trees do not belong

in the meat or hides.

on the prairie. Settlers and travelers killed

Settlers cut the

!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

In 1830, about 30 million to 60 million bison ran wild

grasslands into tiny

across the North American

pronghorns, bison, and prairie

pieces. They built

prairies. In 1890, only 1,000

dogs by the millions. In the

railways and roads

wild bison remained. The

beginning, the killing provided

to cross the plains.

American Bison Society saved

food and hides to help settlers

Cattle drives in the

the species from extinction.

survive. Once the railroad cut

1800s cut wide paths

They set up preserves and

across the land, hunting for

of bare land through

private ranches for bison to

sport became popular. Many

former grassland

rebuild their populations.

men shot bison from the com-

ecosystems.

 Neatly arranged farms form a patchwork on former prairie land.

89

[ T h e H u m a n To u c h ]

 LOOK IT UP!

The Results of Human Actions

Tons of rich topsoil blew away,

rundown on all national grass-

4 Native grasses

both seed and root systems.

land parks. Learn about the

survive periods of

Fences and fragmentation of

program at http://www.fs.

excess rain, drought,

grasslands prevented animals

fed.us/grasslands/.

and wildfire. Crops

from moving through the land.

The National Grasslands Program Web site gives a

do not. At one point,

leaving a wasteland behind. Native grasses spread by

This story has been repeat-

the Great Plains turned into a

ed in every grassland region

dust bowl. The land had been

in the world. Farming and

misused when native grass-

housing are taking over grass-

lands were converted to crop-

lands. Animals are forced to

land. Years of drought prevent-

make way for farms. In Aus-

ed crops from growing. The

tralia, farmers and settlers have

lack of native grass left barren

killed millions of kangaroos

land open to wind erosion.

and wallabies. In Africa, it was

 A biologist spreads grass and wildflower seeds to restore prairie at Neal Smith Wildlife Reserve in Iowa.

elephants, lions, leopards,

prairie ecosystems that are

and rhinos. On the Russian

thousands of years old.

steppes, it was saiga antelopes. Efforts to restore natural

Similar parks and preserves in Asia, Africa, Australia,

grasslands are helping to bring

and South America keep open

back these vast seas of grass

plains alive. Worldwide bans on

and wildflowers. The United

selling animal products, such as

States has a National Grass-

ivory and rhino horns, make

lands Program with 20 govern-

poaching less attractive. Edu-

ment-owned regions. National

cation about endangered and

grassland parks are found

threatened plants and animals

across the Great Plains from

helps them survive. Without

North Dakota to Kansas.

these efforts, grasslands would

Canada protects tallgrass

soon become wastelands.

 A dust storm erodes topsoil from this Kansas field.

91

Chart of Species

[Grasslands]

KEYSTONE SPECIES

FLAGSHIP SPECIES

UMBRELLA SPECIES

INDICATOR SPECIES

AFRICA

elephants, wildebeests, wild grasses, termites

elephants, lions, black rhinos, white rhinos

elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, hartebeests

butterflies, grasshoppers, moths, raptors

ASIA

wild yaks, saiga antelopes, great Indian bustards, plateau pikas, hamsters, gerbils

yaks, saiga antelopes, sambar deer

wild yaks, sambar deer, Mongolian wild asses

butterflies, moths, raptors

AUSTRALIA

wild grasses, spinifex, potoroos, kangaroos, wallabies

kangaroos, wallabies, plainswanderers, emus

eastern gray kangaroos, western gray kangaroos, red kangaroos

spinifex, emus, plainswanderers

EUROPE

susliks, wild sheep, wood mice

barn owls, song thrushes, white storks

badgers, barn owls, white storks

swallowtail butterflies, moths, wild orchids, meadow brown butterflies, raptors

NORTH AMERICA

prairie dogs, field mice, bison, antelopes, various wild grasses

black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, burrowing owls

sage grouses, blackfooted ferrets, bison, swift foxes

butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, Texas horned lizards, 13-lined ground squirrels, field sparrows, Swainson’s hawks, raptors

SOUTH AMERICA

maras, pampas grasses, vicuñas, termites

pampas deer, guanacos, vicuñas

Geoffroy’s cats, maras, pampas foxes, rheas

Swainson’s hawks, pampas deer, raptors

CONTINENT

 The above chart gives a starting point for identifying key species. Each grassland environment has its own key species. The above chart lists some of those species.

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[Bold-faced entries are the ones discussed in the text.]