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Savanna and Bushveld Overview

  • Definition and Characterization

    • The Savanna area, also known as the Bushveld, is characterized by:
    • Large expanses where thorn trees and the baobab tree are prominent against the horizon.

  • Baobab Tree

    • Scientific name: Adansonia digitata
    • Notable features:
    • It is known as the most drought-resistant tree in Africa.
    • Capable of storing up to 136,000 liters of water in its trunk.

Ecological Features of the Savanna

  • Resemblance to Historical Africa

    • The Bushveld is described as an area that resembles the Africa depicted in hunting stories and accounts from early explorers.

  • Subdivision of Savanna

    • Divided into two main areas:
    1. Drier Part (Kalahari)
      • Contains low-lying drainage areas and fertile soil.
    2. Moist Eastern Thorn Tree Area
      • Characterized by infertile soil.

  • Cultivation

    • The fertile area (moist eastern part) is used for cultivation of:
    • Maize
    • Sunflowers
    • Peanuts

Grasslands and Wildlife Dynamics

  • Grass Types in Savanna

    • The dry savanna has an abundance of soft, tasty grasses, referred to as:
    • Sweet Grass Area (in Afrikaans: "soetveld")
    • This area is popular among grass-eating wild animals and cattle.

  • Carrying Capacity

    • In wet years, the carrying capacity of the sweet grass area is significantly higher than the eastern hard grasslands.

  • Animal Behavior

    • Grass eaters such as antelope and zebra exhibit seasonal migration patterns:
    • They move away from the sweet grass just before the dry season to prevent over-stressing this valuable resource.

  • Impact of Human Activity

    • Human presence around sweet grass areas has disrupted the ecological balance.
    • Overgrazing has allowed desert shrubs to encroach upon the savanna.
    • This led to a decline in larger game populations as they moved away from the impacted areas.

Current Wildlife Dynamics

  • Dominant Herbivores

    • In the disturbed areas, hares have become the dominant herbivores.
    • Predatory dynamics:
    • Hares are hunted by predators, including:
      • Martial Eagles
      • Bateleur Eagles

  • Conclusion

    • The ecological balance within the Savanna is fragile and heavily influenced by both natural seasonal changes and human activities.
    • Current dynamics showcase a shift towards smaller herbivores and a change in predator-prey interactions due to human impact.