Types of grasslands around the world
S. No. Name Region Characteristics Economic Importance
1. Savannah • Africa Mix of grasses • Grazing
• India and scattered • Ecotourism
• Australia trees • Biodiversity preservation
2. Llanos Venezuela
3. Campos/ Brazil Wet and dry • Grazing
Cerrado seasons shrubs • Agriculture
and grasses
4. Steppes Eurasia Large, flat • Grazing
expanses, semi- • Agriculture
arid conditions
5. Prairies N. America Fertile soil, • Wheat Granaries
varying • Extensive Ranching
precipitation
6. Pampas Argentina Rich soil, • Alfalfa: nutrient-rich grass.
moderate Ranching, cattle rearing
rainfall • Dairy products
• Extensive wheat-production
• Economy depends on wheat
and beef export
7. Velds S. Africa Diversity of • Grazing agriculture
grasses, • Maize farms
variable rainfall
8. Downs/ Australia Rolling hills, • Grazing, agriculture, Sheep
Rangelands grass- and Cattle rearing
dominated • Merino sheep: wool
production
9. Pustaz • Hungary Semi-arid, • Grazing,
• Ukraine grasses and • Biodiversity conservation,
• Romania herbs • Rich black soil,
• Abundant wheat production,
• Sugar from Sugar beet
10. Canterbury New Zealand • Sheep and Cattle rearing
• Merino sheep: wool
production
11. Manchurian China Cold climate, • Grazing
mixed grass and • Traditional land use
shrubs
Difference between Tropical and temperate
Grasslands
Sl. Feature Tropical Grassland Temperate Grassland
No.
1. Location Near the equator, mainly Mid-latitude regions,
in Africa, South including North America
America, and Australia. (prairies), Eurasia (steppes),
and South America (pampas).
2. Climate Warm temperatures Moderate temperatures with
year-round, with a hot summers and cold winters;
distinct wet and dry moderate rainfall.
season.
3. Rainfall 500-1500 mm annually, 250-750 mm annually, with
with a pronounced dry most precipitation occurring
season. in late spring and early
summer.
4. Vegetation Predominantly grasses Dominated by grasses, few
with scattered trees and trees, and shrubs due to
shrubs. periodic droughts and fires.
5. Soil Generally nutrient-poor Fertile and rich in nutrients,
due to leaching often used for agriculture.
6. Wildlife Diverse species Species adapted to open
including large environments, such as bison,
herbivores (e.g., pronghorns, and prairie dogs.
elephants, giraffes) and
carnivores (e.g., lions,
cheetahs).
7. Human Agriculture, grazing, and Extensive agriculture and
Impact deforestation. grazing, leading to habitat loss
and soil degradation.
