African lions are larger cats, with thicker and longer manes and shorter tail tufts than Asian lions. The savanna is characterized by grasses and small or dispersed trees, along with a diverse community of organisms that interact to form a complex food web. A cluster of grass is just as important to the ecosystem as the pride of lions. The Lion is a class 9 feline. The savanna biome covers about half of the continent of Africa, and there are certain plants and animals unique to this part of the world. Due to habitat destruction and human persecution, fewer than 25,000 lions remain in the wild. That would in turn make it very hard for larger meat eating animals to survive. The species' continued survival depends in part on an understanding of the crucial role it plays in the savanna ecosystem. Wild grass is the biggest type of plant life that grows in the savanna biome. The Lion: King Of The Savannah [adsense] A man wisely cowers in the undergrowth on a sultry, but rapidly cooling, evening deep in the heart of Tanzania’s savannah. But thanks to the conservation efforts, the population is now around 400. To ensure survival, their body has been going through several changes to fight difficult situations and emerge as a winner. He hears the cracking of the long grass, and is immediately hit in the pit of his stomach by a … The savanna swarms with termites that live in groups called colonies. Since the dry season is long, animals have learned to adapt to stay alive, keeping the ecosystem in balance. The lions are known to feed on several species of antelope, as well as savanna buffalos and warthogs. Savannas are also known as tropical grasslands. However, lions have been observed to be quite picky about the prey they hunt as they focus on prey that poses the lowest risk of injury. Savannas are dominated by grasslands, with trees scattered only sporadically across the land. Lion › Umbrella acacia. The African lions were classified as Vulnerable in 2004, but their numbers are declining, with their population estimated to be between 23,000 and 39,000. With the population down to less than 1,500, they are meeting the criteria for regionally Endangered in the … As the dominant predator in its ecosystem, the lion exerts considerable top-down influence to keep the entire ecosystem in check. Not enough rain falls on a savanna to support forests. The African savanna is a vast, rolling grassland primarily found in the southeastern part of the continent. African lions have been admired throughout history for as symbols of courage and strength. When we think of the Savanna Biome, it is understandable that we think of hot and dry areas.However, it may surprise you to learn that there is a very wet season and then a very dry season in the Savanna. Many kinds of termite build towering nests out of clay. Although known as “king of the jungle,” lions are most commonly found in savannas where they have a wide choice of prey. When we think of the Savanna Biome, it is understandable that we think of hot and dry areas.However, it may surprise you to learn that there is a very wet season and then a very dry season in the Savanna. They are a bit smaller than African lions, have distinctive skin folds that can be seen running along the sides of the torso, and a much sparser mane. Lions, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards all live in the savannas of Africa. The Seven Species Of Wild Cats Of Africa. An Asiatic lion has a longitudinal fold of skin along its belly that is lacking in African lions. It is also one of the most important. The savanna biome, which is a type of grassland biome, consists of areas of open grassland with very few trees. Without it, they would starve. Key Takeaways: Savanna Biome. Lions eat gazelles, buffalo, zebras and many other small to medium sized mammals. Young forest buffalo. The familiar African lion lives on the savanna grasslands of central and southern Africa. This broad definition encompasses a variety of habitats. The African savanna ecosystem is a tropical grassland with warm temperatures year round and seasonal rainfall. A savanna is a rolling grassland scattered with shrubs and isolated trees, which can be found between a tropical rainforest and desert biome. Lions are powerful hunters, creeping up on their prey in groups before launching an attack. Predators that compete with the lions for food include spotted hyenas and leopards. The savanna is … It provides food for plenty of types of animals. Within CAR there are two main types of buffalo; the dwarf buffalo (S. caffer nanus) living in the dense rain forest in the southern part of the country, and the Central African savanna buffalo referred to as (S. caffer aequinoctialis), living in a mixed biotop of savanna and rain forest in the rest of the country. West African lions are categorized as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.