This region lies in the interior of the continents in the Tropical belt. Therefore, the region has moderate rainfall and experiences greater annual range of temperature. Rainfall mainly occurs in the short summer season with a long dry season. Coarse tall grass, which grows to a height of about 3 meters, is the typical vegetation. The tropical grasslands is known as the big game country as carnivorous animals like lion, leopard and tiger are found in this-region. These animals feed on the deer, zebra and other herbivores. Extensive national parks in East Africa attract many tourists.
Impenetrable grasslands are prevalent here with isolated tree here and there. Animals known as herbivorous type are found in these African Savannas. Antelopes of various type and stripped Zebras and Hyenas also dominate and depend on grass eaters for their food. African buffalo, rhinoceros, African elephant, hippopotami and crocodiles are present in large numbers. Monkeys and baboons are also common. Snakes and lizards arc also found. Many birds including the swift footed Ostrich arc also found. Animal life is very colorful in this region.
Trees, which stand singly or in groups, are of the drought-resisting variety, such as acacias, baobabs, and eucalyptus (Australia), for they must be able to withstand the dry season. In Africa the northern savannas are known as the Sudan. The savannas of the Orinoco basin are termed Llanos, and those of the Brazilian Highlands, campos. Savannas are also found in the drier parts of India, in the higher regions of the East Indies, and in the north and east of Australia.
These regions are sparsely populated. Notable concentration of population is found in West Indies and Cuba. In Mexico and some middle American countries also some concentration are found. In South America major concentration is available in the eastern Brazil. The greatest concentration in Africa is in Sudan and Nigeria. Native people are backward. Hunting is common among the tribals. On the banks of lakes, stream and also in the coastal areas fishing is done. Both hunting and fishing activities are done for augmenting food supplies. Natives are habitual of practicing migratory agriculture.
In East Africa, the primitive Masai people practice animal rearing in these grasslands. They migrate from place to place. Meat, milk and other animal products are used for local consumption only. There is scope for development of pastoral industry on a commercial basis, as has been done in a similar-region in Queensland State Australia.
Agriculture in Savanna region
The Hausa tribesman in the Savanna region of Nigeria is mainly agriculturists cultivating dry crops like Maize, millets and groundnuts. They also keep cattle and goats for providing milk and meat.
The Savanna region of Brazilian plateau, East African plateau and West Africa have developed modern commercial agriculture in selected areas. White people have used agriculture for commercial products. European settlers in South America brought the Negroes for cultivation purposes. Sugarcane are produce in the Middle America and South America both. Hawaiian Islands lead in producing pineapples. Cotton is a significant crop under the lower rainfall inland. Commercial agriculture in Africa is less developed and is found only along the rivers of Sudan. In several zones cotton, sugarcane and rice are produced for commercial purpose. In comparison to African grasslands, American Savannas are used for commercial purposes and grazing is in more degree and therefore Latin American countries are paying more attention for improving the livestock industries.
Minerals were the main attraction for the white man, in this natural region. Petroleum, iron deposits, copper, sulphur and bauxite are some minerals of these regions, which have increased the importance of these regions. Venezuela tanks only second to U.S.A. in producing the petroleum. Columbia and Mexico both have some fields of oil. One of the major copper producing area is located in Africa. This area starts from the Katanga District to the Northern Rhodesia. In this area uranium sources are also available. Cobalt is also mined in Katanga. Tin and Coal are also mined in Nigeria. Thus mining activity has stirred the life of the people of these natural regions.
Agricultural commodities are the basis of certain industries. Sugar is processed in various mills. Cuba is the producer of cigars and has many tobacco factories. Pineapple is canned and sugar refined particularly in Hawaii.
In this natural region the concentration of population is in the villages. Due to lack of commerce, industry and large population only a few urban centres are found here. Havana is the capital, of Cuba. Kingston, Mexico, Panama, Tampico, Merida and some important cities Barranquilla and Carteganna are large cities. Honolulu in Hawaii is a very beautiful city. African urban centres are Lagos, Kano, Ibadan of Nigeria and Accra of Ghana.
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