Deserts and Savannahs - Info sheet

Deserts are characterised by their arid conditions, with very little rainfall throughout the year, creating environments that are inhospitable for most plant life. Only certain resilient species, such as small shrubs and cacti, have adapted to thrive in the desert's shallow and rocky soil. The extreme heat during the day leads many desert animals to adopt nocturnal habits, emerging at dusk when temperatures drop to more tolerable levels. This unique ecosystem is one of the earth's most extreme, with life that is highly specialised to cope with the harsh conditions.

In contrast, savannahs are hot biomes known for a prolonged dry season, yet they support a richer variety of life compared to deserts. This biome is predominantly covered with grasses and shrubs, providing a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Iconic species such as elephants, zebras, and wildebeests roam the savannah, which is also known for its large herds and predators. The savannah's landscape is shaped by its climate and is an example of one of the many types of biomes, each created by a unique combination of climate, geography, and other environmental factors.