Woodlands and Grasslands - Info sheet

Woodlands are enchanting ecosystems primarily made up of trees, which create a canopy overhead. However, the woodland floor is also a complex layer where various species such as mosses, ferns, and lichens thrive. These habitats typically enjoy a warm and mild climate, with a notable characteristic being that they receive more rainfall in the winter months than during the summer. The diverse plant life supports a range of wildlife and maintains the ecological balance within these habitats.

On the other hand, grasslands are expansive and open habitats where grasses are the predominant vegetation, creating a vast sea of green. These areas can be found worldwide, with East Africa boasting some of the most extensive grasslands known. These grasslands are not just about the flora; they support a rich fauna, including majestic creatures like zebras, giraffes, elephants, and rhinoceroses. These animals are adapted to the grassland's conditions and play a crucial role in the biome's ecology. Both woodlands and grasslands are types of biomes, which are major ecological communities classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment.