A grassland ecosystem is a dry region where grasses are the dominant form of plant life. You’ll rarely see large trees or thick shrubs here, mainly because the climate and environmental conditions simply aren’t suitable for their growth. 

The limited rainfall and frequent droughts make it tough for anything but hardy grasses and herbs to thrive.

Grasslands are often called transitional landscapes because they’re found between deserts and forests, acting as a kind of natural bridge between these two extremes. 

The vegetation here is mostly made up of various grasses and small plants, which are well adapted to the dry conditions.

There are different types of grasslands across the globe. For example, savanna grasslands and temperate grasslands are two well-known types. Each region has its own name for these vast grassy areas:

• In South America, they’re called Pampas
• In Central Eurasia, they’re known as Steppes
• In North America, they’re referred to as Prairies

Despite the different names, all these grasslands share the same basic characteristics: open, windswept spaces dominated by resilient grasses.

Types of Grasslands

Grasslands are generally divided into two main types: tropical grasslands and temperate grasslands.

Tropical Grasslands

1. Climate: These grasslands are found in regions that are warm year-round and experience distinct wet and dry seasons. They receive between 50 cm and 130 cm of rainfall annually.
2. Vegetation: The plants here are generally short, which makes these areas excellent hunting grounds for large predators.
3. Wildlife: Tropical grasslands are home to a remarkable array of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and many other spectacular species.
4. Examples and Regional Names:
   • East Africa: Savanna
   • Brazil: Campos
   • Venezuela: Llanos

Key Point: Tropical grasslands, such as the African savanna, are biodiversity hotspots teeming with iconic wildlife and are shaped by seasonal rains and fires.

Temperate Grasslands

1. Climate: Unlike tropical grasslands, temperate grasslands have cold winters and warm to hot summers. They receive 25 cm to 75 cm of rainfall each year, often in the form of dew or snow.
2. Vegetation: These grasslands are dominated by perennial grasses and a variety of herbs, with few or no trees. Plants found here include cacti, sagebrush, buffalo grass, clovers, and wild indigos.
3. Extreme Conditions: Temperate grasslands experience extreme temperature swings-winters can drop to 0°F (or even lower), while summers can soar up to 90°F or more. Droughts and fires are common, helping to maintain the open, grassy landscape.
4. Wildlife: These regions support large herbivores like bison, gazelles, and wild horses, as well as predators such as wolves and coyotes.
5. Examples and Regional Names:
   • Argentina: Pampas
   • North America: Prairie
   • South Africa: Veld
   • Asia: Steppe
   • Australia: Downs

Key Point: Temperate grasslands are known for their rich soils and extreme climates, supporting vast herds of grazing animals and a unique mix of plant species.

Other Types of Grasslands

While tropical and temperate grasslands are the most widely recognized, there are additional types based on geography and climate:

• Flooded Grasslands: Seasonally or permanently flooded, such as the Everglades in Florida or the Pantanal in Brazil.
• Montane Grasslands: Found at high altitudes, like the Páramo in the Andes.
• Desert Grasslands: Sparse grasslands in arid regions, adapted to extreme dryness and temperature fluctuations

Important Grasslands of Every Continent

Africa

• Savanna (East and Central Africa): Iconic tropical grasslands with diverse wildlife.
• Veld (Southern Africa): Temperate grasslands in South Africa.
• Miombo Woodlands (Central and Southern Africa): Large tropical grassland and woodland ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
• Kalahari Acacia-Baikiaea Woodlands (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe): Dry tropical grasslands with scattered trees.
• Serengeti Volcanic Grasslands (Kenya, Tanzania): Famous for wildlife migration.
• Sahelian Acacia Savanna (West Africa): Transitional grasslands between Sahara Desert and tropical forests.

North America

• Prairies (Central USA and Canada): Fertile temperate grasslands.
• Sandhills of Nebraska: One of the most intact temperate grasslands globally.
• Sagebrush Steppe (Wyoming’s Central Basin): Arid grassland-shrub steppe ecosystem.
• Western Gulf Coastal Grasslands (Mexico, USA): Coastal temperate grasslands.

South America

• Pampas (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil): Fertile temperate grasslands.
• Campos (Brazil): Tropical grasslands.
• Llanos (Venezuela, Colombia): Seasonally flooded tropical grasslands.
• Cerrado (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay): Vast tropical savanna with rich biodiversity.
• Humid Chaco (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay): Wet grasslands and savannas.
• Uruguayan Savanna (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay): Tropical grassland region.

Europe

• Steppe (Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan): Extensive temperate grasslands.
• Pustaz (Hungary): Temperate grasslands in Central Europe.
• Eurasian Steppe: Stretches from Hungary to China, one of the largest continuous grasslands on Earth.

Asia

• Steppe (Central Asia, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan): Largest temperate grassland, historically home to nomads.
• Mongolian-Manchurian Grassland (Mongolia, Northeastern China): Large temperate grassland ecosystem.
• Manchurian Grassland (Northeast China): Temperate grassland with mixed vegetation.
• Terai-Duar Savanna and Grasslands (Bhutan, India, Nepal): Tropical and subtropical grasslands.
• Northern Congolian Forest–Savanna Mosaic: Transitional grasslands and woodlands.

Australia & Oceania

• Downs (Australia): Temperate grasslands important for grazing.
• Australian Savanna (Northern Australia): Tropical savanna grasslands.
• Brigalow Tropical Savanna (Australia): Tropical grasslands and woodlands.
• Cape York Peninsula Tropical Savanna (Australia): Tropical grassland region.
• Canterbury Plains (New Zealand): Temperate grasslands used for sheep farming.

Other Notable Grasslands/Ecoregions

• Ascension Scrub and Grasslands (Ascension Island)
• Clipperton Island Shrub and Grasslands (France – Clipperton Island)
• Arnhem Land Tropical Savanna (Australia)
• Victoria Basin Forest–Savanna Mosaic (East Africa)
• Western Sudanian Savanna (West Africa)
• Southern Africa Bushveld (Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe)
• Zambezian and Mopane Woodlands (Southern Africa)
• Nagqu Grasslands (Tibet Plateau): High-altitude grasslands with unique wildlife.

Main differences between tropical and temperate grasslands 

Tropical Grasslands (Savannas)

• Located near the equator (e.g., Africa, South America, Australia)
• Warm temperatures year-round (around 20–30°C / 68–86°F)
• Distinct wet and dry seasons
• Receives moderate to high rainfall (60–130 cm annually)
• Vegetation consists of tall, coarse grasses with scattered trees and shrubs
• Soils are generally less fertile, often reddish due to iron content
• Plants adapted to drought and fire with deep roots and thick bark
• Home to animals like elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and antelopes

Temperate Grasslands

• Found farther from the equator (e.g., North America, Eurasia, Argentina, Australia)
• Experience hot summers and cold winters with wide temperature ranges (below 0°C in winter to around 32°C / 90°F in summer)
• Receive lower rainfall (20–75 cm annually), often including snow
• Vegetation dominated by shorter, denser, and more nutritious grasses; very few or no trees
• Soils are rich and fertile, making these areas important for agriculture
• Plants adapted to survive extreme temperatures and periodic fires with deep roots
• Typical animals include bison, pronghorn, deer, kangaroos, and wolves

These differences create distinct ecosystems with unique plants, animals, and environmental conditions.

How Human Activities Affect Temperate Grasslands

1. Conversion to Agriculture and Urbanization

• Over half of all temperate grasslands have been converted for crop production, forest plantations, urban development, energy, and mining.
• This conversion leads to the loss of native vegetation and wildlife, and the replacement of diverse ecosystems with monocultures or built environments.

2. Intensive Grazing and Overgrazing

• Much of the remaining grassland is heavily grazed by livestock, which can degrade the land, reduce plant diversity, and contribute to soil erosion and desertification.
• Overgrazing was a key factor in historic events like the Dust Bowl and continues to threaten grassland health.

3. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

• Temperate grasslands are the most fragmented biome, with average patch size decreasing by over 99% and core area shrinking by 84%.
• Increased fragmentation leads to isolated patches, making it harder for wildlife to survive and migrate.
• Fencing, roads, and other infrastructure further restrict animal movement and disrupt natural processes.

4. Declining Biodiversity

• Native species such as bison, deer, and antelope have seen dramatic population declines due to habitat loss and hunting.
• Invasive species introduced by humans outcompete native plants, further reducing biodiversity.

5. Soil Degradation and Pollution

• Intensive farming practices deplete soil nutrients, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides can harm native plants and animals.
• Soil erosion increases as native grasses are removed, and dust storms become more common.

6. Fire and Land Management

• Human-set fires can disrupt natural fire cycles, harming both plants and animals.
• Some fire management practices can help restore grasslands, but uncontrolled or frequent fires are damaging.

7. Climate Change

• Human-driven climate change threatens to dry out grasslands, potentially turning them into deserts.
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns further stress these ecosystems.

8. Positive Impacts

• In some cases, sustainable grazing and restoration projects can help recover degraded grasslands and promote biodiversity.

Human activities-especially agriculture, overgrazing, urbanization, and infrastructure development-have caused widespread habitat loss, fragmentation, declining biodiversity, and soil degradation in temperate grasslands. Without increased conservation efforts, these vital ecosystems remain among the most endangered and altered on the planet.

How can we balance agricultural needs with grassland conservation ?

1. Implement Sustainable Grassland Management Practices

• Use rotational grazing instead of continuous grazing to allow vegetation to recover, maintain productivity, and reduce land degradation.
• Incorporate organic manures and adopt agroforestry practices to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration.
• Optimize the number and distribution of grazing animals to prevent overgrazing and maintain ecosystem balance.

2. Avoid Conversion of Grasslands to Cropland

• Prevent further conversion of natural grasslands into cropland or other land uses, as this leads to significant biodiversity loss and carbon emissions.
• Recognize the importance of grassland soils in storing organic carbon and their role in climate regulation.

3. Integrate Conservation with Agricultural Production

• Maintain and restore semi-natural grasslands within agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity, pollination, and pest control.
• Encourage multi-functional land use systems that combine food production with ecosystem services like water regulation, soil protection, and agro-tourism.

4. Support Incentives and Policies for Conservation

• Offer financial incentives and access to technology for farmers adopting conservation practices.
• Strengthen policies and programs such as the Grasslands Conservation Reserve Programand promote sustainable grazing.
• Ensure conservation efforts are inclusive, involving local and Indigenous communities in decision-making and benefit-sharing.

5. Promote Sustainable Intensification and Regenerative Agriculture

• Increase cropland productivity using sustainable intensification strategies (e.g., regenerative or climate-smart agriculture) to reduce pressure on grasslands.
• Implement integrated pest management and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals to benefit both crop yields and grassland health.

6. Foster Stakeholder Collaboration and Awareness

• Build a common understanding of the value of grasslands among all stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and local communities.
• Encourage participatory approaches to conservation and restoration initiatives, ensuring that trade-offs and externalities are carefully managed.

7. Monitor, Restore, and Protect Grasslands

• Invest in restoration projects to recover degraded grasslands and enhance their ecosystem services.
• Establish a mixture of protected areas, sustainably managed lands, and focused restoration to maintain grassland health and productivity.

Balancing agriculture and grassland conservation requires a combination of sustainable management, supportive policies, incentives for farmers, and inclusive, landscape-scale approaches that recognize both the ecological and economic value of grasslands.