Grasslands

Grasslands are expanses of flat, mostly treeless open plain, dominated by the growth of grasses. Though unspectacular to the untrained eye, grasslands are an incredibly important and resilient habitat.

Grasses thrive in good light but can survive extended periods of low rainfall and scorching heat. Their matted root systems can even withstand seasonal fires, allowing the leaves to regenerate when the rainy season arrives.

Grasslands are predominantly at risk from human activity, not least urbanisation and agricultural conversion, and – despite their resilience – are also at risk from climate change, due to rising temperatures and unreliable rainy seasons.