Drakensberg Montane Grassland, Woodland, and Forest

Description

This is an ecosystem in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa.  Its peak elevation reaches more than a mile above sea level, and the rainfall in the region ranges from 1.5 – 3.6 feet per year.  Because of the high rainfall, most soil has been washed away, leaving a thin layer of topsoil with a lot of exposed rocky terrain.  The climate is frequently cool and wet, with an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can range from 7 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because soil levels are so shallow, most of the vegetation in the higher regions of the mountains is grassland.  Many different species of grasses have adapted to the terrain, so there is a lot of variation in grass height, thickness, and color.  In the valleys, where the soil is deeper, bigger trees can take root, and the forest land consists of coniferous forests (evergreens).  Some of the largest coniferous forests in Africa are found in this region.  Scientists believe that these coniferous forests used to cover more of the mountainous regions too, but low temperatures since the last ice age prevent tree growth there now. 

Aside from vegetation, the region is home to many different species of animals.  These include 24 species of reptiles which are endemic to the region (endemic means this is the only place that these species are found on the planet).  There are also over a dozen species of birds including the bearded vulture, and many large mammals.  These include the black wildebeest, elephant, lion, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, antelope, and others. 

To find pictures of this ecosystem, type “Drakensberg” into images.google.com 

Organism options

Bearded vulture, white rhino, antelope, grass, evergreen