When It Comes to Conservation, Tropical Grasslands Have an Identity Problem [Slide Show]

Although they cover a fifth of Earth’s landmass, tropical grassy ecosystems are routinely misidentified and mismanaged

Tropical grassy ecosystems can vary enormously in tree cover. This open grassland of the Serengeti National Park has very few trees. Credit: C. L. Parr
This eucalyptus savanna in Australia, however, is much more wooded but still has extensive grass coverage. Credit: C. L. Parr / Trends in Ecology & Evolution
Fire is a frequent and widespread natural disturbance in tropical grassy biomes. This Australian savanna burns yearly; the plants that thrive here are adapted to this regular fiery cycle. Credit: C. L. Parr
This savanna, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, is part of a long-term experiment in the effects of burning. Annual burns result in an open savanna… Credit: C. L. Parr
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…while fire suppression for over half a century has led to an increase in tree cover. Credit: C. L. Parr
Brazil’s Cerrado has a wide range of endemic flora but is now threatened by fire suppression and agriculture. Credit: A. N. Andersen
The diversity of forbs (nonherbaceous plants) in tropical grassy ecosystems is especially high. These are from grasslands in South Africa. Credit: E. C. February and C. L. Parr / Trends in Ecology & Evolution

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