Ecosystems

Savannah

Man and savannah

A precious environment/biome

Mainly cereals (such as oat and maize), dates, olives and vegetables are grown in the savannah. Breeding includes goats, sheep, horses and cattle. The savannah can be economically useful not only for farming and breeding but also for the natural resources it offers. The baobab for instance is used for different purposes: as a drug to treat a number of diseases, for the light wood used to make music instruments and pirogues. Its fruits can be eaten raw or used to make drinks; its roots are eaten like asparagus. The savannah is also very important for birds, whose survival depends on migrations to avoid the harsh winters of temperate areas. The wildlife sanctuaries of the savannah are indispensable for the protection of dying species and for scientific and ethological research in a wild environment.