Seas of grass, with hidden depths

The planet’s grasslands – savannahs, prairies, steppes – are precious and under protected.

PUERTO CARREÑO, COLOMBIA - JULY 4, 2015: The savannah in the Bojonawi Natural Reserve along the Orinoco River.

Why grasslands are so important

The world's natural grasslands might sometimes seem a bit overlooked and under valued – but they’re hugely important environments.

Some of the world’s best-known and iconic wildlife makes its home on grasslands, including savannah elephants, rhinos and lions on the east African acacia savannahs. And Bengal tigers, greater one-horned rhinos and Asian elephants on the lowland grasslands of Asia's Terai Arc.

Different parts of the world refer to their grasslands by different names – for instance ‘savannah’ in Africa, ‘cerrado’ in South America, ‘prairie’ in North America, ‘steppe’ in central Asia, ‘meadow’ here in the UK.

What makes grasses so special is that they can survive and keep regrowing no matter how much they’re munched or nibbled by animals. It means they attract and support all kinds of wildlife.

But most of the world's remaining natural grasslands are being rapidly converted into farmland – which is why they need your help.

"Change is rapid in the savannah grasslands. Grasses grow thick and tall in the rainy season – up to three metres high. They often burn to the ground in the dry season, then spring to life again when the rains return. These grasslands provide food for a huge range of herbivores such as rhinos, elephants and antelopes, which in turn draw in top predators like lions, tigers and wild dogs. You never know what you may find – usually just a flashing glimpse of a disappearing antelope leaping through the tall grass or the crashing sound of a rhino moving away."

John Barker
Head of programmes for India and China

Grasslands we work in

© Diana Rudenko / WWF

The Mau Mara Serengeti is under threat

The Mau Mara Serengeti area is one of the oldest, least disturbed natural environments.

Find out more

Challenges affecting grasslands

Food and farming

The biggest threat to grasslands worldwide is conversion into farmland – either to grow huge monoculture crops like wheat and corn, or to let livestock graze. Or, as in the case of Brazil’s Cerrado, growing soya to feed to farm animals. In all cases, the local wildlife and diversity suffers, and the land often ends up over-grazed, over-farmed or polluted. We’re working hard to make sure the world's remaining grasslands are protected and sustainably managed.
Human-wildlife conflict

As grasslands are lost, the wildlife that lived there is put in tough situations. Sometimes in their attempts to find food or space to live they’ll come into conflict with people. Herbivores (like elephants) might raid crops, while carnivores (like tigers) might attack livestock, or even people. Which can end badly for all involved. We’re working with farmers and communities to find the best solutions for people and wildlife in those circumstances.
Illegal wildlife trade

The huge expanses of grasslands across Africa have been particularly targeted by poachers in recent years, with brutal attacks on elephants and rhinos to steal their tusks and horns. Our anti-poaching work focuses on strengthening the role of the brave rangers who risk their lives to guard the savannahs and protect the creatures living there.