Satellite view of the grasslands on the border of Angola and Zambia   Afrotropics Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   13,100 square miles (34,000 square kilometers) -- about twice the size of Hawaii Relatively Stable/Intact

· Royal Grasslands
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Royal Grasslands

These grasslands, rich in hoofed mammals and their predators, have been protected since the 1800s. At that time King Lewanika of Barotseland set aside land for a game reserve, and subsequent leaders have left part of the area completely unsettled by humans.

Special Features

Situated atop the deep Kalahari Desert sands, the grassy plains of this ecoregion are waterlogged during the rainy season and dry the rest of the year--tough growing conditions for all but the hardiest plants. Wiry grasses such as Loudetia simmlex grow well here and are used by locals for thatch. In the few areas where the soil is a bit richer, sedges can grow. Almost no trees grow here. Instead, unusual "underground forests" are created by woody plants that grow most of their stems beneath the surface. These plants can take advantage of the scant nutrients and moisture available in the sandy soils.

	Lechwe antelope, which prefer waterlogged areas because of their soft hooves, rely on the floodplains in this ecoregion. In the dry season, individuals disperse, with males forming bachelor herds that can grow to 50 individuals. Once the rut begins, males and females gather to mate.

Wild Side

Compared to other African grasslands, the species richness in this ecoregion is moderate. However, large numbers of ungulates graze on the extensive plains, including wildebeest and red lechwe, both of which undertake seasonal migrations. Other grazers include reedbucks, zebras, buffalo, sable antelope, and elands. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and spotted hyaenas all prowl these grasslands, though their numbers are low. In the mighty Zambezi River, no mammal matches the grace of the hippopotamus. Crocodiles and water monitors also inhabit the river waters. The rare wedge-snouted worm-lizard is found only here and in Angola. Many birds also live in this ecoregion, from small seed-eating songbirds to soaring raptors. Two tall waders--the wattled crane and slaty egret--are of special conservation concern.

Cause for Concern

Local control of this ecoregion through traditional practices ended in 1972 when the lands were declared national parks, a management change that ironically has caused many problems. The traditional importance of preserving this land has waned as local people have became less involved in the management of the land. Poaching and hunting have increased, uncontrolled burning of pastureland is disrupting bird nesting cycles, and long-time residents report decreases in the populations of useful plants and animals.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.