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Woodlands
Woodland is a general term for a savanna with trees spread out in a matrix of grass. Woodlands are not as dense as forests, so there is still enough grass to light seasonal bush fires. Animals such as buffalo, elephant, There are three general types of woodland in Serengeti Combretum molle/Terminalia mollis woodlands occur in the north of the park, which is the highest rainfall area. These trees are large and presumably old, and no seedlings or juveniles can be seen of these species. Mixed with this woodland are hilltop thickets of Croton dichogamus/ teclea trichocarpa which are currently declining rapidly. |
| Acacia woodlands occur in the central and western parts of the park at intermediate rainfall. There are 38 recorded species of Acacia in the Acacia Woodlands of Serengeti. Of these, 10 species make up more than half of the woodlands. The most common species is Acacia robusta (A. clavigera) which grows on slopes and hilltops and can be distinguished by its feathery leaves. Commiphora woodland occurs in the east of the park where there is the least rainfall. It is actually a mixture of Acacia and Commiphora species. The Commiphora species are not as resistant to fire as their Acacia friends. The low rainfall and low numbers of people outside the park on the eastern side may produce fewer, cooler seasonal fires, thus allowing the Commiphora species safe refuge. |
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