The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?

1. Burrowing animals and termites

2. Fire

3. Grazing herbivores

4. Seasonal rainfall

5. Soil properties

Select the correct answer using the code given below.  

The correct answer is 2, 3 and 4.

Key Points

• Savannah:​
  • The Sudan type of climate is characterized by an alternate hot, rainy season and cool, dry season.
  • They are majorly located within the tropics.
  • The savanna is home to some of the world’s largest terrestrial species.
  • The prevailing winds of the region are the
    Trade Winds, which bring rain to the coastal districts.They are strongest in the summer but are relatively dry by the time they reach the continental interiors or the western coasts of the continents, so that grass and scattered short trees predominate
  • The savanna landscape is typified by tall grass and short trees.
  •  While termites and burrowing animals modify soil composition, they do not actively prevent forest development. Termite mounds can actually promote tree growth by improving soil aeration and nutrient cycling.  Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • Bush fires are common in Savannah because of the alternate wet and dry seasons which can modify the forest. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • For prominent tribes such as the Maasai, pastoralism is one of their primary vocations.Thus, extensive grazing is important for the growth of forests.  . Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • Savannahs have distinct wet and dry seasons, unlike rainforests which receive year-round rainfall.
    Long dry seasons make it difficult for trees to survive, whereas grasses are more drought-resistant.This seasonal water availability is a major limiting factor for tree growth in Savannahs.. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
  • Savannahs exist on a wide range of soil types, including nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor soils.
    Some Savannah regions have fertile soils (like those formed from volcanic activity), yet forests still do not grow due to other factors like fire and grazing.
    Example: Serengeti Plains (Tanzania) have fertile soils, but frequent fires and herbivory prevent tree cover expansion.Hence, statement 5 is not correct.​

Additional Information 

Types of Savannah Based on Rainfall Patterns
 Wet Savannah (Tropical Savannah) 

• Receives 1000–1500 mm of rainfall annually.
• Has a longer wet season, allowing more tree growth.
• Example: Brazilian Cerrado, East African Savannah (Kenya, Tanzania).

 Dry Savannah 

• Receives 500–1000 mm of rainfall annually.
• Dry seasons last longer, limiting tree growth.
• Example: Sudan and Sahel regions in Africa, parts of India and Australia.

 Thornbush Savannah (Arid Savannah) 

• Receives less than 500 mm of rainfall annually.
• Trees are almost absent, dominated by thorny shrubs and xerophytic plants.
• Example: Kalahari Desert edges, some parts of Namibia and Botswana.