Grasslands

Grasslands steppes

The Eurasian Steppe is semi-arid, receiving on average 10-20 inches annually

Summer temperatures can reach the mid 70s F, while in winter temperatures drop to below freezing (-4F - 32F).

There are not many seasons in the steppe as it is fairly dry year round.

Net Primary Productivity

The steppe is typically found between 40 and 60 degrees latitude. The steppe is dominated by grasses, with very few trees

Soil Quality

Soil in the steppe is extremely poor due to low rainfall.

Invasive and Endangered

Endangered Species

Saiga Antelope

The Saiga Antelope is a critically endangered animal which lives in the Central Asian steppe. Poaching has caused the Saiga Antelope population to drop 94%, but help from the British government has helped the its population start making a comeback.

The steppe is fairly safe from invasive species due to soil content and low levels of water. Some areas of the Russian steppe have seen small amounts of invasive plants, but not enough to cause a serious problem and disrupt ecosystems.

Animals of the Steppe

The Przewalski Horse is an animal which lives mainly in the steppes of Mongolia. These animals are herbivores, mainly eating grasses, fruit and other plants. By 1960 the Przewalski Horse had all but disappeared from the Mongolian Steppe, but captive bred horses were reintroduced in the 1990s.

The Houbara Bustard is an endangered flightless bird which lives in the steppe. They are often hunted for their meat by humans. Despite the ban on hunting these birds in certain countries, hunting continues due to the belief that their meat carries medicinal properties.

Common Plants in the Steppe

The Central Asian steppe is classified as a grassland, so most plants found in this biome will be grasses. The specific grass in the photo shown is called 'feather grass'.

Appreciate

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