GRASSLAND

Grasslands are habitats characterized by grasses and other herbaceous plants that support a wide range of wildlife. There are several types of grasslands, including temperate grasslands, tropical grasslands, and savannas. Currently, grasslands are facing significant threats from human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, and climate change.
Discover our grassland project
GRASSLAND

Why is it so important to protect and restore our grasslands?

Grasslands support a wide array of plant species, from grasses to wildflowers, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. One of the key roles of grassland habitats is soil stability. The dense root systems of grasses help bind the soil, preventing erosion and promoting soil fertility. Grasslands also contribute to carbon sequestration and climate regulation, acting as open landscapes that facilitate air circulation, influencing local weather patterns, and providing cooling effects. They also support sustainable agriculture and offer opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography, contributing to nature-based tourism.

Savanna is a type of grassland habitat

20%

of the world's known plant species can be found in grasslands

50%

of all temperate grasslands have been converted to agricultural or industrials uses

1%

of the original tallgrass prairie still exists

How can we best support our grasslands?

Land acquisition and protection

By acquiring and preserving key land areas, we can create protected areas, wildlife corridors, and nature reserves that provide essential habitats for endangered species and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.

Rewilding

By reintroducing native species and restoring habitats, we can promote biodiversity, regenerate natural processes, and create thriving ecosystems.

Protecting/restoring keystone species

The protection and restoration of keystone species are vital for the well-being of habitats. By ensuring their survival, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, promote ecological stability, and support the interconnected web of life.

Keystone species

Keystone species have a key role in the functioning of a habitat, as they have a cascading effect on other species in an ecosystem. It is crucial to protect keystone species to ensure habitats’ health. For habitat restoration purposes, it can also be beneficial to reintroduce keystone species in certain areas. Here are some of the keystone species crucial for grasslands:

Elephants - Habitats

Elephants

  • endangered
  • Strongly decreasing
Elephants live in diverse habitats including wetlands, forests and grasslands (African savanna). They are a key example of keystone species and ecosystem engineers. They play a vital role in shaping their environments by creating gaps in the forest canopy, dispersing seeds through their dung, and modifying vegetation structure. Making grasses thrive, elephants contribute to sustaining grazing species such as antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras. Savanna's predators such as lions and hyenas depend on them for prey. 
Lions are a keystone specie of grassland habitats

Lions

  • vulnerable
  • 23000-39000
Lions are considered keystone species because, being apex predators, they regulate prey populations and strongly influence the behavior and movement of their prey. By consuming carcasses, they help prevent the spread of diseases and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. This scavenging behavior benefits a wide range of organisms, including vultures, hyenas, and smaller scavengers.

Wolves

  • least-concern
  • Increasing
As top predators, wolves have a significant impact on the populations of other species in their ecosystem. By regulating prey populations, wolves have cascading effects on the rest of their ecosystems, including impacts on plant communities and the distribution and abundance of other species.
Bison - keystone species

Bison

  • near-threatened
  • 2,518 and increasing (ca. European bison) or stable between 11,248 & 13,123 (American bison)
Bison are considered keystone species because, as large herbivores, they have a significant impact on the structure and composition of plant communities. Bison grazing stimulates the growth of grasses and other herbaceous plants, leading to increased productivity and diversity in grassland ecosystems. Bison also create wallows and other features that can provide habitat for other species, such as amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

Feel like strengthening our grasslands together with us?

Support one of our projects.