Central African Grasslands

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Abstract
Grasslands in the Congo river catchment of Tanganyika and N. Rhodesia, which is an area of marked seasonal rainfall (Nov. to April wet; May to Oct. dry), and has elevations ranging from 2000 m. to 900 m, have been studied as living entities which are assumed to have a past history, a present status and future development. The main formations are first described, and these are subdivided into associations in which the characteristic species are listed. The grasslands thus defined are related to the topography, soil drainage and other vegetation, and to biological and other controls (including fire incidence) which influence them. Evidence is deduced that such factors condition the establishment and maintenance of grasslands as a series of recognizable communities. A classification of these communities is then explained, which segregates the different grassland types of this area into two main groupings, namely, the edaphic grasslands of the drainage lines and secondary grasslands which are mainly conditioned by man-made fires. Several examples of each group are described and discussed. The conclusion is that there is a recognizable grassland pattern in this part of Africa which can be used as a basis for describing different environments as well as the habitats occupied by various animals.

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