A savanna is a transitional biome, blending grasslands and woodlands, and is defined by its long dry season.

With only about 4 inches of rainfall each year, trees are few and far between.

The animals of the savanna have evolved unique traits and behaviors to thrive in the tall grasses and sparse forests. From iconic species like cheetahs and elephants to lesser-known creatures like the pygmy falcon, these animals have adapted remarkably to the challenges of life in the savanna.

1. Grant's Gazelle

Grant’s gazelle, a type of antelope, is a common herbivore in the savanna. These gazelles primarily graze on shrubs, herbs, and tall grasses, but they also enjoy fruits during the dry season. Remarkably, Grant's gazelles can go their entire lives without drinking water, relying on the moisture from their food to stay hydrated.

2. Caracal

Native to Africa, caracals are medium-sized wild cats found in savannas, forests, and woodlands. While primarily nocturnal, caracals have a specialized lower eyelid to shield their eyes from the sun’s glare. Like gazelles, they can survive without water, another adaptation for the savanna environment.

3. African Pygmy Falcon

The smallest raptor in Africa, the African pygmy falcon stands at just under 8 inches tall. Despite their small size, these agile hunters perch in high trees to spot prey and often share nests with weaver birds. While they typically eat insects, lizards, rodents, and small birds, they are known to prey on weaver chicks when other food is scarce.

4. Cheetah

Renowned as the fastest land animal on Earth, the cheetah thrives in the open grasslands and woodlands of the African savanna. With their sleek bodies and specialized claws, cheetahs can run at speeds of up to 70 mph to catch prey. Their spots help camouflage them in the tall savanna grasses, while their retractable claws and muscular build allow them to grip the ground during high-speed chases and hold onto their prey after catching it.

5. African Savanna Elephant

The African savanna elephant, the largest land mammal, is a keystone species in its habitat. With large ears designed to radiate heat, they stay cool in the hot savanna temperatures. Elephants use their trunks to take water and cool off by spraying themselves. They also use their powerful trunks to lift heavy objects, including up to 400 pounds of vegetation daily.

6. Lion

Lions, often synonymous with the African savanna, have adapted to blend into their surroundings with their tan coats. Their retractable claws make them skilled hunters, while their rough tongues help tear meat from their prey. Lions are primarily nocturnal, which helps them avoid the heat of the day and hunt in cooler temperatures. They also adapt their manes to the climate, growing thicker in colder seasons and shedding in hotter ones.

7. Plains Zebra

Common in savannas, the plains zebra migrates up to 1,800 miles in search of food and water during the dry season. Their specialized digestive systems allow them to graze on lower-quality grasses. Their stripes are not only a distinctive feature but also a defensive adaptation—making it harder for predators to target a single zebra within a herd.

8. Blue Wildebeest

Known for their role in the Great Migration, blue wildebeests, or gnus, are essential to the savanna’s ecosystem. These herbivores help maintain the grasslands by keeping vegetation in check. Wildebeests have long tails to swat away flies and dark vertical stripes to help them hide at night. To ensure their survival, wildebeests give birth to calves in rapid succession, increasing their numbers and survival rates.

9. Spotted Hyena

Spotted hyenas are highly skilled hunters and scavengers in the African savanna. Known for their distinctive laugh hyenas can run long distances in pursuit of prey, thanks to their large hearts and high endurance. After a hunt, they often cool off in watering holes and find shade under bushes to rest.

10. White-Backed Vulture

Vultures are vital to the health of the savanna by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. The white-backed vulture’s beak is designed for scavenging, allowing them to feed on soft tissue. Their high-acid stomachs protect them from foodborne diseases.

11. Giraffe

Giraffes, with their long necks and gentle eyes, are among the most iconic animals of the savanna. Their towering height allows them to reach leaves and branches high in trees that other animals can’t access. Giraffes also possess incredibly strong, 18-inch prehensile tongues that are dark-colored to shield them from the sun. The tongue is coated with thick, sticky saliva, which protects it from the thorns and sharp branches they encounter while feeding.