Ascension scrub and grasslands

The Ascension scrub and grasslands is a tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecoregion located in the Afrotropic biogeographic realm, covering sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, spanning approximately 92.9 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code AT0703, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences warm year-round with seasonal rainfall and a distinct dry period. The dominant vegetation consists of grasses interspersed with scattered trees and shrubs. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Ascension scrub and grasslands.

Ecological Significance

Savannas support some of the most iconic large mammal assemblages on Earth, including herds of grazers and their predators. Fire and herbivory maintain the open grassland structure. The Ascension scrub and grasslands contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Afrotropic realm.

Conservation

Like many tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecosystems, the Ascension scrub and grasslands faces threats from overgrazing, agricultural conversion, fire suppression, and desertification. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.