Cross-Timbers savanna-woodland

The Cross-Timbers savanna-woodland is a temperate grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecoregion located in the Nearctic biogeographic realm, covering North America north of the tropics, including Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico, spanning approximately 88,188 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code NA08390, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences continental with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate, seasonal rainfall. The dominant vegetation consists of perennial grasses with few trees, forming extensive prairies and steppes. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Cross-Timbers savanna-woodland.

Ecological Significance

Among the most converted biomes on Earth, temperate grasslands have deep, fertile soils that make them prime agricultural land. Burrowing mammals, raptors, and large ungulates are characteristic fauna. The Cross-Timbers savanna-woodland contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Nearctic realm.

Conservation

Like many temperate grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecosystems, the Cross-Timbers savanna-woodland faces threats from agriculture, overgrazing, habitat fragmentation, and loss of keystone grazers. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.