There are so many animals that live in the grasslands. Some of them are very small such as mice, prairie dogs, and the little insect called the aphid. These animals can hide easily in the tall grass of the grasslands. Other animals roam the grasslands of Africa such as the African elephant, lions, zebras, giraffe, black rhinoceros, and many more! These animals are too large to hide in the grasses, so they must protect themselves in other ways.

Lions, cheetas, and coyotes are able to protect themselves by running very fast. Other large animals travel in groups. Elephants, zebras and rhinoceros roam the grasslands in huge herds. These herds are able to protect the smaller, weaker animals from lions and other predators.

Here in the United States, buffalo used to roam the grasslands, but no so much anymore. Buffalo are huge animals with thick, brown fur. A long time ago, many people hunted the buffalo. Today, a person can not shoot a buffalo, so the mammal is slowly making a comeback.

In other grassland areas, such as Africa, there is a big problem with people shooting animals. Elephants and rhinoceros are shot for their tusks, and lions are killed for their fur. We need to protect these animals before it is too late!


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