The steppe is a type of ecosystem characterized by low rainfall and low vegetation, such as bushes and grasses. The climate is arid and has summer and winter seasons. Summers are characterized by high temperatures, while cold seasons are dry. In this way, there are two types of steppes: cold and hot ones
In this ecosystem, varied species adapted to survive the climate develop. Do you want to know 10 steppe fauna animals? our site presents its main characteristics and other curiosities.
1. American bison
The American bison (Bison bison), also called buffalo, is a bovid that is distributed in the steppes of North America. It is a herbivorous animal that feeds on low grasses, such as bushes, shrubs, flowering plants and leaves.
Measures about 1.60 cm tall and weighs more than 800 kilos. Males and females have small antlers that they use to defend themselves.
two. Bobak Woodchuck
Among the fauna of the steppe, another of the 10 animals is the bobak marmot (Marmota bobak). This species is distributed in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, where it inhabits different areas of the steppe. It lives in groups and hibernates for 6 months every year.
The bobak marmot feeds on grass, flowers, bulbs, and other plant items. Since the 20th century, it has suffered a decrease in its populations, especially due to hunting and the destruction of its habitat.
3. Saiga
The saiga (Saiga tatarica) is a variety of antelope that is distributed in parts of Russia, China, Mongolia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It lives at 1,600 meters above sea level in desert areas and steppes.
The species is nomadic and during its movements it goes to areas of flat ground with low vegetation. Thanks to this, the saiga can easily escape from its predators. Females can breed when they are 8 months old, while males need to be two years old to mate.
4. Przewalski's Horse
Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus ssp.przewalskii) is part of the steppe fauna that is distributed in Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine and China. This is a variety that has not been domesticated This species lives in herds in areas from 1,000 to 2,000 meters high. Regarding their social organization, they form groups of one male with several females.
Currently, there are only 178 adult specimens, since livestock activity, the destruction of their habitat, hunting and climate change have brought it to the brink of extinction.
Here we show you more Types of wild horses.
5. Darwin's Rhea
In this list of 10 animals of the fauna of the steppe, Darwin's rhea (Rhea pennata) is also included. It is a bird native to South America, where it is distributed in Argentina and ChileIt lives at an altitude of 1,500 meters, in steppe and grassland areas near freshwater sources.
Darwin's rhea lives in groups of up to 30 members, made up of a larger number of females. These birds are similar to the ostrich and weigh up to 25 kilos. During breeding, females lay up to 50 eggs and the male incubates them.
6. Andean Condor
The last of our list of animals of the cold steppe is the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), a bird that is distributed in the countries of South Americathat are part of the Andean mountain range. The species lives in steppe, desert and prairie areas at 5,000 meters above sea level.
The Andean condor lives up to 13 years. It is characterized by black plumage, accompanied by white feathers on the wings and neck. In addition, it has a reddish head. It is a scavenger bird and the national bird of Chile.
Do you want to know more scavenger animals? Discover this other article about Scavenger Animals - Types and examples.
1. Naked Mole Rat
The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a species of rodent that is found in parts of Africa. It lives in areas between 400 and 1500 meters high in varied ecosystems: the steppe, the savannahs, caves and prairies.
The species is subterranean and eurosocial, which means that it lives in groups where each member fulfills specific functions. Colonies are made up of multi-generational families.
two. Steppe Eagle
The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is also part of the steppe fauna. It is distributed in various countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. It nests in semi-desert areas and rocky areas with sparse vegetation.
The species has a life expectancy of 16 years and migrates between August and October. It feeds on small mammals, termites and similar animals.
3. Great Bustard
The Great Bustard (Otis tarda) is a bird that lives in several countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, where it can be found in more than 100 locations. It nests in steppes and meadows, as well as in urban areas, since it is possible to find it in agricultural areas.
The great bustard lives up to 10 years and migrates during the winter. The nests are built in the meadow, near cereal fields. Currently, is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat, hunting, climate change and agriculture.
4. Damsel Crane
The demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) is another bird that can be found on the Asian, European or African continent. The species nests in steppe, desert and savannah areas, where it prefers to live at 3,000 meters above sea level.
The demoiselle crane is a migratory bird and lives up to 11 years. The species has an attractive appearance: gray body and wings, black face and neck, with white plumage emerging from its red eyes.
Other animals of the steppe
Other animals that can be found in the steppes, in addition to rabbits and insects and arachnids such as scorpions, ants and beetles, include:
- Spalax minor
- Russian tortoise
- Fallow Deer
- Coyote