The Adventure in the Temperate Grasslands!

Brandon, Joe, Yui

Temperate Grasslands are on every continent except Antarctica. It can be found in the veldts of Africa, pampas of Argentina, prairies of North America , Murray-Darling Basin of Australia, Steppes in Russia and China.

Rain usually falls in late spring and early summer.

Average of 25-30” of rainfall a year. Warm humid summers, average

temperature 18C Cool, dry winters average

temperature 10C

Hottentots Fig (Carpobrotus sauerae) is a type of flower actively pollinated by a range of insects which sends out long pairs of triangular leaves. They are found on rocky outcrops and dunes. Their fruits are edible and is often used to make jam.

  River Crinum (Crinum Macowanii) is a

type of flower which grows in the Northern Province of South Africa. It is a lily with white or pink bell-shaped flower and grows in early summer.

Yellow Thatching Grass (Hyperthelia Dissoluta) is a type of grass which can be found in under grazed veld. It is tall with 12 mm leaf blades. It can grow up to 3 meters in length and is abundant along road sides. The flowers bloom from December to June.

Monkeys Tail (Vellozia Retinervis) is a type of flower which grows in the Northern Province of South Africa. It has wispy green leaves and flowers which are approximately 5 cm long. Flowers bloom in early summer to November.

Baobab Tree (Adansonia digiata) is a type of tree which can create its own ecosystem because it supports countless organisms. Baobab trees can grow from 5 to 20 meters in length. It has adapted to this biome since it has the ability to grow new bark. They can be burnt or stripped off their bark, but can still keep growing. Because of this adaptation, carbon dating shows that Baobab trees can live up to be 3000 years old. Baobab trees have white flowers open at night and fruit contains tartaric acid and vitamin C. The bark can be also used to make ropes, mats, etc.

Lions (Panthera Leo) are found in many parts of Africa and are most abundant in grassland areas. The full-grown males are up to 10 feet long and weigh 400 to 500 pounds. The lion has a muscular body with powerful forequarters. Lions have adapted to the grassland since they rest during the day in open veldts. They have a keen sense of smell and night vision, and hide beneath the grass before they make their attack on their prey. Lions have known to live up to 30 years in captivity, but only few live longer than 15 years out in the wild.

Oribi (Oribia scoparia) are a type of antelope found in the Northern Parts of Africa such as KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. Their hoofs point forward and their hind foot is elongated. A full grown male can weigh up to 17 kg. Their ears are oval the coat is brown with white under parts. They are grazers and do not depend on free surface water.

Elephants (Elephantidae) are found in Northern parts of South Africa, and large populations are kept in the Addo Elephant and Kruger National Park for conservation. Elephants are the largest land dwelling mammal in the world and can weigh up to 14,000 pounds. They have thick, wrinkly skin that can be gray to brown.

Cape Fox (Vulpes Chama) are only found in South Africa. It is silvery gray in color and has a dark coloring around their mouth. Adults measure up to 3.5 meters at the shoulder and weigh 3 kg. It preys on insects, mice and other small animals. It is nocturnal and rests during the day.

Wahlbergs Velvet Gecko (Homopholis Wahlbergii) are found in Northern Province and Zuzuland. They can grow up to 110 mm in length. Their backs are dark grey-brown with pale vertebral blotches. They eat large insects, grasshoppers and cockroaches.

Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Lowveld will be the next location for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Lowveld National Botanical Gardens has rare collections of plant species and the first man-made forests. The National Botanical Institute is involved in conserving and protecting African forest flora, which is quickly disappearing due to deforestation.

  There is a great concern for remaining grasslands in temperate regions.  Because the soil in these areas is incredibly rich and the land is flat and treeless, most of this biome has been turned into farms or ranches.

White rhinos were extinct in Lowveld, while 50 animals survived in Umfolozi Rivers in Zuzuland. Conservation efforts have been made and currently there are 337 rhinos. Kruger Park in Lowveld now has the world’s largest population for white rhinos. White rhinos need large amounts of water from drinking and also for the layer of mud which keeps the insects from biting. Their sense of hearing and smell is good, however their eyesight is poor which makes it harder for them to be aware of the potential danger.

Riverine Rabbits (Bunolagus monticularis) are critically endangered species which inhabit South Africa. They weigh up to 4.2 pounds and are nocturnal. They feed on flowers and leaves from shrubs. They also eat grass during the wet season. It is the only African rabbit where the female makes an underground burrow for her young. The Riverine Rabbits produce two types of dung. During the night, they produce hard pellets, but during the day, the droppings are soft. Riverine Rabbits eat their droppings in the day since it contains vitamin B produced by the bacteria as calcium and phosphorus are recycled.

Because we forgot to mention, what’s in it for you guys!

•AbseilingAbseiling is presented at Ekhukhanyeni Outdoor centre near Nelspruit and near the Sudwalacaves at Waterfall abseiling is available in the mountains near Waterval Boven. Kloofing and abseiling adventures are presented at the Blyde and Sabie Rivers as well as at the Berlin falls. • Balloons in Lowveld

Most of the flights take place early morning in the Hazyview and Lydenburg area and it is normally rounded off with a breakfast. There are two local companies which provide this service

•Bird WatchingThe Birdlife Lowveld is very active and they present regular outings to surrounding areas. Contact Lowveld Tourism. You can also go on a bird watching safari from Nelspruit to one of the game reserves or the Blyde Canyon.

• Blyde River CanyonSome of the dramatic views over the Lowveld are enjoyed from the viewpoints over the canyon, which is the largest Grand Canyon in the world. Several hiking trails are also available. Contact the Mpumalanga Parks Board at Lowveld Tourism.

•White Water raftingTrips are undertaken on the Blyde, Sabie and Olifants Rivers by qualified guides.

•Township ToursCome experience the fascinating culture of the rural and peri-urban areas of the Lowveld around Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview. Day trips and half-day trips are undertaken by seasoned tour guides into these townships. Tours include visits to the local tribal chiefs, shebeens and the sangoma (medicine man). Experience the local cuisine and home made beer, see traditional dancing or visit one of the schools in the area. Contact Lowveld Tourism.

•Lowveld Safari'sSeveral local tour operators do full day or half day open vehicle safaris into the Kruger Park. Night safaris are also undertaken to some private big five reserves in the Sabi Sand and Timbavati areas. For bookings contact Lowveld Tourism.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS47vg_TuBc

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 IN NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA! WOOT!

(This time for real. =D)