• Explains the nature and variety of the vegetation, wildlife, and environments of tropical savannas
• Discusses the evolution of savannas and their role in the emergence and distribution of human populations
• Illustrates the characteristics of each of the continental formations, including the lesser-known non-savanna inclusions
• Outlines the key issues and concerns over current developments to savannas

  
Savannas form one of the largest and most important of the world's ecological zones. Covering one fifth of the Earth's land surface, they are home to some of the world's most iconic animals and form an extremely important global resource for plants and wildlife. However, increasing recognition of their land potential means that they are extremely vulnerable to accelerating pressures on usable land. 
 
This Very Short Introduction considers savannas as landscapes. Discussing their origin, topography, and global distribution, Peter A. Furley explores the dynamic nature of savannas and illustrates how they have shaped human evolution and movements. He goes on to discuss the unrelenting pressures that confront conservation and management and considers the future for savannas.