Sahel Region: A Geographic and Ecological Overview
Geographic Definition
The Sahel is a semi-arid region in Africa that lies south of the Sahara Desert and north of the Guinean savanna. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east, covering an area of approximately 5.4 million square kilometers (2.1 million square miles).
Ecological Characteristics
The Sahel is characterized by a transitional climate between the arid Sahara and the wetter Guinean savanna. The region receives limited rainfall, typically ranging from 200 to 600 millimeters (8 to 24 inches) per year. Vegetation consists primarily of grasses, shrubs, and thorny trees, with a gradual transition into desert as one moves northward towards the Sahara.
The Sahel is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals such as lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes, as well as reptiles, birds, and insects. However, the region has experienced significant ecological challenges in recent decades due to overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change.
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