Terrestrial Habitats: Savanna / Sabåna
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Terrestrial Habitats: Savanna / Sabåna
Grasslands, called sabåna in Chamoru, occupy large areas of red clay soil in southern Guam. Nette(swordgrass) and foxtail are the most common types of grass. Nette grows in dense inpenetrable stands that reach 8 feet tall. Other common savanna plants are various shrubs, club mosses, and ground orchids. Fires burn off large areas of grassland every year, which results in heavy soil erosion. Fires, plus the poor nutrient levels of volcanic soils, prevent forests from expanding into the savanna.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
