The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem supports abundant and diverse [G 19 / flora] and [G 18 / fauna]. For purposes of identifying a few of the region's species of birds and animals as they correlate with their habitats, the ecosystem can be divided into different areas: short and long grass plains, [V 004 / kopjes], woodlands of the Seronera Valley, the denser woodlands of the Northern Extension and Masai Mara and the flood plains of the Western Corridor.
The short grass plains of the southeastern portion of the ecosystem are carpeted with green grasses during the wet season (December through May). In June the once nutritious dropseed, finger grasses and red oats wither. Migrating [G 45 / ungulates] - wildebeest and zebras - move on in search of food and water. Some [P 008 / cheetahs], [I 006 / hyenas] and [P 005 / wild dogs] will follow while others prey on the residents of the dry plains such as [L3 402 / Grant's gazelles] and other smaller animals. Because the plains are largely treeless, the bird population is less than in the woodlands. The large [L3 403 / kori bustard] flies little and spends most of its time on the plains.
The long grass plains extend from Seronera, in the center of the Serengeti, south. The grasses are over a foot tall and like the short grass plains, the long grass plains are largely treeless. Residents of this area include [L3 407 / bat-eared foxes], [L3 404 / kongonis], [L3 405 / topis], and [L3 406 / warthogs]. The long grass is also home to the [L3 408 / ostrich] and the [L3 409 / secretary bird].
Kopjes, in Afrikaans, means "islands in a sea of grass." This describes the outcrops of very old granite rocks that jut out from the open plains. Kopjes are usually the only source of shade and protection from the sun, as well as fire and flood. These rocky outcrops support a range of life separate from the plains. They provide secure nesting sites for eagles and other birds. The holes in the kopje are safe habitats for two species of [L3 410 / I007 / hyrax]. The two smallest species of antelope in the ecosystem, the [L3 411 / Dikdiks] and [L3 412 / klipspringers] can also be found in the vicinity of kopjes.
The Seronera Valley, in the middle of the ecosystem, features a variety of trees which provide shade and habitat for its many species of large of animals and birds. The valley is famous for its [P 006 / lions] and [P 007 / leopards]. Their prey, including several antelope species, such as the [L3 413 / impala] and dikdik, are found in abundance. [L3 414 / Baboons] and the smaller [L3 415 / vervets] are common as are eagles and all six species of vulture found in the ecosystem.
The denser woodlands cover the Northern Extension in the Serengeti and the Mara across the border in Kenya. The area is characterized by gentle rolling terrain, woodland with kopjes-studded, open plains. The Bologonja, Grumeti and Mara rivers flow through this area. Migrating wildebeest and zebras occupy this area late in the dry season (August to November). The [L3 416 / buffalo] is the most populous resident ungulate. Other ungulates include several species of antelope, [P 003 / elephant], and [P 015 / giraffe].
The Western Corridor extends west of Seronera through the black clay plains and central range of hills to Lake Victoria. The Grumeti River runs through the area and is home to the crocodile. Migrating wildebeest occupy this area during the early dry season. Resident herds include the cow-like antelope, [L3 417 / Patterson's eland], impala, and topi. Baboons and monkeys inhabit the forests which line the Grumeti River.
