Plain Crazy !

Just look at some of the crazy sights from the world's warm grasslands.

From the prairies of America and the rocky grasslands of Australia to the Central Asian Steppes, mile upon mile of grassland means all sorts of wildlife during the warmer months. But, when the bitterly cold winter arrives, only the toughest animals can survive without hibernating.

Wallaroo

Found - Australia. Rocky grasslands

Threats - Habitat destruction

Did you know? - Baby wallaroos are kept in their mother's pouch until they are old enough to join the "mob".

Emu

Found - Australia on the prairie grasslands

Threats - Their habitat is being cleared for farmlands

Did you know? - Like the ostrich, the emu is a flightless bird capable of running at high speeds (up to 48 kmh). The male of the species sits on the eggs while they are incubating and doesn't eat or drink for 56 days.

Rhea

Found - South America on the prairie grasslands

Threats - Habitat destruction and hunting have made this a rare species. The rhea now lives in remote and protected areas.

At the Zoo - We have a breeding group. Did you know - they are mainly hunted for their feathers which are used in the hat trade?

Quick Facts !

* Annual rainfall - 250 - 750 mm

* Temperature - 40 degrees C in summer, as low as -45 degrees C in winter

* Total area of planet covered - 2%

* Area lost in last 5000 years - 58%

* World importance - Known as the "bread basket" because it provides food for so many species

* Threats - Because of intensive farming, there is a risk that many of these areas could turn to desert (desertification) if not looked after properly

* Amazing fact - Grass will survive fire here.