Steppes

Steppes are expansive, treeless grassland plains that occur in temperate regions with a continental climate. The term is most associated with Eurasia, where steppes extend from eastern Europe through southern Russia and into Central Asia, Mongolia, and northern China. They lie between deserts to the south and forests to the north, and include zones that range from dry, sparse grasslands to fertile, rolling plains.

Climate and soils: Steppes typically receive modest annual rainfall, often between 200 and 500 millimeters, with large seasonal temperature variation. Soils are frequently fertile and deep, such as chernozems in wetter areas, enabling lush grasses; where moisture is scarce, vegetation is sparser and shrubs may dominate in arid margins. Fire, grazing, and wind influence structure and plant communities.

Flora and fauna: Steppe vegetation is dominated by perennial grasses such as Stipa (feather grass) and Festuca, with forbs and occasional shrubs. Fauna includes large herbivores such as saiga antelope and gazelles in Central Asia, wild camels in some regions, and smaller mammals like marmots and ground squirrels; birds of prey and various ground-nesting species are common.

Human use and conservation: The grasslands have supported nomadic and semi-nomadic herding, particularly of horses, sheep, and goats. In some areas, agriculture and urbanization have reduced extent and increased fragmentation; overgrazing and desertification are ongoing concerns. Several protected areas and steppe ecoregions are recognized by conservation organizations; restoration and sustainable grazing programs aim to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.