How do the Sahel and southern western Sudan differ in vegetation?

The Sahel and the southern regions of Sudan differ significantly in their vegetation due to varying rainfall patterns and ecological zones.

The Sahel is a semiarid transitional region characterized by steppe vegetation. Its landscape features low-growing grasses, tall herbaceous perennials, and drought-resistant trees such as acacia, baobab, doum palm, and palmyra. Because it is a transitional zone, the vegetation is relatively open and sparse, with a high susceptibility to desertification caused by overgrazing and drought.12

In contrast, southern Sudan is defined by high-rainfall savanna belts. These areas are significantly more lush, featuring rich, dense grasses and intermittent woodlands. While the northern parts of Sudan share some characteristics with the Sahel—such as acacia scrub and baobab trees—the southern regions benefit from higher precipitation, which supports more robust vegetation and diverse plant life compared to the arid, fragile steppes of the Sahel.3