Tropical grasslands, also known as savannas, are located in subtropical and tropical regions between 7 and 20 degrees north and south of the equator. Savannas cover large areas of Africa, Australia, South America, and Central America. The climate is characterized by hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters with average temperatures between 22 to 37 degrees Celsius. The rainy season occurs from May to September in the northern hemisphere and October to March in the southern hemisphere. Natural vegetation includes tall grasses and scattered short trees that are deciduous and shed leaves during the dry season. Many native people in savanna regions are pastoralists and cattle ranching is an important economic activity.