My First Book of Southern African Caterpillars, butterflies and moths is the newest title in this highly successful children’s series. Beautifully illustrated, the book introduces 56 species of southern African caterpillars and their adult butterfly or moth. Young children will learn about the fascinating life cycle of these insects and the important role they play in pollination. Each page features a striking outsize illustration of a caterpillar plus the adult insect it will eventually become. Simple text describes each species, and clear visual clues show size, pupa shape, and whether the insect is dangerous.
This lively book will appeal to both pre-readers and those beginning to read and is sure to be a welcome addition to a young nature lover’s bookshelf.
All text appears in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.
Well over 300 freshwater fish species found in the region’s rivers, lakes and dams feature in this fully revised third edition of Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa. Updated and expanded, this definitive guide includes newly described species, the latest taxonomic changes, new photographs and illustrations, and updated distribution maps.
An in-depth introduction, supported by explanatory illustrations and photographs, covers:
• a short history of fish science in the region
• ecoregions in which species occur
• anatomy, biology and ecology of fishes
• human impacts on fishes
• conservation status
• new understanding of evolutionary relationships between different fish groups.
The book also includes:
• succinct descriptions of large taxonomic groups of fish, with global distribution charts
• detailed species accounts covering size, identification features, distribution, biology, ecology, conservation, and uses by humans
• full-colour illustrations and up-to-date distribution maps for each species.
An invaluable tool for anglers, students and academics in the field, and conservationists
Newman se Voëls volgens Kleur bied vir die beginnervoëlkyker ’n vinnige, eenvoudige manier om Suider-Afrika se algemeenste voëls volgens hul kleur te identifiseer. Die vierde uitgawe van dié nuttige geïllustreerde gids is bygewerk met die nuutste gewone voëlname, uitgebreide habitatinligting en die mees onlangse verspreidingkaarte. Die leersame inleiding bevat praktiese wenke oor die uitken van voëls, inligting oor voëlanatomie en -klassifikasie, en raad oor waar om vir voëls te soek en wat jy op só ’n uitstappie moet inpak.
The view from this spot … is the most picturesque of any I had seen in the vicinity of Cape Town.
William Burchell — Travels in the Interior of South Africa, 1822
Kirstenbosch is a name that resonates around the world as the home of a uniquely rich flora in a setting of unsurpassed beauty. Established soon after the unification of South Africa in 1910, the Garden continues to draw both tourists and locals to its enchanting spaces and botanical riches.
This book tells of how the Garden came to be, its setbacks and triumphs, its benefactors and heroes. It outlines the Garden’s scientific eminence as the repository of knowledge on our prized flora and presents its many attractions.
In this new edition, the story is brought up to date with details of new developments and attractions, making it a quality memento for visitors and the thousands of locals who flock there annually.
The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of Africa’s most impressive sights. Following the river that is wedged between massive cliffs, the Fish River Canyon Trail is the region’s most challenging route – and one of its most popular.
Hiking the Fish is the ultimate planner for anyone wanting to embark on this trail.
Written by expert adventure guides, it combines practical advice, handy tips and full-colour photographs to bring this exhilarating five-day hike to life. A detailed introduction to the canyon and its surrounds is followed by chapters that cover planning and preparation; bookings and accommodation; hiking, cooking and sleeping gear; nutrition and meal planning; and first aid. A comprehensive day-by-day route description forms the core of the book.
A must-have guide to one of Africa’s most enticing adventure destinations.
An essential guide to identifying all dangerous snakes in the region, as well as several commonly encountered harmless snakes, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa also describes the symptoms resulting from bites and gives practical advice on first aid measures.
Now fully revised and expanded, this third edition includes nine additional species, over 250 new photographs, and the latest medical information.
Simple icons, distribution maps, succinct text and full-colour photographs make this a clear, practical and easy-to-use guide.
Baobab trees are living monuments, the oldest natural things in Africa, outlasting every plant and animal around them. Surviving in some of the driest, rockiest areas of this continent, paradoxically they live longer and grow larger than most other trees in the world.
In this absorbing and inspired new edition of The African Baobab, author Rupert Watson explores the life and times of this fascinating tree, from its early Madagascan beginnings to its present status on the continent and its future in a changing Africa. It is a compelling read on an African icon that has intrigued travelers for hundreds of years.
The narrative effortlessly blends natural science, history and personal observations, sometimes drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers. There are intriguing accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. Watson also takes a close look at the relationship between humans and baobabs, and the tree’s myriad uses over the ages, from shelters to medicinal and spiritual applications.
Aimed at naturalists, environmentalists, botanical enthusiasts, travellers, and anyone awed by the wonders of plants, this book cannot but inspire.
Patrick Watson is currently South Africa’s most innovative and versatile landscape architect. Known for designing extensive mega-sites, such as Sun City and an entire Indian Ocean Island, he is also the creator of exquisite small home gardens and quiet spaces for reflection, such as at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. A highly sought-after designer, he has created over 200 gardens in Africa and many others elsewhere.
He seldom works from carefully drawn plans, instead combining artistic intuition with extensive botanical knowledge and a deep concern for the conservation and restoration of nature. His projects are creative, fresh with inspiration, and often bold, and he uses mostly indigenous plants, colours, landforms and space to create visual and emotional experiences.
Covering 23 gardens and landscapes, and richly supported by exquisite photographs and specially commissioned artworks, Veld is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable talent and visionary whose work is deeply informed by nature. It recognises and celebrates the combination of knowledge, skill and instinct that make up the man, and the radical influence he has had on his profession, and the landscapes he has restored.
Newman’s Birds by Colour offers beginner birders a quick and simple way to identify southern Africa’s most common birds using colour as a starting point.
Now in its fourth edition, this handy illustrated guide has been updated to include the latest common names, expanded habitat information, and up-to-date distribution maps. An informative introduction provides practical tips for identifying birds, and includes information on bird anatomy and classification, and guidance on where to look for birds and what you need to go birding.
Ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar as Sasol Voëls van Suider Afrika (5de uitgawe)
Now in its fifth edition, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.
Key features of the 5th revised edition:
More than 800 new illustrations
Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app
Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations
Fresh input from new contributing authors
Comprehensive coverage of the region’s birds
Filled with activities and interesting facts about Cape Town, this book covers the city’s six most popular destinations: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the V&A Waterfront. With vibrant, full-colour illustrations throughout, this guidebook brings each destination to life with child-focused trivia and educational activities, such as puzzles, mazes, crosswords, secret codes and spot-the-difference. It also advises parents and children about what to pack and what to expect at each location.
Make the most of day trips in Cape Town with this fun, activity-packed companion
This lively activity book is jam-packed with puzzles, crosswords, quizzes, mazes and word games about African mammals, as well as interesting facts and did-you-knows. Over 70 species feature – from the towering giraffe to the tiny naked mole-rat. Ideal for children aged 6–9 years, this colourful, interactive book strikes a balance between simple activities, such as find-the-way, spot-the-difference and odd-one-out, and more challenging brainteasers as children read on and learn about African wildlife.
How do you tell a baby cheetah and leopard apart? Can you match the animals’ heads to their tails? Which mammals live underground? Which antelope are male and which are female? These riddles, and many others, are designed to ignite imagination of young minds while also providing hours of entertainment.
Engaging and enchanting, the Mammal Safari Activity Book will take children on a wild adventure through the African bush – whether as a companion on safari or at home in their own dens.
Hierdie lewendige boek stel kinders voor aan meer as 60 van die voëlgroepe wat in Suider-Afrika te vind is: grasieuse flaminke, vinnige valke, juweel-agtige suikerbekkies, kordate neushoringvoëls en vele meer.
Leer hoe om verskillende voëls te identifiseer en ontdek meer oor hul gedrag – hoe hulle kos soek, ‘n maat kies, ‘n nes bou, kuikens grootmaak en roofdiere vermy. ‘n Volledige inleiding verduidelik konsepte soos hofmakery, migrasie en
ververing.
Meer as 500 treffende foto’s is ingesluit, waarvan baie aantekeninge het_om_interessante eienskappe aan te toon.
This lively, jam-packed book introduces kids to more than 60 bird groups found in southern Africa: long-legged flamingos, speedy falcons, jewel-like sunbirds, plucky hornbills and many more.
Learn to identify different birds, and discover their intriguing behaviours – how they find food, choose a mate, build a nest, raise their young and avoid predators. A detailed introduction explains birding concepts such as courtship, migration, mobbing and moulting.
More than 500 stunning photographs are included, with many annotated to highlight interesting features and traits.