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Proteas of the Fynbos
Proteas are South Africa’s wildflower celebrities: the King Protea is emblazoned on the National Coat of Arms and gives its name to the country’s cricket team.A total of 330 protea species are found in the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region – the botanical treasure house at the southern tip of Africa.Proteas of the Fynbos features 165 of the region’s more common or showy species, with pointers to many more. Each species account details diagnostic features, flowering times, habitats and distribution, while colour photographs showcase the beauty and diversity of this charismatic plant group. An informative introduction explores the biology, pollination, origin and conservation status of fynbos proteas, and highlights features to aid identification.Arranged in groups and subgroups for easy identification, this innovative guide enables flower enthusiasts to confidently identify over half of all fynbos protea species. -
Pocket Guide: Birds of Botswana
Botswana is one of the premier birding destinations in Africa, and hosts over 600 bird species. This easy-to-use, compact guide features more than 360 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in the country.
Features include:
■ An informative introduction to birding in Botswana, including habitat descriptions and a glossary
■ Colour photographs illustrating diagnostic features and plumage differences
■ Concise identification text, including key ID pointers, call descriptions and favoured habitat of each species
■ Up-to-date distribution maps.A perfect companion for anyone looking to identify and appreciate the rich birdlife of Botswana.
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Birds of Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Discover the diverse birdlife of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with this visually stunning guide. More than 300 commonly seen bird species are described in concise, engaging prose, highlighting their main characteristics. The text is accompanied by excellent full-colour photographs. Viewing notes, including tips about where and when birds are best observed, are given throughout.
For ease of use, the book is categorized into six sections: ground-dwelling, bush and woodland, nocturnal, waterbirds, birds of prey, and birds of the air. A brief introduction presents the key features of each wildlife sanctuary and the habitats that shelter the birds.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are two of the world’s most popular safari destinations, renowned for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebra. This easy-to-read, richly illustrated guide is the perfect safari companion and a valuable memento.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR
Jean du Plessis is an award-winning news photographer who has published several books with Penguin Random House. A prolific wildlife photographer, he leads annual safari tours to the Serengeti National Park.Rupert Watson has lived in Kenya for over 40 years, where he practises as a lawyer, mediator, and writer. He has authored several books, including the forthcoming Wildlife of Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area. He is Chair of the East African Natural History Society.
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Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa – A Complete Guide
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
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Newman’s se voëls volgens kleur (NE)
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.
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Pocket Guide Trees of Zambia
The most recent addition to the popular POCKET GUIDE series, Trees of Zambia features 140 indigenous tree species and four naturalised exotics likely to be seen in Zambia and its 20 national parks. The trees are organised in five groups, each with a unique set of characteristics, to help narrow down options in identifying a tree. Each page describes a single tree species, combining concise text and photographs.
Features include:
• Succinct species descriptions including bark, leaves, owers and fruit
• Full-colour photographs of trees and their parts
• Up-to-date distribution maps
• A brief introduction covering vegetation types
• Table of family names and tree characteristics
• Local names for trees
• Best viewing locations, including national parksAn invaluable guide for anyone interested in Zambia’s trees!
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Hiking the Fish
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.
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Snakes & Snakebite in Southern Africa
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.
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Tracker Manual
Featuring all-new spoor drawings, some 200 new photographs, and an extra 35 species, this fully revised and updated edition of the ever-popular Tracker Manual is packed with the latest on the art of tracking. Based on information developed by some of southern Africa’s best traditional trackers, Tracker Manual gives even more guidance on how to identify the spoor of some 190 animal species. Individual chapters cover carnivores, large mammals, antelopes, small mammals, primates, hares and rodents, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and insects. Each account contains:- Simple, bulleted text on key points of each animal’s tracks
- Clear, accurate track drawings
- Numerous informative photographs, sometimes annotated
- A list of similar tracks (where applicable) to avoid misidentification.
An instructive introduction describes the science of tracking and outlines what to look for in the field, while a quick-reference table compares tracks that are easily confused. This detailed and richly illustrated manual to the region’s most common animal tracks and signs will prove invaluable in the field. -
Soogdier-Safari Aktiwiteitsboek
Hierdie prettige aktiwiteitsboek is propvol speletjies, blokraaisels, doolhowe en kopkrappers oor Afrika se soogdiere, asook interessante het-jy-geweet-brokkies. Meer as 70 verskillende spesies pryk op die blaaie: van die yslike olifant tot die kleine duinmol.Dié kleurvolle, aangrypende boek is ideaal vir kinders tussen ses en nege. Dit tref ’n goeie balans tussen eenvoudige aktiwiteite, soos ‘vind die pad deur die doolhof ’en ‘soek die verskille’, en meer uitdagende kopkrappers. Soos kinders lees en leer oor Afrika se diere, kan hulle taaier raaisels oplos: watter welpie behoort aan die luiperd en watter aan die jagluiperd? Is hierdie bok ’n ram of ’n ooi? Kan jy die sterte by die regte koppe pas? Hierdie aktiwiteite vuur jong natuurliefhebber se verbeelding aan en verskaf ure se vermaak.Die Soogdier-Safari Aktiwiteitsboek vat kinders op ’n avontuur deur Afrika se wildernis – of hulle dit nou saamdra op safari, of tuis in hul eie den geniet. -
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Wildlife of Botswana: A Photographic Guide
With its mixed terrain of desert, savanna, salt pan and river delta, Botswana is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife of Botswana is an easy-to-use, all-in-one guide to the country’s most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and plants.
The book includes:
- An informative introduction to the country’s geography, climate and vegetation
- Species accounts describing each species’ appearance, habits, conservation status, habitat and best viewing localities
- Full-colour photographs of each species, along with distribution maps
An excellent portable travel companion for visitors to parks, reserves and other wildlife-rich places in Botswana
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The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees
A celebration of the rich diversity and beauty of indigenous trees, The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees uncovers the fascinating world of trees and how they function.
Presented in two parts, the first explores the physiology and behaviour of trees and the second the grandeur of a select number of species, richly supported by photographs. A comprehensive introduction focuses on the complex life of trees, uncovering how they grow, compete for water, defend themselves and make use of photosynthesis to survive; their role in pollination; and the symbiotic relationships they have with each other and other life forms. Record-breakers such as the oldest, tallest and biggest trees are also featured.
The second half of the book showcases some 160 conspicuous species, including the iconic baobab, sausage tree and mopane tree, as well as lesser-known but interesting trees such as baboon’s breakfast. These accounts describe the unique traits of different trees and their various parts, and discusses how they are used by animals and birds, and by humans.
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Newman’s Birds by Colour (New Ed)
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. -
Nature Now Snakes and other reptiles of Kruger
Besides being a world-famous game-viewing destination, the Kruger National Park also boasts a remarkable diversity of reptiles. This beginner-friendly guide features over 60 species of snake, lizard, terrapin, tortoise and crocodile, with basic identification pointers, interesting facts and notes on best viewing.
Learn more about the black mamba, puff adder, boomslang and other dangerously venomous snakes, as well as harmless creatures such as egg-eaters and blind snakes. Find out how to the identify the geckos, agamas and skinks that dart around camp, and discover the habits of the Nile crocodiles and water monitors, which bask along the waterways.
A richly illustrated, beginner-friendly guide – ideal for visitors keen to identify and learn more about the park’s reptiles.
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Kids’ Cape Town Guidebook & Activities
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
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Mammal Safari Activity Book
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.
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Hippos, a Mongoose and Me
In this sequel to the popular A Hippo Love Story, author Karen Paolillo takes us deeper into her courageous but perilous life among Africa’s wildlife.
Hippos, a Mongoose and Me is a collection of vivid stories reflecting the decades that Karen has lived and worked in the wilds of southeast Zimbabwe. The tales encompass a wide variety of animals and experiences, including Karen’s extraordinary affinity with hippos, life with her beloved mongoose, characterful baboons and rescued birds, close encounters with lions and an injured buffalo, and her heart-stopping flight from an enraged elephant. To add to the drama,
Karen and her husband Jean-Roger must face off against the drumbeat of political subterfuge and poaching of wildlife, sometimes at great personal risk.Inspiring, surprising and sometimes sad, this heartfelt anthology is testament to the courage and resilience of its intrepid author.
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Ericas of the Fynbos
Ericas come in an astonishing array of sizes, shapes and colours. Some 760 species, many of them found nowhere else, occur in the Cape Floristic region – a centre of unparalleled diversity for the genus and home to one of the world’s richest floras.
Even when in bloom, telling these delicate flowers apart is extremely challenging. In Ericas of the Fynbos, 170 of the region’s most common plants are described in detail, with key ID features highlighted for quick reference. In addition, information is given on distribution, flowering times, subspecies and similar species – providing more tools to aid accurate identification. Vivid full-colour photographs of each species showcase the astonishing variety and stunning beauty of the flowers. An informative introduction unpacks biology, pollination and distribution of erica species.
Enriched by a lively design, this innovative guide will give all flower enthusiasts, gardeners and hikers, the confidence to accurately identify ericas in the wild.