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On Track – Quick ID Guide Southern Africa Animal
R100.00Following the success of the earlier Scatalog: Quick ID guide to southern African animal droppings, here’s another quick and quirky identification guide, this time to tracks of the region’s most commonly found mammals, but also includes tracks of reptiles, rodents, birds and insects.
A simple key on the inside front cover directs users to any of 11 categories, such as ‘cloven hooves’, ‘paws’ or ‘tramline-like trails’. Nearly 100 animals or closely related groups of animals are depicted; for each, there is a silhouette of front and back feet and a colour photograph of the track; the average measurements for each track; a short description of the track; and information about the circumstances and likely habitat.
Concise and to-the-point, this pocket-sized reference will prove indispensable in the field, no matter the experience of the user.
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Mammals of Botswana Did You Know
R240.00This guide to the mammals of Botswana offers a detailed roundup of more than 80 animals – with maps, travel information and a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. It covers the six major mammal groups: non-ruminants, ruminants, carnivores, non-carnivorous small mammals, rodents and shrews, and bats – in colour-coded sections for quick reference, and with animal names in seven languages.
An initial section examines mammal anatomy, physiology and behaviour, supported by photographs and illustrations and containing fascinating information on skull muscles, dentition, locomotion, senses, reproduction, digestion and thermoregulation. The field guide section treats one animal per page, with interesting text about their habits, behaviour, communication, social structures, etc. supported by photographs, distribution maps, and images of skulls, horns, tracks and droppings to ensure quick and easy ID. Pictorial keys at the start of each mammal group help readers navigate within the section.
Packed with interesting facts, photographs and maps, this is an essential guide to Botswana’s rich mammal legacy.
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Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula
R240.00A bestseller for 21 years, Mike Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula remains one of the most popular books on hiking in Cape Town. Each of the 30 day walks in this classic collection has been carefully chosen because of a particular point of interest, be it a waterfall, grotto, yellowwood grove, shipwreck or spectacular viewpoint. The routes range from challenging climbs to the top of Table Mountain to leisurely strolls among the fynbos or along city beaches, and will appeal to hikers of all levels of experience – whether aspiring ramblers or diehard adventurers.
A simple grading system, information on the average hiking time, notes on the availability of water and practical advice on mountain safety and weather conditions ensure that the hiker is given a clear idea of what to expect. Every walk is accompanied by an accurate map and an easy-to-follow route description, spiced with historical snippets and nature notes.
For this eighth edition, all route descriptions and maps have been brought up to date, the design and typography have been given a fresh, modern look and photographs and illustrations add lively interest. With so many spectacular walks to choose from in the Cape Peninsula, Mike Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula is the ultimate authority on the best and quickest escape from the rat race – even if only for a day.
GPS coordinates for all tracks can be downloaded from www.gpstravelmaps.com/bestwalks.php
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African Wildlife Quiz Book
R130.00This new-format, new edition of the African Wildlife Quiz Book will provide hours of fun for people of all ages. Packed with quizzes, crosswords, word searches, brainteasers and interesting facts, it offers competitive games for lively groups, or a quiet challenge for solitary users.
The activities will keep family and friends entertained while they learn about African wildlife and the environment; and the varied levels of difficulty will ensure that the whole family is entertained and challenged as they fill in the quiz grids provided.
All the answers are given at the back of the book. An excellent companion to take on long voyages, or have handy to fill spare time or spice up a party.
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Shaping Kruger
R390.00The Kruger National Park is one of the world’s leading stewards of biological diversity. Its management requires ongoing monitoring and re-evaulation to ensure that species survive.
Shaping Kruger provides fascinating insight into the lives, habits and behaviour of the larger animals that significantly affect the workings of the park. It expertly synthesizes decades of ground-breaking research into the animals and their environment, examining along the way individual species; predator-prey relationships; mammal distribution, and browsing and grazing interactions.
This detailed look at how Park management has had to interpret, monitor and adapt the processes that allow species to survive – even thrive – in an ever-changing environment makes for an intriguing and enlightening read.
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Tourist Travel & Field Guide Serengeti National Park
R280.00This is an all-in-one travellers’ guide to the Serengeti National Park – the vast, iconic reserve in the heart of East Africa. The book offers detailed maps, travel information and a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. The scope of this guide is rich and encompassing: after a general introduction to the Serengeti, it discusses the history and people of the region; the landscape, geology and soils; tourist information, including recommended routes, best season, safaris offered and booking details; and it describes the important places to see. Detailed maps indicate tourist routes and what to look out for.
The field guide section includes substantial check lists and colour photos of the vegetation (trees, flowers, grasses), mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds one is likely to see. It includes info on the habits and behaviours of the animals described.
Packed with interesting facts, maps and images, and with a comprehensive index for easy reference, this is an essential guide for visitors and tourists to the Serengeti National Park.
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Tourist Travel & Field Guide Ngorongoro
R280.00Here is an all-in-one travellers’ guide to one of the most extraordinary and beautiful places on Earth. It offers detailed maps, travel information and a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. The travel guide section offers a regional map and 12 detailed satellite maps of all tourist areas; info on how to get around, where to stay, road conditions, climate and best season to visit; and background info on the history, people, topography, geology and archaeology.
The field guide section includes check lists and over 500 photos of the plants, animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects one is likely to see; info on the nutritional value and medicinal uses of plants; habitat preferences of large mammals, and interesting animal and bird behaviour.
A comprehensive index for easy reference rounds off this essential guide for visitors and tourists to East Africa.
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Find 50 in Game Reserve Southern Africa
R100.00This fun, fold-out checklist illustrates 50 of the wild animals and birds that you may encounter on a trip into one of southern Africa’s game reserves. Children will love looking at the lively, full-colour illustrations, reading the interesting accompanying facts, and ticking off each creature as they spot them in the wild.
* Fun fold-out format
* Check-boxes to tick
* Lively, full-colour illustrations
* Interesting facts
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Smithers Mammals Southern Africa: A Field Guide
R500.00First published in 1986, Smithers’ Mammals is an authoritative and popular guide to the mammals of Southern Africa. This revised and updated edition incorporates the latest information brought to light by molecular genetics, while remaining accessible to the layperson and handy in the field. Each entry includes an in-depth species description; notes on habitat, behaviour, diet and conservation status; accurate illustrations and spoor drawings; and a distribution map. The book also details the whales, dolphins and seals seen along our coast.
This highly regarded field guide will appeal to general readers and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as to specialists in the field of mammals.
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My First Book of SA Ocean Life
R150.00My First Book of Southern African Ocean Life was selected at one of Bookchat’s non-fiction books of the year for 2011.
Visit www.bookchat.co.za for more informationYoung children will enjoy discovering the 58 fascinating ocean creatures in My First Book of Southern African Ocean Life, which range in size from the earth’s largest animal – the blue whale – to the tiniest plankton.
This newest title in the popular My first book series offers:
* vibrantly colourful, detailed, accurate illustrations of each creature
* short, accessible texts with information that will satisfy the curiosity of both those who are learning to read and of young listeners
* simple pictograms that show at a glance where each species can be found, what it eats and its relative sizeAll text appears in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu
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Scatalog
R100.00Here’s a quick and quirky identification guide to animal dung or droppings. Each animal group (carnivores, primates, antelope, rats and mice, reptiles, birds) is briefly introduced; but the main focus of this book is the photographs, mostly life-size. These images enable immediate identification of the animals responsible for the droppings. To confirm identity, summary tables give details of average width, length and typical contents of droppings (feathers, twigs, leaves, sand, etc.).
This should become a recommended reference for rangers and field guides in the region; and it will be of use to anyone with an interest in wildlife, and even to those who simply enjoy walking in the wild and observing the tracks and signs they encounter.
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African Reptiles to Read, Colour & Keep
R130.00How does the sea snake swim? What is a ‘hinged’ tortoise? Who cleans a crocodile’s teeth? Do toads cause warts? How do some frogs survive the dry season?
Children will find the answers to these questions – and many other interesting facts – while enjoying hours of fun colouring in a selection of our most striking reptiles and amphibians (frogs and toads). There are more than 40 to colour in, each providing budding artists and inquisitive children with a snippet of knowledge as they work through the book.
In the middle of the book is a gallery of all the featured creatures, but this time in colour, giving a clear guide as to which shade of crayon or paint to use when colouring in the outlined images throughout the book.
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Pocket Guide to Saugetiere Sudliches Africa
R250.00This easy-to-use, compact book is the perfect pocket ID guide to mammals of the region. It covers – in surprising detail – some 120 mammals, from the smallest (bats, sengis and shrews) to the largest, such as elephant, lion and rhinoceros, as well as marine species, such as seals, dolphins and whales.
Authoritative and colourfully illustrated, this guide offers concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements. Clear images of each animal, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings make this a must-have book for tourists and nature-lovers alike.
Also available in:
Afrikaans as Sakgids Soogdiere van Suider-Afrika ISBN 9781770078864
English as Pocket Guide: Mammals of Southern Africa ISBN 9781770078611 -
Pocket Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa
R250.00This title is available in three languages
This easy-to-use, compact book is the perfect pocket ID guide to mammals of the region. It covers – in surprising detail – some 120 mammals, from the smallest (bats, sengis and shrews) to the largest, such as elephant, lion and rhinoceros, as well as marine species, such as seals, dolphins and whales.
Authoritative and colourfully illustrated, this guide offers concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements. Clear images of each animal, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings make this a must-have book for tourists and nature-lovers alike.
Afrikaans: Sakgids Soogdiere van Suider-Afrika ISBN 9781770078864
German: Taschenführer Säugetiere Südliches Afrika ISBN 9781770078871 English: Pocket Guide: Mammals of Southern Africa ISBN 9781770078611 -
Frogs and Frogging in Southern Africa
R280.00Frogs & Frogging in South Africa offers amateur froggers an accessible and practical introduction to frog identification. This second edition of the highly popular guide has been expertly revised and fully updated to reflect the latest advances in taxonomy and nomenclature. It is now also available in Afrikaans as Paddas en Paddajolyt. It offers:
all of the species in Africa south of latitude 22 °S;
a section on frog biology and behaviour;
how to photograph frogs and record their calls;
how to attract frogs to your garden, and ideas for projects such as building a pond;
the range of frog species to be found in different environmental niches;
maps and colourful photographs with the updated accounts;
a new key to the identification of tadpole genera;
a CDwith all 115 frog calls, which offer one of the best ways to find.Â
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Basic Bird ID in Southern Africa
R170.00Derived from an old Longman publication on bird watching and identification in southern Africa, this book focuses on the essence of how to go about identifying birds. Topics covered include size, shape, bill length, and other physical features that provide clues to the birds’ lifestyle and identity. Full colour photographs and simple line drawings support the text. This book is suitable for beginners of all ages as well as younger birders – in fact, for anyone daunted by the prospect of getting started in the captivating pastime of birding.
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Succulent Flora of Southern Africa
R450.00Succulent Flora of Southern Africa, first published in 1981, has long served as an authoritative guide for academics and lay enthusiasts alike. This long-awaited third edition takes into account intervening taxonomic advances and the discovery and naming of ever more species. All information has been fully revised, updated and supplemented in line with the latest thinking, and the book has been newly designed for clarity and ease of reference. Given the phenomenal extent and variety of our region’s succulent flora, this revised version is a timely – and classic – addition to the botanical literature of southern Africa.
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My First Book of Southern Africa Creepy-Crawlies
R150.00My First Book of Southern African Creepy-crawlies is the newest title in this very successful children’s series, and a companion to its sister edition on Southern African Insects. The book covers 58 spiders, snails, millipedes and other creatures (excluding insects) that are likely to be seen around the home and garden.
An illustrated introduction gives context to the subject, and then each page features:
* a vivid, full-colour illustration
* clear, informative text and visual clues for both pre- and beginner readers
* simple graphics conveying the creature’s size, what it eats and when it is activeThis inspiring and beautifully illustrated book will introduce everyday creatures to both pre-readers and those beginning to read in their mother tongue.
All text appears in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu
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Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa Commemorative Ed
R450.00This Commemorative edition of Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa at once updates a classic and pays tribute to one of the region’s best loved birding authors, the late Kenneth Newman. With the support of bird expert Faansie Peacock, the author’s daughter, Vanessa Newman, has thoroughly revised, updated and expanded this new edition to reflect the latest research, both in terms of text and illustrations. Covering all the birds recorded from the Antarctic to the Zambezi River, its range includes the birds from the southern seas as well as those of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique. The familiar, user-friendly format of Newman’s Birds uses colour coding to indicate major bird groups and, as always, large accurate paintings of each species reflect the bird as it is seen in the field, now labeled with diagnostic features. A revised introductory section takes readers step-by-step through how to use this latest edition of Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa in the field.
Also available in Afrikaans as Newman se Voëls van Suider-Afrika.
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My First Book of Southern Africa Seashore Life
R150.00My First Book of Southern African Seashore Life is the latest title in this successful children’s series. The book presents 58 sea creatures and plants that are likely to be seen at the shore.
An illustrated introduction gives context to the subject, and then for each species there’s:
* a vivid, full-colour illustration
* simple, informative text
* visual clues about the creatures’ diet, size, distribution round our coast, locomotion and exactly where they live relative to the water line.This beautiful and inspiring introduction to southern Africa’s shores will appeal to children – and parents – of all ages.
All text appears in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu
