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Field Guide to the Spiders of Southern Africa
Thoroughly revised and updated, this long-awaited new edition of Field Guide to the Spiders of South Africa remains the most comprehensive guide to South African spiders published to date. It features over 780 of the more common spider species encountered in the field and in homes and gardens, as well as representative species from some of the rarer spider families.
– ‘Quick Keys’ to the 72 South African spider families provide a useful starting point to identification.
– Succinct genus and species accounts cover identifying characteristics, breeding, behaviour, distribution and conservation status.
– Colour photographs and/or illustrations as well as distribution maps support each entry.
– Introductory chapter discusses spider morphology, spider life cycle, the functions of silk, as well as spider collection techniques.
– Section on venom identifies species that pose a danger to humans, unpacks neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom, and details the symptoms and treatment of spider bites. -
Kinders se voëls van Suider-Afrika
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.
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Kids’ Birds of Southern Africa
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.
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Hiking Beyond Cape Town
Hiking Beyond Cape Town opens a gateway to the myriad trails and tracks that await hikers – young and old, novice and experienced – beyond the confines of the city.
This collection of day trips outside of Cape Town features 40 trails, fanning out from the south coast to the west and covering a range of varied hikes in between. Ranging between 2 to 7 hours, the hikes are tailored for single-day trips, although a handful will require overnighting. Each hike entry includes an accurate, up-to-date route description, a map of the trail, and directions for getting to the start. In each case, an upfront summary outlines the distance, duration, grade of difficulty, and elevation of the hike, as well as other details. Striking colour photographs and observations about the plant and animal life along the route add lively interest.
A brief introduction provides expert advice on gear, planning and preparation.
An essential reference for hikers keen to explore new horizons.
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Eyezingane Izinyoni zaseNingizimu ye-Afrika
Le ncwadi ejabulisayo, egcwele mfi yethula izingane emaqenjini ezinyoni ezingaphezu kwama-60 ezitholakala eningizimu ne-Afrika: okholwase abanemilenze emide, oklebe abasheshayo, izincwincwi ezifana nejuba, izinsingizi ezinesibindi nezinye eziningi.
Funda ukubona izinyoni ezihlukahlukene, futhi uthole nendlela ehlaba umxhwele eziziphatha ngayo-indlela ezithola ngayo ukudla, ezikhetha ngayo umlingani, ezakha ngayo isidleke, ezikhulisa ngayo amachwane azo nokuthi zizigwema kanjani izilwane ezizizingelayo. Isingeniso esinemininingwane sichaza okuphathelene nezinyoni okunjengokuthandana, ukufuduka, ukuhlala kwazo ngaziningi kanye nokwebuza.
Kufakwe izithombe ezinhle ngokwedlulele ezingaphezu kwama-500, eziningi zichaziwe ukuze zigqamise izici nokuthile okuhlukile okuhlaba umxhwele ngazo.
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Field Guide to Scorpions of South Africa
An authoritative antidote to the myths surrounding these often maligned and misunderstood creatures.
Among the world’s most fascinating living fossils, scorpions have been around for some 420 million years. South Africa is home to an astonishing variety, with 108 species in three families occurring in most of the region’s biomes, from desert and grassland to fynbos, savanna and forest. Scorpions are even found in urban gardens.
Field Guide to Scorpions of South Africa is the first comprehensive guide to describe and illustrate all known species in the country. The clear, detailed species accounts cover appearance, habitat and behaviour, and discuss the variation within species according to region. Up-to-date distribution maps are included for all species and exceptional photographs, carefully worked to show astounding detail and vivid colours, bring to life the intricate patterning and colours of different species. Both males and females are presented, as well as a variety of colour forms, facilitating accurate identification in the field.
The introduction discusses scorpion classification, anatomy, biology, behaviour and habitat, as well as venomosity and the treatment of stings. Tips on how and where to find scorpions and how to contribute to their conservation as a citizen scientist are also included.
An invaluable tool for students, researchers, academics, hikers and anyone with an interest in South Africa’s rich and fascinating fauna.
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Wildlife of East Africa: Photographic Guide
This photographic guide to the wildlife of East Africa is an accessible introduction to the region’s more conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, flowers and trees. A colour photograph accompanies each account, which describes the species’ appearance, size, and habits, and gives information on their conservation status, habitat and the best viewing localities. This book is an invaluable guide for visitors to national parks and other wildlife-rich places in East Africa and is a handy size for travel.
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Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa (New Edition)
This revised, updated and expanded edition of Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa remains the only book to focus exclusively on the seabirds of southern Africa and includes nine new species for the region. This essential guide offers:
– Authoritative text richly supported with photographs and distribution maps.
– Clear ID pointers plus information on biology, behaviour and conservation status.
– An expanded introduction covering seabird origins, moult, feeding, breeding, conservation, and how best to watch and photograph these iconic birds.
– A bonus feature on flying fish and flying squid.An essential guide for birdwatchers and nature lovers who spend time at sea.
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Plants of the Baviaanskloof
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Eastern Cape lies a narrow valley, flanked by the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountain ranges. Named after the chacma baboons that long ago made this 200-km-long kloof their home, the Baviaanskloof is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. It is a meeting point of several different ecosystems, with almost all of South Africa’s eight biomes represented, making for an exceptional diversity of species, including many endemics.
Plants of the Baviaanskloof describes well over 1,000 plant species. It includes:
– Succinct descriptions of each plant species with full-colour photographs
– Brief family and genus descriptions, and species counts for the area
– An introduction covering the geology, climate and vegetation types of the regionCompiled over two decades, Plants of the Baviaanskloof is sure to become an enduring record of the diversity of plant life found here. The only botanical guide for this area, it is a must-have for botanists, gardeners, road-trippers, hikers, travellers and all who have a deep interest in plants.
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Nature Now Trees of Kruger
This book describes and illustrates 80 of the larger, more conspicuous and common tree species likely to be seen while travelling in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Intended as a handy guide to accurate identification, each spread shows the tree in full display along with a selection of supplementary images such as leaves, flowers, fruit and bark.
Succinct text with minimal botanical jargon supports the images, and informative boxes describe the uses of plant parts.
A series of maps demarcating 35 different vegetation zones or ‘landscapes’ within the Park helps readers to determine which tree species are likely to be seen in which area. -
Nature Now Mammals of Kruger
This easy-to-read, fact-filled guide features over 80 mammal species found in the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most popular game-viewing destinations.
Packed with stunning photographs and engaging text, it provides brief pointers for accurate identification and highlights the most interesting facts about each species. Did you know that leopards are more dangerous than lions, elephants use their trunks to snorkel, giraffes give birth standing up, and no two zebras have the same stripe pattern?Aimed at nature enthusiasts of all ages, this compact guide:
– Covers the Park’s rich diversity of mammals – from the world-famous Big Five to the miniature mongooses seen dashing across the road
– Unpacks each animal’s most interesting characteristics and behaviours
– Notes the record-breakers: who has the longest horns, strongest jaws or greatest appetite?
– Provides game-watching tips for successful safaris, as well as ‘Best viewing’ notes for each species
– Features striking photographs of Kruger’s wildlife in action -
Nature Now Insects and Other Critters of Kruger
Besides being a world-famous game-viewing destination, the Kruger National Park is
home to an incredible diversity of bugs, beetles, butterflies, spiders, scorpions and other creepy-crawlies. Packed with colour photographs, this visual guide will appeal to anyone keen to identify and learn more about the Park’s infinite variety of smaller inhabitants. Find out what
happens inside a termite mound, how ladybirds protect themselves from predators, and why dung beetles race to fresh dung pats. This handy book:– Spans 30 groups, including moths, beetles, wasps, crickets and spiders, and features over 200 commonly encountered species
– Contains vivid photographs of Kruger’s most interesting and attractive critters
– Unpacks noteworthy behaviours and biology
– Introduces key concepts, such as mimicry, cryptic coloration, metamorphosis, parasitism and pollination
– Includes bug-watching and photography tips for beginners -
Hiking Trails of Southern Africa
Featuring over 500 trails, including 60 new trails, this fully revised and updated fifth edition of Hiking Trails of South Africa is an essential resource for every hiker. This extensive guide describes a variety of trails across magnificent landscapes, from the iconic daisy fields of Namaqualand and fynbos-clad coastal plains of the Western Cape to the high peaks of the Drakensberg and the escarpment beyond. There is a trail for everyone – from hour-long hikes close to civilization to overnight hikes of several days, and everything in-between.
– Trails to suit every level of fitness and ability
– Distance and average hiking time
– Facilities, accommodation and activities available
– Fully updated booking and permit information
– Points of interest and notes on flora and fauna
– Expert advice on planning, preparation, nutrition, equipment, first aid and general safetyAn inspiring guide for all hikers – from novice to expert
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An Illustrated Guide to Medicinal Plants of East Africa
Medicinal Plants of East Africa is the first photographically illustrated guide to showcase the most important healing plants of the region. e book describes 136 plant species in everyday use in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Brief descriptions of each species cover that plant’s appearance, ecology and specific medicinal uses. To aid identification, more than 600 colour photographs have been included. Also included are recipes for remedies to treat a wide range of ailments. An easy-to-understand summary of the science behind the treatments concludes each section.
Supplementary features:
– Introduction to the medicinal virtues and active ingredients of plants
– Common methods of preparing medicines from plant materials
– Summary of ailments and the plants prescribed to treat them
– Glossaries of medical and botanical terminology and extensive reference lists.Medicinal Plants of East Africa will appeal to ethnobotanists, health and wellness practitioners, travellers and all with an interest in the remarkable healing properties of plants.
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Protect our planet – take action with Romario
Meet Romario Valentine, an 11-year-old eco-warrior from Durban, South Africa. Through his tree planting, beach clean-ups, avian art and other conservation projects in Africa and other parts of the world, this young activist has become a dynamic campaigner for the future health of our planet. In Protect our Planet, Romario enthusiastically guides young nature lovers through key environmental topics – from recycling and reforestation to pollution solutions and climate change.
Topics covered in this book overlap with the Foundation Phase curriculum, and include:– The relationship between people and the environment
– Renewable resources, such as solar power
– Forestation and why trees matter
– Types of pollution and the problem with plastic
– Reducing, reusing and recycling
– Climate change
– The importance of clean water
– Craft ideas, art activities and backyard projects -
Burchell’s African Odyssey
The English naturalist William Burchell set from Cape Town in June 1811 to explore the flora and fauna of the vast southern African interior. Over a four-year period, and travelling in a custom-built ox wagon, he amassed an astonishing 63 000 specimens of plants, bulbs, insects, reptiles and mammals – many not previously documented for science – and produced more than 500 paintings and illustrations. While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell’s famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, the challenges
and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town, from 1812-1815 have not been described. In Burchell’s African Odyssey, authors Roger Stewart and Marion Whitehead embark on a similarly daunting task – to reveal the homeward leg of
Burchell’s epic trek from the southern Kalahari via the Karoo and southern coastal belt back to Cape Town. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, including Burchell’s letters, his handwritten records archived at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the detailed
map he created to record his trek, the authors have crafted a thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated account that encompasses both the genius of the man and the natural history of the region that so intrigued him. -
Two Oceans A guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa
More than 2,200 species are described in this expanded, fully revised edition, which includes an additional 125 species, 260 updated species names, 190 new photographs and revised distribution maps. Bursting with life and vibrant in colour, Two Oceans is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of life that inhabits the sea and surrounding coastline. For over 25 years, this award-winning guide has been the pre-eminent book to which scientists, students, beachcombers and divers turn to identify and learn about marine life, from sponges to fishes, birds to whales and seaweeds to dune forests.
Key features include:
– Expanded and revised: 125 species added and 190 new photographs
– Accurate and up-to-date distribution maps
– Spectacular full-colour photographs
– Highly accomplished author teamThe authors, George and Margo Branch, Charles Griffiths and Lynnath Beckley are internationally acclaimed award-winning scientists with a passion for communicating the rich diversity of our marine world.
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A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa
This long-awaited third edition of A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded. New information based on scientific research relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms has been included in the species accounts. Features of this book:
– Covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour.
– Species descriptions are accompanied by full-colour photographs and distribution maps.
– Simple icons make essential information available at a glance.
– A separate ‘key features’ box assists in quickly identifying species in the field.
– Chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. -
‘n Volledige gids tot die slange van Suider-afrika
Hierdie langverwagte derde uitgawe van ‘n Volledige Gids tot die Slange van Suider-Afrika is ten volle opgedateer. Nuwe inligting gebasseer op wetenskaplike navorsing is ingesluit, en hou verband met gedrag, identifikasie, voortplanting en gif. Kenmerke van hierdie boek:
– Dek al die noodsaaklike aspekte van biologie en slang gedrag.
– Spesies se beskrywings word vergesel van volkleur fotos en verspreidingskaarte.
– Eenvoudige simbole maak belangrike inligting dadelik beskikbaar.
– ‘n Aparte ‘Kyk uit vir’ blokkie help om spesies in die veld gou te identifiseer.
– Hoofstukke oor klassifikasie en identifikasie, aanhou van slange, en die behandeling van slangbyte vul die inligting aan. -
Hiking Cape Town
The mountains and forests in and around Cape Town are a hiker’s paradise, offering an array of excursions to suit both new converts and seasoned mountain climbers.
Hiking Cape Town covers 35 exciting hikes on the Cape Peninsula and further afield, ranging from easy to moderate, with several more demanding trails for those who want to up their game. From classic hikes up the front face of Table Mountain and half-day hikes in the remote Cape Point, to gentle rambles along the coast and walks in mountains and nature reserves a short drive from the city, this book encompasses the area’s must-do routes.Each description specifies the approximate walking time, distance, difficulty rating and terrain. More challenging extensions to some of the routes are provided for a more strenuous workout. Full-colour maps and photographs illustrate the routes, and information boxes offer insights into interesting aspects of the specific trails.