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Geological Highlights of East African National Parks
R420.00The national parks and reserves of East Africa are widely known for their rich and abundant wildlife. This book presents a new and exciting angle – the geological highlights of the region’s intriguing landscape. East Africa’s cataclysmic volcanic legacy, caused by rifting of the landmass, has resulted in a rich source of geological wonders. These range from the seemingly endless, peaceful plains of the Serengeti to the stark skyscraper walls of extinct calderas and the belching vents of the Nyiragongo Volcano.
This handy guide escorts users around all the major – and some minor – parks of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and the Virunga Mountains along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Descriptions of each park and its wildlife, both fauna and flora, preface discussion of the geological origins, influences and current conditions. Key geosites in the parks, and how to access them, are indicated. Maps, satellite images and diagrams, along with vivid photography, help explain the dramatic landforms.
For anyone planning a safari to the legendary East African game parks and reserves, this book adds an exciting new dimension. -
Field Guide to the Amaryllis Family of Southern Africa and Surrounding Territories
R500.00The Amaryllidaceae family is distributed in warm temperate and tropical parts of the world. With 18 genera and 265 taxa occurring in the region, southern Africa is recognised as a major centre of diversity for this intriguing family. This compelling guide features all the species found in the region, conveniently grouped according to the biome of their natural habitat, and includes a useful key to genera and species.
Species accounts feature:
– Comprehensive text suitable for laypersons and scientists
– Information on distribution, similar taxons, life cycle and flowering period
– Notes on cultivation, history, medicinal properties and conservation
– Distribution maps
– Colour photographs and watercolour platesAn invaluable addition to the library of any plant or nature lover.
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Minerals and Gemstones of Southern Africa
R520.00Southern Africa is home to many important and interesting minerals, as well as a wide array of beautiful gemstones – including diamonds from South Africa, emeralds from Zimbabwe and tourmalines from Namibia. Minerals & Gemstones of Southern Africa is not only the most up-to-date publication on the minerals of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but also the first to feature the region’s gemstones. Mineral species descriptions detail their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses, and are illustrated with striking fullcolour photographs. The book includes:
– An introduction to the geology of the region
– Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses
– Multiple full-colour photographs of the species -
World of African Wildlife
R190.00How does a gemsbok stay cool in the desert? Why should you never pick up a bullfrog? Which predators have the cleverest hunting techniques? Why do animals leave droppings in the veld? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this informative and entertaining book for young nature lovers. Jam-packed with fascinating facts and photographs of animals in the wild, it introduces younger readers to the wide diversity of Africa’s wildlife, from mammals and birds to reptiles and insects, and much more. Additional fact boxes, did-you-knows and fun activities make this a book that can be enjoyed over and over again – whether at home or on an African safari.
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Die Wilde Wereld van Afrika
R190.00Hoe bly gemsbokke koel in die woestyn? Waarom moet jy nooit ‘n brulpadda optel nie? Watter roofdiere het die slimste jagtaktieke? Waar los wie hul dieremis? Ontdek die antwoorde tot die vrae (en baie ander) in hierdie interessante, prettige boek vir jong natuurliefhebbers. Propvol feite, foto’s van Afrika se diverse natuurlewe (van soogdiere en voels tot reptiele en insekte) en toets-jou-kennis-aktiwiteite. ‘n Interessante, lekkerlees-boek wat die jongspan oor en oor kan geniet – by die huis of in die wildtuin.
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Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves – Namibia | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Malawi
R400.00The first guide ever to document and explore the diverse parks and reserves of Africa’s ‘middle belt’, it covers Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The region contains prized spots such as the world-famous landscapes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi, and some of Africa’s best-known conservation areas, including Etosha, Chobe, Mana Pools, Hwange, Kafue and Nyika.
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Grasses of East Africa
R350.00Grasses of East Africa describes 100 species of common, ecologically important or remarkable grasses found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Grasses comprise one of the largest plant families on Earth, but are possibly the most overlooked. Yet it is these biquitous and important plants that have the greatest impact on our daily lives – providing a wide range of staple foods for humans globally, a fundamental source of grazing for livestock, and food and shelter for an infinite variety of wildlife.
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Quick ID Guide to the Carnivores of Africa
R100.00Of all the animal groups, none looms larger in the imagination than the carnivores. Adapted for hunting and killing other animals, they represent the most powerful predators on Earth. This compact guide covers both the mighty and ferocious – big cats, wolves, foxes and hyaenas – and a variety of smaller but equally formidable hunters – otters, polecats, weasels, mongooses and civets.
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Quick ID Guide to Primates of Africa
R100.00A new addition to the successful ‘Quick ID guide’ series, Primates is a succinct survey of the features and habits of our closest relatives. Divided into the three main primate groups – great apes, typical monkeys and prosimians (including the bushbabies) – this easy-to-use guide rovides pertinent facts, annotated photographs and up-to-date distribution maps to help readers accurately identify the most commonly seen and charismatic primates in the field.
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First Field Guide: Fishes of Southern Africa
R110.00Sasol First Field Guide to Fishes of Southern Africa is a fascinating guide to the fishes of the region.
These natural history guides have been developed to encourage young people and anyone with a budding interest in natural history to learn about the wonders of southern Africa’s fascinating fauna and flora. They are an invaluable resource for the beginner, providing information at a glance: each of the species presented is described in easy-to-read text, with a photograph and distribution map. A short introduction gives context to the topic. These compact guides come in a handy pocket size and are easy to use in the field – and make ideal gifts for children or beginners in the field.
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Marine Mammals: A guide to the whales, dolphins and seals of Southern Africa and the Southern Ocean
R180.00The is easy-to-use identification guide to the whales, dolphins and seals found in Southern African waters and the Southern Ocean is compact yet comprehensive. Close to 50 species occur in the region: from the demonstrative Humpback Whale and Dusky Dolphin to the striking Leopard Seal and massive Blue Whale.
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Snakes and other Reptiles of Zambia and Malawi
R500.00Zambia and Malawi are home to 240 known snake, lizard, terrapin, tortoise and crocodile species. Snakes and other Reptiles of Zambia and Malawi is the first field guide to describe every species of reptile known to occur in this region – including 14 endemics and several new discoveries.
– Comprehensive descriptions of each order, suborder, family, genus and species.
– Species descriptions cover identifying features, behaviour, prey and predators, reproduction, range, and danger to humans.
– Accounts are supported by stunning colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps that draw on over 16,000 recorded observations.
– Dichotomous identi cation keys guide users to the correct genus and species.
– Introduction includes clear diagrams of morphological features and unpacks the region’s biogeography and diverse habitat types, di erent venom types and the basic principles of snakebite treatment. -
The Living Deserts of Southern Africa
R550.00For generations, the deserts of southern Africa have intrigued scientists and travellers alike. Seemingly barren wastes, they in fact teem with life – from ants to elephants, stone plants to the curious welwitschia, dainty dik-diks to towering gemsbok, and cart-wheeling spiders to fog-basking beetles. How do they cope with scarce resources, unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures? How do they protect themselves against predators? And what is the impact of climate change on these life forms and their habitats?
Drawing on an earlier edition, published in 1993, biologist Barry Lovegrove answers these questions and unravels many of the mysteries associated with life in the desert. He describes the four arid biomes of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana –
Desert, Arid Savanna, Succulent Karoo and Nama-Karoo – and explains how and why such a great diversity of plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds successfully exist in these regions. The text is supported by the most recent research, spectacular photographs, and explanatory diagrams and maps.The Living Deserts of Southern Africa is a compelling, in-depth read that is accessible to both the serious student and academic as well as the interested nature lover.
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Saunders Field Guide to Gladioli of Southern Africa
R500.00The genus Gladiolus has fascinated plant collectors, taxonomists and the general public for centuries. Known for their spectacular flowers, these highly adapted and specialised plants occur throughout Africa, Madagascar, Europe and the Middle East. South Africa is home to more than half of the world’s Gladiolus species and the Western Cape is the heart of species diversity. Saunders’ Field Guide to Gladioli of South Africa is the first of its kind to offer a complete photographic record of the 166 species that occur in the region. Posthumously completed, this book is the culmination of the Saunders’ long search to find and photograph every known species of Gladiolus in South Africa. It includes:
– An introduction comprising a brief history of gladioli, information about the morphology and taxonomy of the genus, and guidelines for use in the field.
– Detailed descriptions of the main floral parts of each species, along with information about ecology, pollinators, similar species and conservation status; field notes were written by Rachel Saunders.
– Over 1,000 exquisite photographs taken in situ detailing morphology and habitat.
– Up-to-date distribution maps indicating where species have been recorded.
– A glossary of terms with illustrations unpacking difficult terminology.
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A Pocket Guide to Sharks of the World
R400.00Sharks are some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet. We still have much to learn about these fascinating creatures, but time is running out: sharks are more seriously threatened with extinction and in greater need of conservation and management than any other major group of vertebrates.
A Pocket Guide to Sharks of the World is the only field guide to identify, illustrate and describe every known shark species. Its compact format makes it handy for many situations, including recognising living species, fishery catches, or parts sold at markets. This expanded second edition presents lavish images, details on newly discovered species, and updated text throughout. It contains useful sections on the ID of shark teeth and shark fins most commonly encountered in the fin trade, and takes a look at shark biology, ecology and conservation.
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Pocket Guide Mushrooms of Southern Africa (New Edition)
R250.00Mushrooms are mysterious, beautiful organisms that appear in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes – from microscopic to over a metre wide. They are abundant worldwide, and South Africa alone has an estimated minimum of 171 500 species.
This new edition of Pocket Guide: Mushrooms of South Africa features a selection of the species more commonly found in the region, and will enable enthusiasts to identify these mushrooms in the field. Each entry includes:– Full-colour photographs.
– Informative accounts with distinguishing characteristics highlighted.
– Edibility at a glance.Easy to use and compact, this guide will prove invaluable to foragers and nature lovers.
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My First Book of Southern African Frogs – New Edition
R150.00Frogs are appealing and colourful creatures and live just about anywhere, even in deserts. My first book of Southern African Frogs introduces 55 different types of frog and their calls – made instantly accessible in this new edition by scanning a QR code.
A short introduction outlines the main features of frogs and includes an illustration detailing their life cycle. For each species, there is:
- a short description in four languages, describing the frog’s main characteristics
- a full-colour illustration of the frog, and visual clues to its size and eggs
- a distribution map
- an illustrated habitat bar with an arrow to indicate where each frog is likely to be found
This charming introduction to frogs and their calls will keep children happily absorbed for hours.The parallel translations make this book suitable for mother-tongue learners in four official languages and those children wanting to improve their knowledge of a second or third language.
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Shaping Addo: The Story of a Southern African National Park
R390.00More than a century ago elephants in the eastern Cape were systematically hunted – until only 16 were left . Today there are 650 elephants in the Addo Elephant National Park, the densest concentration of wild elephants anywhere on the planet. While elephants are undoubtedly still the park’s top drawcard, the past four decades have seen the emphasis shift from protecting a single species to conserving five biomes and the wild animals that occupy them. Today, Addo can boast the Big Seven: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, as well as great white shark and southern right whale.
Like Shaping Kruger, its successful predecessor, Shaping Addo expertly delves into the history of the park, detailing the positive impact that changing conservation practices have had on its development. Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research, the author provides fascinating insight into the lives and habits of the animals (both terrestrial and marine), examining individual species, the relationship between them, and the carefully crafted management strategies required to ensure the survival of all species.
Shaping Addo is an engrossing account of how a seemingly insigni cant sanctuary was transformed into an astonishingly successful mega-park, and the most ecologically diverse protected space in South Africa.
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Palaces of Stone
R280.00Across the face of southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces – some small, others rambling, but many are astonishing. All are the legacy of kingdoms past.
Some, such as Great Zimbabwe, Khami in Botswana and Mapungubwe in South Africa, are famous world heritage sites, but the majority are unknown to the general public, unsung and unappreciated.
Palaces of Stone brings to life the history of various early African societies, from AD 900 to approximately 1850. By exploring a selection of known and unknown sites, the authors uncover the emergence of ancient civilisations and reconstruct the meaning of the ruins they left behind. Woven into the narrative are stories of powerful political states; ourishing local economies; long-distance trade; and the destruction wrought by colonialism and modern-day treasure hunters. This book will appeal to anyone interested in Africa’s ancient heritage.
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Pocket Guide Birds of Zambia
R250.00This pocket-sized, easy-to-use guide to the birds of Zambia features 425 birds likely to be seen in the region, plus a few ‘specials’ sought after by birders. It is an invaluable introduction and guide for visitors to Zambia with its 20 national parks and 42 Important Bird Areas.
Features include:
– An informative introduction to birding in the region, including habitat descriptions and a glossary
– Full-colour photographs illustrating diagnostic features and plumage differences
– Concise identification text, including key ID pointers, call description and favoured habitat of each species
– Up-to-date distribution maps.Lightweight and handy for use in the field, this will be an excellent guide for anyone interested in the birds of Africa.
