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Field Guide to Mushrooms & other Fungi of SA
R520.00Neither plant nor animal, mushrooms constitute a unique group of organisms. They appear in a staggering variety of shapes, sizes and colours, and identifying them can be difficult. This compact, beautifully illustrated guide is the perfect tool for identification in the field. It features 200 of the most distinctive and conspicuous mushrooms and other fungi found in South Africa. Each species is presented with a clear description and several full-colour photographs to aid quick and accurate identification. Notes on distribution, ecology, size, edibility, toxicity and other interesting facts complete the entries.
A brief introduction outlines the basic anatomy and biology of mushrooms and the vital role they play in sustaining all life. There are also guidelines to foraging and to photographing mushrooms, and a small selection of simple but delicious mushroom recipes.
Packed with more than 850 photographs, this is both a practical guide and a beautiful book that will inspire nature lovers, foragers, epicureans and anyone curious about these extraordinary life forms.
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Identifiseer die Bome van Suider-Afrika (NE)
R400.00‘n Regstreekse, voor die hand liggende en effektiewe gids tot boom-identifikasie.
Dié boek se titel sê dit alles! Hierdie bygewerkte tweede uitgawe verskaf ‘n duidelike uiteensetting van hoe bome saamgestel is en waarna om op te let wanneer ‘n boom geïdentifiseer word. Die boek bestaan uit twee dele:
Deel 1 beskryf en illustreer duidelik die verskillende dele van ‘n boom en hul rol in boomidentifikasie.
Deel 2 bevat ‘n sleutel tot 43 boomgroepe, gebaseer op maklik waarneembare stingel- en blaarkenmerke. Dit gee ‘n duidelike oorsig van elke groep, sowel as die Suider-Afrikaanse boomfamilies wat in die onderskeie groepe verteenwoordig word. Talle kleurfoto’s en verduidelikende illustrasies ondersteun die teks wat dié handleiding toeganklik en gebruikersvriendelik maak.Identifiseer die Bome van Suider-Afrika sal lesers toerus met ‘n goeie begrip van die bou van bome en waarna hulle moet oplet om dit korrek te kan identifiseer.
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How to Identify Trees in Southern Africa (NE)
R400.00A direct, straightforward and effective guide to tree identification.
This book’s title says it all! Now in an updated second edition, it provides a clear understanding of how trees are constructed and what to look for when identifying a tree. The book is divided into two parts:
Part 1 describes and clearly illustrates the different parts of a tree and their role in tree identification.
Part 2 features a key to 43 tree groups, based on easy-to-observe stem and leaf features. It carefully outlines each group and the southern African tree families represented in the different groups.Numerous colour photographs and explanatory illustrations support the text, making this an accessible and easy-to-use guide. How to Identify Trees in Southern Africa will equip readers with a sound understanding of how trees are constructed and what to look for in order to make a positive identification.
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Wild Flowers: Kenya & North Tanzania
R350.00A compact guide featuring nearly 400 wild flowers of Kenya and northern Tanzania, grouped for ease of use according to colour. The book includes the most widespread and commonly encountered species as well as some unusual flowers found in more remote areas.
Plants range from hardy succulents to spectacular epiphytic orchids and shaggy mountain lobelias, each concisely presented with reference to key features and typical habitat. Additional notes indicate whether a given species has particular ecological, medicinal or cultural value.
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Makgadikgadi Pans
R300.00Tucked away between the perennial waterways of the Okavango Delta and the arid Kalahari to the south are the legendary Makgadikgadi Pans. Some 12,000 square kilometres in extent, these salt flats, consisting of two large salt pans, Sowa and Ntwetwe, and a myriad smaller ones, are Botswana’s best-kept secret and one of its fastest-growing tourist attractions.
In this first guidebook on the pans and their environs, Makgadikgadi Pans – A Traveller’s Guide to Botswana’s Salt Flats explores this fascinating region, bringing to life its geology, wildlife, vegetation, climate, local economy and key destinations: Nata Bird Sanctuary, Lekhubu Island, the Boteti River, Mosu Escarpment, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park, and the towns and villages that fringe the pans. Full-colour maps and lively photographs support the text.
Additional features include advice on where to stay; sights to see and how to get there; activities on offer throughout the year; contact details; and a travel advisory. Informative, practical and user-friendly, Makgadikgadi Pans is an inspiring guide for all visitors to Botswana and the alluring salt sea of the Makgadikgadi.
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100 Bushveld Trees
R390.00This highly visual new guide introduces readers to 100 of the most memorable trees in the bushveld – the northern and eastern regions of South Africa, encompassing both the lowveld and the highveld.
An introduction covers the basics of tree anatomy, supported by a pictorial glossary, and details the author’s streamlined ID method that enables even novices to make quick and sure identifications.
Most trees are generously featured across double-page spreads;
Full tree images along with diagnostic photos (bark, leaves, thorns, flowers, pods, fruit, etc.) enable readers to distinguish even those trees that are most confusing, such as the ‘acacias’ or the bushwillows;
Concise text highlights each tree’s key features;
Interesting facts, multiple uses and particular value the trees have among local populations are given.With its abundant, detailed photographs and straightforward text, this guide will help readers unlock the complicated world of trees.
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Field Guide to Trees & Shrubs of East Africa
R610.00Fully updated and expanded, this third edition of the top-selling Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa now features more than 520 of the trees and shrubs – indigenous and naturalized exotics – commonly found in the region.
Each of the four sections – trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves – is arranged in alphabetical order according to scientific name. The book features:
An informative introduction to families.
Species accounts describing the plants’ habitat, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit.
General and commercial applications and uses in traditional medicine.
Almost 2,000 photographs depicting the species, its fruit, flowers and bark.
Glossaries, both textual and illustrated, of botanical and medical terms. -
First Field Guide: Butterflies & Moths of Southern Africa (NE)
R130.00This new edition of Sasol First Field Guide to Butterflies & Moths of Southern Africa has been fully updated and revised, bringing it in line with the most recent developments in field. It also features new images of all the species and families covered, facilitating quick, easy and accurate identification.
With the help of the full-colour photo graphs and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common butterflies and moth groups found in southern Africa, discover where they live, and learn about their unique behaviour and unusual features.
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Scorpions of Southern Africa (NE)
R320.00Scorpions of Southern Africa, the go-to guide for identifying southern Africa’s rich scorpion fauna, has now been freshly designed, updated and expanded. It includes 12 additional species, new images and distribution maps, and a chapter on how to go about identifying scorpions.
An invaluable guide for the amateur naturalist and professional alike, this accessible book describes:
- scorpion anatomy and behaviour,
- the strategies that enable scorpions to survive harsh conditions,
- their use of venom, and
- other aspects of their successful existence over millions of years.
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Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa
R610.00This fully updated edition of Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa covers more than 1,100 species of flora, focusing on the most common, conspicuous and ‘showy’ plants around the region. An informative introduction discusses plant diversity, vegetation types, and includes a key to identifying plant groups. Species descriptions follow and each is accompanied by:
- a vivid photograph
- a distribution map showing range, and
- an indication of the plant’s flowering season.
An invaluable, up-to-date guide provides the tools and information needed to identify flowering plants across South Africa.
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Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa
R440.00East Africa is known for its diverse landscapes – expansive savannas, lakes, and towering mountains – but also for its numerous protected areas: its parks and reserves that are the domain of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife. These areas play a vital role in protecting both the environment and the animals it supports, and annually play host to thousands of visitors who come to experience wild Africa.
This guide to the parks and reserves of East Africa provides a valuable overview of some 58 protected areas across East Africa. The book is divided into the four East African countries Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda – and, for each park, provides essential background on geology and landscape, climate, vegetation and wildlife, capturing the essence of what each area offers. It also covers the brief history of each park.
Other features include:
Numerous colour photographs of animal and plant life.
Detailed park maps, indicating places of interest and best sites to view key species.
Text panels with highlights, facilities and activities, wildlife facts, and important alerts.
A photographic gallery of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and trees, for quick identification of common species.This must-have guide to the region’s protected areas will prove indispensable to local and international visitors to the region and to all nature enthusiasts.
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Exploring the Seashore in Southern Africa
R190.00With this lively guide, young adventurers will discover the many treasures along southern Africa’s shores, learn all about the strange and beautiful creatures they can expect to see at the beach and where to find them, then try the fascinating activities and make their own firsthand discoveries. A companion volume to the popular Exploring Fynbos, this lively book is loaded with: interesting topics in accessible text, interactive activities, ‘did you know’ boxes, ‘things to do’ panels.
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This is Southern Africa
R440.00This is South Africa, now updated in a new edition, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through this spectacular land. It showcases the country’s breathtaking natural splendours and incomparable array of flora and fauna, its pulsating cities, the warmth of its people and the intriguing mix of its many cultures.
This superb book features more than 300 vivid new photographs, supported by a detailed introduction and informative captions.
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Kinders se slange van Suid Afrika
R200.00Ontmoet 36 van Suider-Afrika se mees algemene en interessante slange in hierdie lewendige en boeiende kindergids. Ontdek die besondere kenmerkende gewoontes van slange – waar hulle woon, hoe hulle jag, watter gevare hulle bedreig, en hoe hulle hulself beskerm. Meer as 250 bekoorlike foto’s ondersteun die teks. ’n Volledige inleiding tot heelwat kenmerke van die gedrag van slange ontsluit die betowerende wêreld van hierdie wydverspreide reptiele.
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Kids’ Snakes of Southern Africa
R200.00Meet 36 of southern Africa’s most common and interesting snakes in this lively and engaging kids’ guide. Discover the intriguing habits of snakes – where they live, how they hunt, what dangers they face, and how they protect themselves, all richly supported by more than 250 captivating photographs. A detailed introduction to many aspects of snake behaviour opens up the fascinating world of these widely misunderstood reptiles.
Kids’ Snakes of Southern Africa received an Honourable Mention at the Namibian Children’s Book Forum Awards ceremony held in November 2018.
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Field Guide to Fynbos
R610.00Field Guide to Fynbos features over 1,000 species from the Cape Floristic Region – home to one of the world’s richest floras. This fully updated edition focuses on the most common and ‘showy’ plants.
An introduction unpacks the world of fynbos – including origins, diversity, climate and adaptations – and is followed by a photographic key and descriptions of the fynbos families. Species descriptions are accompanied by photographs, distribution maps, comparisons with similar species, and notes on traditional uses.
For botanists and amateurs alike, this will remain an indispensable guide to South Africa’s most renowned flora.
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Wild Karoo
R280.00After centuries of relative isolation, the Karoo – South Africa’s parched heartland – is a latecomer to the tourist industry. What was once viewed as a harsh and desolate place of limited attraction is rapidly gaining popularity with visitors who now make the Karoo their destination, keen to partake of its legendary charm, its extraordinary flora and the resurgence of wildlife that once again populates its plains.
Wild Karoo documents Mitch Reardon’s 4,000-kilometre journey of discovery through the region. The book focuses on:
local nature conservation in all its facets
the game, large and small – some recently reintroduced – plus birds, reptiles and invertebrates
the unique, arid-adapted flora
the landscape and geology
the history and lifestyle of the people who have made a home here
plans to combine public and private protected land to create wildlife corridors between isolated parks, re-establishing old migration routes and so reversing some of the effects of human settlementBeautifully written, and illustrated with evocative photographs, this book is a must read for anyone interested in travel, wildlife and the environment.
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African Wild Flower to Read, Colour & Keep
R150.00Colouring-in is a favourite children’s pastime, and here’s a new addition to Struik Nature’s ‘Read, colour and keep’ series that will give hours of fun, while also expanding children’s knowledge of the natural world.
Why is Bulbine such a useful plant? Which flowers can we eat, and which are poisonous? What is South Africa’s national flower? Why do some flowers give off a rotten smell? What pollinates our beautiful flowers?
Children will learn interesting facts while enjoying hours of fun colouring in this selection of our most striking flowers. They can consult the colour guide in the middle of the book when choosing which shade of crayon or paint to use for the more than 40 outlined images – or make up their own fantastically-hued flowers!
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Fishes Okavango Delta & Chobe River
R270.00A comprehensive guide to the freshwater fishes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, this book offers background information on the diverse aquatic habitats of the region and on fish feeding, breeding and survival strategies. It also provides useful hints for anglers. The species entries describe each fish in detail, with key ID points and information on habits and occurrence. Each account is accompanied by a colour illustration or photograph. The book concludes with information on how best to utilise and conserve the fishes of the delta system and Chobe River.
This is the only such guide to fishes of the region and will be invaluable to local and visiting fishermen, naturalists, conservationists, as well as the many tourists who visit this spectacular African paradise.
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Cuddle Me, Kill Me
R230.00Canned lion hunting sprang to the world’s attention with the 2015 launch of the documentary, Blood Lions. This movie blew the cover off a brutal industry that has burgeoned in the last decade or so, operating largely under the radar of public concern.In Cuddle Me Kill Me, veteran wildlife campaigner Richard Peirce reveals horrifying facts about the industry. He tells- The true story of two male lions rescued from breeding farms
- The exploitation and misery of these apex predators when they are bred in captivity
- How young cubs are removed from their mothers mere hours after birth
- How they are first used for petting by an adoring (and paying) public
- Their subsequent use for ‘walking with lions’ tourism
- And how, in the final stage of exploitation, they are served up in fenced enclosure for execution by canned hunters – or simply shot by breeders for the value of their carcass, a prized product in the East.
Well researched by Peirce with the help of an undercover agent, and illustrated with photos taken along the way, this is a disturbing and passionate plea to end commercial captive lion breeding and the re-purposing of wildlife to cater for human greed. -
The Amazing Coelacanth
R140.00This colourful illustrated children’s book is aimed at ages 9-14. It recounts the discovery of the first coelacanth in modern times – a fish that had been thought to be extinct for many millions of years, and was known only from its fossil record.
In 1939, a specimen was hauled ashore in a fishing net off the South African coast near East London, and its identification as a coelacanth made world news. Chemistry professor JLB Smith identified the fish and dedicated the rest of his life to searching for live specimens and researching the science surrounding this evolutionary phenomenon.
This book, by ichthyologist Mike Bruton, uncovers:
the mystery of the coelacanth and the thrilling story of its discovery
its strange appearance and lifestyle
what makes it so special
how it evolved – and what this has to do with human evolution
how and what it eats, and who eats it.These and many other details provide insight into this amazing fish and its marine companions.
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Eerste veldgids: Paddas van Suider-Afrika
R130.00Sasol Eerste Veldgids tot die Paddas van Suider-Afrika is ‘n interessante gids tot die paddas van die streek. Volkleurfoto’s, verspreidingskaarte en verstaanbare teks sal nuwelinge en aspirantnatuurkenners help om die algemeenste paddaspesies in Suider-Afrika uit te ken, te ontdek waar hulle voorkom en te leer van hul unieke gedrag en buitengewone eienskappe.
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First Field Guide: Succulents of Southern Africa
R130.00This series of natural history field guides has been developed in the hope that young people and anyone with a budding interest in natural history will take up the challenge to learn the secrets of southern Africa’s fascinating fauna and flora. These little guides are an invaluable resource for the beginner, providing information at a glance through superb photographs, maps, and easy-to-read text.
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Stuart’s Field Guide to National Parks and Nature Reserves of South Africa
R450.00A must-have guide to South Africa’s famously diverse and richly populated parks and reserves.Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of South Africa is an indispensable guide to the country’s best and most accessible conservation areas. Written by two prominent conservationists, this new edition (with slight name change) has been thoroughly revised and updated.Each of the 43 featured reserves – arranged by province – includes:- Information on the history, location, landscape, geology, vegetation and wildlife
- Text panels covering highlights, climate and facilities
- A detailed map indicating places of interest and top viewing spots
The book includes more than 900 colour photographs and a pictorial ID-guide at the back that features commonly seen birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, flowers and trees -
The Annotated Old Fourlegs
R220.00When the famous South African fish scientist Professor JLB Smith published Old Fourlegs – The Story of the Coelacanth in 1956 he created an international sensation. After all, this 400-million-year-old fish, known only from fossil remains, was thought to have become extinct around 66 million years ago! JLB Smith’s dramatic account of the discovery of the first and second coelacanths in 1938 and 1952 turned him into a cult figure and put South African science on the world map. His book was eventually published in six English editions and translated into nine foreign languages. Mike Bruton’s The Annotated Old Fourlegs includes a facsimile reprint of the original book, to which he has added notes and images in the margins that provide an interesting and revealing commentary on Smith’s text, as well as new introductory and explanatory chapters that bring the coelacanth story up to date.
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Frogs of Southern Africa: A Complete Guide
R690.00Frogs of Southern Africa: A Complete Guide remains the most authoritative and comprehensive treatment of the frogs of the region ever produced, covering all aspects of frog and tadpole biology and behaviour.
This new edition (with a slight name change) has been thoroughly updated to reflect taxonomic changes based on the most recent research and DNA studies, and includes 12 new species and more than 130 new images. All 169 southern African frog species, and their tadpole stages, are fully described, along with their conservation status, calls, habitat and habits. Identification is made easy with the aid of over 1000 large, full-colour images, keys to species and summary panels on ‘Key ID points’ and ‘Distinctive characters’.
Calls for most species can be accessed instantly via QR codes in the book or downloaded from a dedicated website. Spectrograms of the calls are also included in the book.
Written by respected authorities in the field, this timely updated edition will be of benefit to all nature lovers, amateur ‘froggers’, students and professional scientists.
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Geological Wonders of Namibia
R400.00This stunning depiction of geology in Namibia combines searingly beautiful photography with clear explanations of how the varied landscapes formed.Arranged chronologically (starting 13.8 billion years ago), the chapters each deal with a particular event or process that has resulted in the formation under discussion. These include the early beginnings of the Earth, meteorites, canyons and limestone caves, vast desert landscapes, moonscapes and bizarrely-shaped rocks, and Namibia’s astonishing underwater lakes and reservoirs.Picture-driven, with accessible text, this book features all the highlights of Namibian landscapes and landforms. A treat for travellers real and virtual – those on the road as well as those in armchairs. -
Garden Birds in Southern Africa
R400.00This guide profiles 101 garden birds likely to be found in gardens across southern Africa, informing readers about what to look and listen for, and where and when.It is also an inspirational guide to creating a bird-friendly garden that is also a reservoir of biodiversity, wherever you are in the region. With an attractive layout and multiple colour images, it offers the following:- Descriptions and photos of 101 garden birds
- How to get to know your local species, their feeding, breeding, calls and general behaviour
- How to design your garden to attract the widest range of birds and other wildlife
- The best plants and structures to provide food and shelter for birds
- Detailed lists of recommended trees, shrubs, climbers, aloes and grasses
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Pocket Guide Birds of Namibia
R280.00This compact, easy-to-use guide features more than 350 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in Namibia.Pocket Guide Birds of Namibia offers:- Concise identification text
- Full-colour photographs of all species covered
- Up-to-date distribution maps
- An informative introduction featuring the ‘specials’ of the key birding destinations in Namibia.
An ideal introduction and travelling companion for birders in or visiting the region. -
50 Top Birding Sites in Kenya
R280.00For the very first time, local and visiting birders will have a detailed guide to Kenya’s best birding sites. The book will help them to locate the key species in each area, including sought-after ‘specials’ and endemics.Top 50 Birding Sites In Kenya offers:- a detailed map for each site with specific guidance on what to look for and where
- information about the birds likely to be seen
- descriptions of each site, indicating the plants and wildlife that may be encountered in addition to the birds
- tips for planning your trip
- road directions to each site.
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Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa
R610.00Of the more than 5,500 mammals species worldwide, at least 1,200 occur in Africa. Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa concentrates on the more visible and easily distinguished larger species, as well as some of the more frequently seen smaller mammals.This new edition has been extensively revised, expanded and redesigned and includes:- the most recent research and taxonomy
- revised distribution maps and many new images
- colour-coded grouping of orders
- size icons
- detailed descriptions of each species, offering insight into key identification characters, typical behaviour, preferred habitat, food choice, reproduction and longevity
- whales and dolphins now featured too
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Guide to Sieges of Southern Africa
R250.00In this companion volume to the highly successful Field Guide to the Battlefields of South Africa , the pivotal sieges that characterised the Cape Frontier, Anglo-Zulu, Basotho and Anglo-Boer wars are brought together in one volume. Accounts of 17 sieges over the last two centuries explore in detail the historical context in which they occurred, the day-to-day military actions that sustained the investments and the conditions both soldiers and civilians faced while defending their territory against a hostile force.
The siege descriptions are animated by maps where possible, and a variety of information boxes and human-interest stories, gleaned mainly from diaries, letters and eye-witness accounts; long-form features focus on the practical aspects of siege warfare, such as artillery, medicine, food, and the psychological effects of besiegement. The book also provides practical information for visitors who wish to explore these historical sites.
A fascinating read that will appeal to anyone interested in the volatile history of the country – armchair historians and travellers alike.
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Field Guide to Succulents of Southern Africa
R610.00Southern Africa is the natural home of the richest and most diverse succulent flora in the world. These plants come in all shapes and sizes, from trees such as the baobab at more than 20 m tall, to miniature soil huggers, just a few millimetres high, which mimic their pebble-desert surroundings. This user-friendly, richly illustrated field guide features more than 700 southern African succulents, focusing on the most interesting and commonly encountered species. An introduction to families and their key features will help readers identify the relevant plant group, while concise accounts describing the plants’ diagnostic features, along with distribution maps, will enable quick ID of species. More than just an ID guide for plant lovers, this book will inspire gardeners who are turning to indigenous, low-maintenance and water-wise plants for cultivation.
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Understanding Elephants
R210.00Elephants are arguably Africa’s most charismatic animals, and among the biggest drawcards to our game reserves. While the burgeoning game-park industry may be increasing our access to these magnificent creatures, rising human-elephant encounters are an inevitable outcome – sometimes, sadly, fatal. Such encounters could likely have been avoided had those involved understood elephant behaviour, and particularly how these intelligent animals interface with traffic through their territory. This book describes elephant family life, from rearing of infants to establishing dominance within a herd; it unpacks regular elephant behaviour, the matriarchal system, the particular dangers of males in musth, and many other aspects of their lives. Most of all, it provides guidelines for ensuring safe and enjoyable encounters with these majestic animals. This is an essential guide for those planning visits to reserves: aside from the interest factor, being able to read the tell-tale signs may just save lives.
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Insektopedie
R370.00Insektopedie lê die betowering en ryke verskeidenheid van die wêreld van insekte bloot. Dit deurgrond hul fassinerende gedrag en biologie – van paring en broeigedrag, metamorfose en beweging tot sig, reuk, gehoor en hul aanpassings by hitte en koue.’n Hoofstuk oor superorganismes ondersoek die merkwaardige verskynsel van sosiale gemeenskappe; ’n ander een dek die kritieke rol wat dié diertjies speel om die fyn balans van lewe op ons planeet in stand te hou.Die boek sluit af met ’n 60-bladsy geïllustreerde veldgids wat die meeste insekordes en hul belangrikste families beskryf. Voorheen as Inseklopedie van Suider-Afrika gepubliseer, maar die nuwe uitgawe is nou grondig hersien en herontwerp, met die nuutste inligting, ’n uitgebreide ID-seksie en ’n paar honderd nuwe foto’s. -
Eerste veldgids: Spore in die veld in Suider-Afrika
R130.00Die boekie stel die leser bekend aan die vaardighede en metodes wat nodig is om diere se spore in die veld te herken, en dit bevat 48 spesies met verspreidings kaarte en foto’s. Die dier word beskryf en daar word gekyk na habitat, spoor en gewoontes.
