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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.
Also available in E-book format
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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. -
Field Guide to Insects of Southern Africa (NE)
This trusted best-seller has been comprehensively updated and expanded to feature accounts of over 1,500 species and insect groups. Included are the most common, most economically and ecologically important, interesting and attractive insects in the region.
It features:
vivid photographs
easy-to-read text
detailed accounts covering identifi cation, biology, distribution and related species
a helpful introduction detailing the signifi cance, life history, collection and photography of insects, and
quick reference guides on the inside covers to facilitate identifi cation.Entomologists both amateur and professional, students, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in the natural world will appreciate this illuminating and invaluable guide.
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Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna
Concise, all-in-one guide to the mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs of the Fynbos Biome, featuring over 400 species
South Africa’s Fynbos Biome, which spans the country’s Western and Eastern Cape provinces, is one of the richest floras in the world. In addition to its spectacular botanical diversity, the region is also famous for its remarkable variety of fauna, with some species occurring nowhere else – from the tiny Micro Frog to the brightly coloured Orange-breasted Sunbird and the large, strikingly marked Bontebok.
The first of its kind, this concise field guide covers more than 400 species in four animal groups: mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs. The species accounts include key identification features and are paired with full-colour photographs and distribution maps. This guide encompasses popular tourist destinations such as the Cape Peninsula, the Kogelberg, the Cederberg, the Agulhas Plain, the West Coast and Baviaanskloof.
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Southern African Moths & their Caterpillars
The most comprehensive guide to the region’s mothsÂ
Authoritative and informative, Southern African Moths & their Caterpillars  provides a comprehensive overview of the moth fauna of the region.
Featuring more than 1,500 of the 11,000 species occurring here, the guide focuses on those that are most abundant, of economical or ecological importance, conspicuous or unusual. This essential guide offers:
- Authoritative text richly supported with photographs of both adult moth and larva.
- Clear ID pointers plus information on biology, habitat and distribution.
- An informative introduction covering evolution, life cycle, diversity and ecological importance of moths.
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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. -
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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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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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. -
Field Guide to the Amaryllis Family of Southern Africa and Surrounding Territories
The 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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Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves – Namibia | Botswana | Zimbabwe | Zambia | Malawi
The 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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Marine Mammals: A guide to the whales, dolphins and seals of Southern Africa and the Southern Ocean
The 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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Saunders Field Guide to Gladioli of Southern Africa
The 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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Renosterveld of the Overberg
Part of the Fynbos biome, Renosterveld is one of the world’s most threatened vegetation types, with just 5% of its original extent remaining. Focusing specifically on the Renosterveld of the Overberg region in the Western Cape, this field guide is the first of its kind to cover this highly endangered ecosystem, characterised by nutrient-rich soil which has been exploited for agriculture.
An in-depth introduction sets the scene, defining what Renosterveld is and giving some historical background to the ecology of the area.
The plants section follows, featuring over 980 plant species from the common and ‘showy’ to the weird, obscure and often-overlooked.
A shorter section of 140 animal species showcases the diversity of creatures found here despite severe habitat loss and fragmentation.
Additional features include a glossary with supporting illustrations, guidelines for landowners and farmers, and a comprehensive index.
Field Guide to Renosterveld of the Overberg promises to be an enduring record of this unique and severely threatened ecosystem. It will be a vital addition to any nature lover’s bookshelf. -
The Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa (5th)
This larger edition is based on the updated and expanded fifth edition of Sasol Birds of Southern Africa, which has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.
Key features of the 5th revised edition:
More than 800 new illustrations
Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app
Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations
Fresh input from new contributing authors
The larger format allows for better appreciation and easier use of the plates. -
Sasol voëls van Suider-Afrika (5th)
Die vyfde uitgawe van Sasol Voëls van Suider-Afrika is tans volledig bygewerk deur die deskundige skrywerspaneel, met bykomende bydraes van twee nuwe voëldeskundiges. Hierdie omvattende topverkopergids is grootliks verbeter en sal beslis sy plek behou as een van die mees betroubare veldgidse in Afrika.
Belangrike kenmerke van die nuwe uitgawe:
Meer as 800 nuwe illustrasies
Skandeer en speel voëlroepe deur die gratis aflaaibare toep te gebruik
Omvattende hersiening (met mees onlangse spesierekords), verspreidingskaarte en plaatbyskrifte
Nuwe toevoegings van bydraende skrywers
Omvattende dekking van die streek se voëls -
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa PVC (5th)
Now in its fifth edition, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.
Key features of the 5th revised edition:
More than 800 new illustrations
Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app
Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations
Fresh input from new contributing authors
Comprehensive coverage of the region’s birds