-
Avian Architects Quick ID Guide
R100.00Another title in the ‘Quick Guide’ series, this compact little book is a handy identification guide to the surprising variety of nests built by southern African birds. Covering multiple species, it is arranged according to nest type – ground, woven, stick, cup, mud-pellet and domed, as well as nests in tree holes, on water, on cliffs and in scrapes on the ground. It is packed with photographs and illustrations showing the ingenuity of the designs, the birds that built them, and the eggs that are laid in them. In pithy fashion, the text – matched to the photographs – describes:
nesting site and nest structure
building materials used to construct outer and inner layers
nesting habits of the architects
clutch sizeA simple key to nest types on the inside front cover directs readers to the relevant section in the book.
-
Wildlife of Namibia: A Photographic Guide
R380.00Namibia is a fascinating land of contrasts, where floodplains, swamps and the world’s oldest desert have contributed to a rich biodiversity. Wildlife of Namibia is an easy-to-use guide to the country’s most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and plants.
The book includes:
-  An informative introduction to the country’s geography, climate and vegetation
- Accounts describing each species’ appearance, habits, size and conservation status, as well as information on habitat and best viewing localities
- Full-colour photographs of each species, along with distribution maps to show their range
- This all-in-one compact guide will prove invaluable to visitors to national parks, nature reserves and other wildlife-rich places in Namibia.
-
Orca
R230.00Great White sharks, attracted by an offshore seal colony, have brought success to the adjacent fishing village of Gansbaai along the southern African coast. A flourishing shark cage diving industry has sprung up, bringing jobs and money, and so benefiting almost the entire community. Tourists come from far and near to experience the thrill of a real-life brush with the legendary ‘Jaws’. Shark Town, as it has become known, is booming. Then one day, the sharks disappear. Slowly at first, but with gathering momentum, the word spreads: cage diving off Gansbaai can no longer promise the thrill of an encounter. The crowds thin, the boats remain at their moorings, and the once bustling community waits as their livelihoods tail off. Entrepreneurs and scientists alike are baffled.
But it’s not long before shark carcasses start washing up on the beaches. These, together with some coincidental sightings of another apex predator in the vicinity, are the first leads to the possible causes and culprits. Against the clamour and thrill of the cage-diving season in full swing, Richard Peirce visits the unfolding drama and explores what’s behind these strange events.
-
Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies Southern Africa (NE)
R480.00In this fully revised edition of A Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa, all164 species known to occur in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are described and illustrated, grouped according to family (six dragonfl y and six damselfl y families). The species entries feature scans of live insects (close-up and side-view images) and photographs of specimens in their natural environment and showing key behaviours. Detailed descriptions focus on size, identifying features and occurrence. An introductory chapter unpacks the life cycle, behaviour, biology and breeding of this fascinating group of insects. Presented in a classic field guide format, this revised edition now also features:
Expanded annotations to all illustrations, highlighting diagnostic features to ensure accurate identifi cation
New distribution maps
Additional colour plates and photographsBeautifully presented, informative and authoritative, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in South Africa’s insect life, and to nature lovers in general.
-
Field Guide to Tracks & Signs – East Africa NE
R560.00Originally published in 1994, A Field Guide to Tracks and Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife quickly became the standard reference to the subject in the region, reprinting many times. This new edition provides the most detailed coverage of tracks, droppings, bird pellets, nests and shelters and feeding signs, not only for mammals, but also for birds, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates. Greatly expanded, this extensive update now features: full colour throughout.
-
Scorpions of Southern Africa (NE)
R300.00Scorpions 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.
-
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.
-
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. -
Field Guide to Larger Mammals of Africa
R580.00Of 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
-
Understanding Elephants
R200.00Elephants 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.
-
Natuurlewe van Suider-Afrika
R450.00Hierdie gewilde veldgids tot die natuurlewe van Suider-Afrika, jare lank al ’n vertroude metgesel van natuurliefhebbers, is nou omvattend bygewerk. Dit bied beskrywings en akkurate illustrasies in volle kleur van meer as 2,000 plante en diere asook verspreidingskaarte vir die meeste groepe. Elke hoofstuk het sy eie kleurkode om naslaan te vergemaklik en uitkenmerke in die beskrywings is in vetdruk. Elke hoofstuk is geskryf deur ’n kenner op sy gebied.
Al die vernaamste plant- en diergroepe is ingesluit:
- Laer ongewerweldes
- Spinnekoppe en ander spinagtiges
- Insekte
- Varswatervisse
- Paddas
- Reptiele
- Voëls
- Soogdiere
- Grasse, biesies, varings en swamme
- Veldblomme
- Bome
-
Wildlife of Southern Africa
R450.00This long-standing, trusted field guide to the wildlife of southern Africa has been comprehensively updated and now includes distribution maps. It describes over 2,000 plants and animals, each accompanied by accurate illustrations in full colour. This book has been a trusted field companion for many years. Comprehensively updated, it now features range maps for most groups. The chapters are colour-coded for easy reference, and diagnostic features appear in bold type within the descriptions. Each chapter is written by a leading expert in the field.
All the main plant and animal groups are covered:
- Lower invertebrates
- Spiders and other arachnids
- Insects
- Freshwater fishes
- Frogs
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Mammals
- Grasses, hedges, ferns and fungi
- Wild flowers
- Trees
-
Wildlife of the Okavango
R310.00A remarkable variety of animals and plants can be found in the wilderness region surrounding the Okavango Delta. This photographic guide covers more than 470 of the area’s most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes, invertebrates, trees and aquatic plants.
An informative introduction describes the area’s geology, climate, habitats and the key roles played by some animals, such as termites and elephants. The species accounts feature concise text describing the species’ appearance, size, habits, habitat and status, with full-colour photographs to facilitate identification.
-
Giant Steps
R230.00Elephants have long been targeted by humans: not only are they killed for their ivory, but their extraordinary strength, intelligence and charisma have seen some of them captured, chained and effectively jailed for life.
Bully and Induna are two African elephants, both orphaned in organised culling operations and destined for lives in captivity. Growing up far apart and quite differently, Bully (a former animal film star) and the less fortunate Induna were both driven to react to their circumstances – Induna even killed one of his carers. Their individual situations reached a point where both were considered to be dangerous animals and were under threat of being put down.
This is the true story of their lives. Conservationist Richard Peirce presents their individual narratives and the twists and turns of their fortunes: the exploitation of these majestic but sensitive animals, how they each came to be trapped in unsuitable ‘employment’ and shunted about from one venue to the next, before finding one another – free at last – on a farm in southern Africa. It’s a gripping story, full of drama, danger, sadness and ultimate rescue.
-
101 Kruger Tales
R400.00This is a collection of 101 jaw-dropping stories, as told by the very people who experienced them – first-hand accounts of sightings, scrapes and encounters in one of Africa’s greatest National Parks. It details hair-raising experiences from the Kruger Park’s roads, camps, picnic sites and walking trails, such as:
• An enraged elephant flips a car onto its roof
• A lioness prises open a terrified couple’s car door
• A fleeing impala leaps through an open car window
• A hyaena snatches a baby from a tent
• A tourist takes a bath in a croc-infested dam…A bedside book, a travel companion, a dip-into, read-anywhere compilation of joyful encounters laced with terrible warnings. Wherever you are, this book will transport you directly into the bush.
CLICK HERE to visit the official 101 Kruger Tales website
-
Behaviour Briefs
R100.00The ultimate compact, quick ID guide to southern and East African animal behaviour, and the latest in the popular series of ‘quick guides’ to wildlife. This title:
• describes and explains the habits of the more commonly found mammals of southern and East Africa;
• matches concise text with action photographs that capture characteristic behaviour;
• serves as a companion volume to more detailed field guides;
• provides a quick reference and easy read for anyone interested in understanding wild animals and their sometimes baffling rituals.
-
Wild Ways Southern Africa
R300.00NEW EDITION MAY 2014
Wild Ways brings together all the latest studies of the behaviour of southern Africa’s rich and accessible mammal fauna, describing not only what mammals do, but also the often surprising reasons why they do it, and covers species as diverse as fruit bats, pangolins, lions, rats and whales.
Well-established as an invaluable resource for visitors to parks and reserves, hikers, hunters, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts, this classic guide has now been thoroughly updated and revised, has a fresh, lively design, and is packed with new and engrossing detail.
-
Reef Guide East Coast Southern Africa
R480.00The Reef Guide documents some 800 reef fishes and invertebrates found along the east and south coasts of southern Africa. Following on the success of Dennis King’s earlier two titles, this impressive new guide features 578 species of fish and includes sections on anemones, starfish, snails, crabs and shrimps. Full colour photographs and descriptive text for each species, along with useful and interesting information, make for easy identification. While focusing on southern Africa, the book is also applicable to the entire east coast of Africa, as well as the islands of the western Indian Ocean – Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comoros and the Maldives.
Indispensable for divers, snorkelers and rock-pool enthusiasts, as well as fishermen and marine aquarists.
CLICK HERE for a full reivew in the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research Newsletter
-
Kruger National Park: Q & A
R350.00Kruger National Park – Questions & Answers is a compilation of the questions most frequently asked by visitors to the Park, and their answers, given by a seasoned game park official. This new edition has been expanded, and reflects management decisions and changes that have occurred since the last edition appeared in 1992. It is packed with information on topics ranging from animals and their behaviour, ecology and poaching, to accommodation, activities, history of place names, safety, and code of conduct.
The text is easy-to-read, combining leisure and education, making it a highly entertaining companion in the vehicle. Species sections are enlivened by simple illustrations, and two maps illustrate the ecozones and layout of the Park. This book is ideal for both guides and visitors to the Kruger National Park.
-
Southern African Mammals Made Simple
R280.00Southern African Mammals Made Simple enables users to distinguish between commonly confused mammals by applying the breakthrough methodology that made Southern African LBJs Made Simple so hugely popular.
The simple three-step system allows for quick and certain identification of mammals in the field. For each species featured, the book gives:range maps; full-colour illustrations and photographs; key identification pointers, and concise text describing height, weight, habits and habitat.
All of southern Africa’s most common and distinctive mammals are included, but the particular value of this book lies in separating the more challenging species, such as antelope, mongooses, genets, primates and many more. It will appeal to
both local and foreign visitors to our game parks.
