Eerste veldgids: Soogdiere

Think of an African safari and the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant – immediately come to mind. Award-winning wildlife photographer Gerald Hinde has long been enthralled by these magnificent animals and has spent countless hours in the field, experiencing them in different moods and behaviours. Big Five of Africa beautifully reproduces some of the more remarkable moments he has captured on film during his visits to the wildlife sanctuaries of southern and East Africa. Brief but informative text introduces each animal in turn, providing interesting insights into the nature of these formidable, yet compelling, creatures.

Elephants 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.