-
My First Book of Southern African Frogs – New Edition
R170.00Frogs 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.
All text appears in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.
-
Shaping Addo: The Story of a Southern African National Park
R420.00More 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.
-
Palaces of Stone
R300.00Across 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.
-
Pocket Guide Birds of Zambia
R270.00This 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.
-
Pollinators, Predators & Parasites
R650.00Pollinators, parasites, predators, decomposers – insects arguably play the most important roles in the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems.
This lavishly illustrated and highly authoritative book is structured around southern Africa’s 13 distinct biomes; it
- reflects the essential role insects play in most ecological processes such as pollination, predation, parasitism, soil modification and nutrient recycling;
- details how they serve as food for multitudes of other organisms, including bacteria and fungi, as well as specially adapted plants, insect-feeding arthropods, reptiles, birds and mammals;
- depicts the insects and phenomena described in some 1,600 photographs that accompany the accessible text;
- highlights the crucial role insects play as ecosystem service providers, giving intimate insight into the beauty and importance of insects in the natural world.
- includes a guide to each of the 25 insect orders found in southern Africa, with images showing their diagnostic characters.
This key publication detailing the latest research in the field of entomology will appeal to academics and nature enthusiasts alike.
Also available in E-book format
-
Southern African LBJs Made Simple
R350.00Now updated and expanded, Southern African LBJs Made Simple offers a unique method for identifying and distinguishing the cryptic little birds that are known as ‘little brown jobs’. Using a three-stage process, the book guides readers through successive stages, each of which takes them closer to identifying the bird in question. As calls play a critical role in identification of these birds, individual calls and comparative tracks are included.
The book features:
- NEW BIRD CALL ACCESS – instant access to calls using free downloadable call app to scan barcodes on the species pages
- Concise text describing key ID criteria (such as size, habitat, habits, call and similar-looking and -sounding birds)
- Updated distribution maps and carefully labelled illustrations.
This enhanced and updated new edition will be an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to be able to tell one LBJ from another.
-
Walking Safaris
R340.00South Africa has a unique set of characteristics that make walking safaris in big game areas one of the safest and most rewarding outdoor experiences: a huge expanse of protected habitat richly populated with wildlife; excellent tourism facilities; a favourable climate; and expertly trained trail guides. Seasoned hikers, Hlengiwe Magagula and Denis Costello cover more than 50 guided walks across 21 parks and reserves in South Africa (including two in eSwatini and one in Botswana). They unpack the options available in each park, from short dawn and dusk walks and multi-day wilderness trails to backpacking trails that span several days. Facilities range from ultra-luxurious to ‘wild camping’, either in tents or under the stars. Also included is a series of first-hand accounts that vividly illustrate the magical experience of exploring the bush on foot. An advisory section gives a rundown of when to go, what to pack, what to wear, and the dos and don’ts of walking in areas with big game.
-
Pangolins: Scales of Injustice
R230.00Smuggled into China and sold for meat in the live-animal markets of cities such as Wuhan, the pangolin has dominated world headlines. Is it the vector for Covid-19?
Pangolins have long been sustainably harvested by local communities for their meat and scales, but today the burgeoning trade in these mammals has reached crisis point. Eight pangolin species occur worldwide, four in Asia and four in Africa, and all face extinction if current rates of hunting and trading continue unabated.
Now the spotlight is on the world’s most trafficked mammal. Scientists have identified pangolins as the likely source of the coronavirus infection that has brought the world to its knees. This multi-trillion dollar disaster makes pangolins the most expensive meals ever eaten.
In this timely expose, Richard Peirce unpacks the horrors and dangers of the trade in this enigmatic, little-known mammal. He explains the links between wildlife and Covid-19, and details China’s response to the pandemic.
He also tells the story of a particular pangolin poached in Zimbabwe and brought to South Africa to be traded. Readers accompany an agent of the African Pangolin Working Group, assisted by the local police, on an actual sting operation to rescue the animal and capture the traffickers. And they follow the subsequent progress of the rescued pangolin, from near death to rehabilitation and release into the wild.
-
Dinosaurs of Africa
R180.00African dinosaurs are no less significant than their ‘celebrity’ cousins, such as T. rex, and they are just as magnificent and fascinating. Their fossils have been discovered across the continent – from the Sahara Desert to the Karoo.
-
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.
-
Flying Mammals – Quick ID Guide to Bats
R100.00Following the success of earlier ‘Quick Guide’ books, this slim little volume tackles one of the few groups of mammals that can fly. Divided into large fruit bats and smaller insecteating bats, this ultimate quick identification guide covers Africa’s 12 bat families. An informative introduction touches on evolution, flight, echolocation and reproduction, demystifying an animal that is all too often misunderstood. The text describes the facial characteristics and wing shapes common to each family and points out features that can help to distinguish between them. But it is the photographs and annotated line drawings that are most useful for identification. They include bats in flight and roosting sites, and close-ups of facial structures and wings that highlight key diagnostic attributes. An added extra is a photographic section showing the skulls of a variety bats.
This is a valuable guide for anyone with an interest in wildlife and its less common members.
-
West Coast
R370.00Leon Nell’s sixth book to explore another captivating part of South Africa reveals a bounty of treasures that give the West Coast, or Weskus as locals call it, its particular allure.
Beginning at Melkbosstrand just north of Cape Town, and ending where the Orange River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the book divides the coastal stretch into four discrete and easily explored regions. Coastal and inland towns are described, together with their main attractions, offering glimpses into early human history, local culture and traditions, nature and wildlife, and modern-day economic pursuits.
SOUTH encompasses the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, various wildflower reserves, Darling, Evita se Perron and !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre
CENTRAL covers Yzerfontein and the West Coast National Park, including Langebaan Lagoon, Eve’s Footprints, Postberg Flower Reserve and Saldanha
NORTH explores the celebrated fishing industry at Velddrif, St Helena Bay and Elands Bay, and archaeological discoveries in the area
DIAMOND COAST spans Doringbaai, Vredendal, Port Nolloth, Kleinzee and Alexander Bay.
Framed by the Atlantic in the west and the winding N7 highway in the east, the West Coast is a place of varied landscapes and vast contrasts: from moody and at times tempestuous seas and windswept beaches, to verdant vineyards and kaleidoscopic swathes of wildflowers in spring. Wild yet tranquil, playful yet contemplative, dramatic yet understated – its eclectic offering beckons residents and travellers alike.
-
Skullduggery – Quick ID Guide
R100.00In this short but informative guide, trusted authors Chris and Mathilde Stuart turn mammal ID on its head – literally. The identification of mammal skulls is the subject of this latest addition to the quirky ‘Quick Guide’ series, and covers the most common skulls readers are likely to encounter in the wild – from easily recognisable species such as elephant, hippo, rhino, baboons, antelope, whales and dolphins, to the more challenging family groups: dogs, cats, hyaenas, equids, pigs, civets and genets, mongooses, rats and mice, bats, sengis, shrews, moles, hares and rabbits, hyrax, and squirrels.
Each entry features:
Close-up photographs showing the entire skull, teeth and, where available, upper and lower jaws
Pointers to diagnostic features
Average measurement for skull length
Short description highlighting main features of each skull and tooth structure
Dental formula for teeth in upper and lower jaws
A brief introduction, with labelled photographs, covers anatomy as well as dentition; and a quick-reference photographic key to the main animal groups appears on the inside front cover.An ideal companion to mammal field guides, this book will be appeal to rangers, safari guides and all nature lovers wanting to deepen their understanding of life in the bush.
-
African Wildlife Colouring Book
R200.00Why do elephants flap their ears? Which big cat leaps into the air to catch birds? Which moth has large eyespots on its wings to scare away predators? Which bird’s call sounds like a soft chuckle? The answers to these questions can be found in this delightful colouring book, which will provide hours of enjoyment and colouring fun. There are 128 animals to colour in, each illustration providing budding artists and inquisitive children with interesting facts as they work through the book.
-
First Field Guide Mushrooms of Southern Africa
R120.00Sasol First Field Guide to Mushrooms of Southern Africa has been redesigned and fully revised to include new photographs and the most recent taxonomic changes.
With the help of full-colour photo graphs and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common mushroom species found in southern Africa, discover where they grow, learn about their unusual features and determine their edibility.
-
Field Guide to Renosterveld of the Overberg
R550.00Part 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)
R650.00This 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 Birds of Southern Africa (5th)
R550.00Ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar as Sasol Voëls van Suider Afrika (5de uitgawe)
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 -
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa PVC (5th)
R600.00Now 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 -
Sasol oorsiglys van voëls in Suider-Afrika
R80.00Al lank ‘n gewilde hulpbron, die nuwe, opgedateerde Oorsiglys van Voëls in Suider-Afrika is nou beskikbaar. Dit bevat ‘n lys van al die voëls wat in die streek te sien is, en bied ‘n eenvoudige metode om aan te dui waar en wanneer jy hulle waargeneem het. In gerieflike sakformaat bied dit:
Kruisverwysings na die nuwe Sasol Voëls van Suider-Afrika (vyfde uitgawe)
Ses kolumme vir veelvuldige waarnemings op ses verskillende plekke
Jongste name van alle Suider-Afrikaanse voëls
Endemiese en bedreigingstatus
Sal verwelkom word deur die streek se voëlkykers wat hulle waarnemings in Afrikaans wil nasien en opteken. -
Sasol Checklist of Birds in Southern Africa
R80.00An enduring and popular resource, this handy publication lists all the birds to be seen in the region and provides a simple way of recording where and when you have spotted them. Pocket-sized for ease of use, it offers:
Cross-referencing to the new Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (fifth edition)
Six columns for multiple recordings at six different localities
Up-to-date names for all southern African birds
Endemic and threat status for all birdsThis revised, updated checklist will be sought after by the region’s twitchers at all levels.
-
Sasol voëls van Suider-Afrika (5th)
R550.00Die 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 voëls Suider-Afrika PVC (5th)
R600.00Die 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 -
Pocket Guide to Fynbos
R270.00Pocket Guide Fynbos features over 300 of the most spectacular and commonly seen species from South Africa’s renowned floral kingdom – all in one handy, easy-to-use guide.
The species are presented in detail, with each entry featuring:
succinct descriptions of the plant and its habitat, comparisons with similar species and flowering times
full-colour photographs and distribution maps
floral key, using symbols to denote main identifying features
interesting facts about species.
For ease of use, the species are divided into 10 distinct groups, and an illustrated floral key on the inside front cover offers flower lovers a smart tool with which to identify species more accurately.The introduction describes the world of fynbos, detailing the origins, diversity, adaptations and conservation of this unique flora.
This compact guide is an invaluable aid for anyone interested in South Africa’s astonishing floral treasures.
-
Night Skies of Botswana
R280.00This easy-to-use, accessible guide to starwatching in Botswana is ideal for beginner and amateur stargazers. All stars described can be seen with the naked eye – binoculars and telescopes are not necessary.
• The book opens with stargazing tips while introducing important astronomical concepts, describing our galaxy and the Earth’s place in it.
• The body of the book offers four monthly star charts (views from north, south, east and west), with supporting descriptions of the stars and constellations. The star charts can be used anywhere in southern Africa.
• The final chapter surveys the solar system, including the Sun, Moon, planets and minor objects. There’s information on a meteorite strike in Botswana in 2018, and how to identify artificial satellites orbiting the Earth (including the International Space Station).
Botswana’s ancestral stories about the stars are scattered throughout the book, honouring indigenous interpretations of the night sky and giving a unique African flavour.
-
100 Trees to on See Safari – East Africa
R250.00East Africa is a premier wildlife destination, well known for its mass migrations of herds and fearsome predators. But as iconic are the trees that grow there: among them mangroves, cycads, palms, marulas, acacias, sausage trees, fever trees, toothbrush trees and giant bamboos. This book showcases 100 of the region’s most visible and significant trees, arranged by the habitats in which they occur. It features:
Concise descriptions of each tree and its parts, plus notes about the various uses of the tree parts
Multiple images showing the full tree and key ID features, including flowers, leaves, fruit and bark
Where to see the trees, including the national parks and nature reserves
A brief introduction to the trees of the region and their vegetation zonesColourful, interesting and geared for quick tree identification, this handy guide will enhance any safari experience in East Africa.
-
Peacocks & Picathartes
R280.00Peacocks & Picathartes is a celebration of the diversity of African birds, focusing on families that occur only in Africa as well as iconic families and species that, despite having close relatives in other parts of the world, seem to embody something of Africa.
Watson’s anecdotal style captures vividly his encounters with prized species, such the secretive White-necked Picathartes and the elusive Congo Peacock. He conveys the sheer delight mousebirds take in ‘being what they are’, and reveals the surprise discovery in 1991 of a new partridge in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains.
Drawing on precolonial and current-day avian accounts, he offers his own insights based on a lifetime of personal observations in the wilds of Africa – recounting unforgettable expeditions, quirky bird behaviour, jittery taxonomy, moments of rare good luck – and much more. Both informative and entertaining, this book captures the essence of African birdlife, and will appeal to bird enthusiasts across the spectrum.
-
Field Guide to Butterflies of Southern Africa
R550.00Fully revised, the new edition of Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa features all of South Africa’s 671 butterfly species. This lavishly illustrated popular guide includes newly described species and subspecies, and the most recent taxonomic changes based on DNA studies.
As in the first edition, the photography is exceptional and 70% of the images in the book are new. Images show male and female forms (where they differ) and upper- and undersides (where possible).
The species accounts have been comprehensively updated and expanded, covering identification, habits, flight periods, broods, typical habitat, distribution and larval food sources. A helpful introductory section with over 100 images, including 55 early stages images, discusses butterfly biology, taxonomy, classification, anatomy and behaviour.
-
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.
-
Minerals & Gemstones of East Africa
R380.00East Africa is famous for its world-class gemstones and mineral specimens, most notably the highly sought-after blue tanzanite, found only in Tanzania in a very small area in the northeast. Many other minerals and gemstones are mined in the region and this is the first publication to showcase and examine those occurring in the five countries that make up East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.
The book includes:
An introduction to the fascinating geology of the region, including a map depicting underlying geology and mineral occurrence
Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and diverse uses across all spheres of life (from jewellery to numerous household items and even space-shuttle components)
Multiple full-colour photographs of each mineral and gem specimenAn invaluable reference for collectors, gemologists, students and anyone with an interest in the earth sciences.
-
Wildlife of Namibia (German): 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 rangeThis all-in-one compact guide will prove invaluable to visitors to national parks, nature reserves and other wildlife-rich places in Namibia.
-
Quick ID Guide: Wildflowers Cape Peninsula
R210.00Written with the non-specialist in mind, this guide is a must-have for flower lovers, hikers, tour guides and tourists – anyone interested in identifying the wild flowers that grace the Cape Peninsula. Quick ID Guide: Wild Flowers of the Cape Peninsula covers the most remarkable and commonly seen wild flowers of Table Mountain, Silvermine and Cape Point. The book was originally published as Common Wild Flowers of Table Mountain in 2007, then revised in 2013 to include the flowers of Silvermine.
This new edition offers:
360 (previously 208) of the region’s most remarkable and commonly seen wild flowers
Clear photographs of all featured flowers and concise, informative text
Flowers grouped according to colour, to help with quick ID
Walking routes in the Peninsula’s famed reserves, plotted on 3 clear maps.
Illustrated glossary of terms -
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.
-
Cradle of Life
R400.00The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve is the jewel in South Africa’s evolutionary crown: an area ‘of outstanding universal value’, it has attracted world-wide interest and furnished key evidence about where, when and how we came to be. The greater Magaliesberg area is peppered with some 200 caves and has a unique geology, history and biodiversity. For decades now, specialists have been combing the area to uncover evidence of our heritage.
In his spectacular new title, Vincent Carruthers guides readers along a timeline, from the birth of our planet through to developments of the twenty first century. Along the way he documents the formation of our landscapes and the emergence of life, the rise of hominins, the stone and iron ages, early settlement, migrations, wars and modern developments in the Magaliesberg – the entire evolution of life up to the present, as we know it.
Vividly illustrated with photographs, maps and diagrams, Cradle of Life portrays the intrigue and importance of the site, taking readers on a magical journey of discovery.
-
Field Guide to Frogs & other Amphibians of Africa
R580.00815 species of amphibian have been described on the African continent – 788 frogs, 23 caecilians and four salamanders. Field Guide to the Frogs & other Amphibians of Africa is the first guide ever to cover all these species.
The book features a brief introduction with tips for handling and identifying amphibians. A useful illustrated guide to each family group serves as a first step towards species ID. Species accounts describe physical features, distribution, habitat, biology, advertisement calls and conservation status, and are supported by colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps.
Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa will prove invaluable to nature lovers, tour guides, students and scientists.
-
Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa (NE)
R480.00In this fully revised edition of A Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa, all 164 species known to occur in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are described and illustrated, grouped according to family (six dragonfly and six damselfly 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 identification
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.
