The Books recommended below are for those students who are looking for additional resources; in response to many requests for such information.
By clicking on any of the titles below, you will be re-directed to Kalahari.net, South Africa's largest e-tail store for books and DVD's. The following categories are curently included:
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The Safari Companion has become a Chelsea Green best seller and paved the way for the company's entry into the exciting world of eco-travel. Here's a new edition, revised and expanded, of the definitive guide to watching the behavior or African mammals.
New chapters include:
- Social and Mating Systems of African Mammals. This chapter defines and explains the various forms by which researchers have described animal social organization. Contains concise and orderly tables that help with the understanding of most basic behaviors.
- An Animal Behavior Primer. This section describes behaviors in categories and sub-categories, making for quick field reference.
Richared D. Estes has led wildlife-viewing safaris in Africa for many years, and is one of the world's foremost experts on the social ecology of African mammals. Dr. Estes is an Associate Professor of Mammalogy at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University and the chairman of the World Conservation Union's Antelope Specialists' Group. He lives in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
The guide has key identification features showing how to differentiate between similar species, and distribution maps and a list of major parks and reserves.
Tens of thousands of visitors to game parks and reserves, hikers, hunters, farmers and other outdoor people have opportunities to observe the behaviour of these mammals. "Wild Ways" brings together the fascinating information on what animals do and why they do it. The first section introduces the concepts of ethology, the science of animal behaviour, traces its development and the techniques that have been evolved to tackle the formidable problems of working on animals in the wild. The 117 species accounts describe the behaviour of mammals from hedgehogs to hares, baboons to pangolins, dassies to aardvarks, lions to rats, whales to tsessebe and even fruit bats. The reader needs no special knowledge of zoology or animal behaviour to understand and enjoy this guide - technical jargon is avoided and ethological terms are explained in the text and in a glossary.
Stargazing from game reserves in Southern Africa offers visitors to game and nature parks an exciting night-time activity in the bush, giving them an opportunity to turn their binoculars skyward after dark. The author takes readers on a brief celestial 'game drive', first setting the scene and then directing them towards the 'Big Five' constellations of the night-sky, with clear steps on how to find them. There is also a chapter on tracking the planets and tips on spotting the moons of Jupiter and the crescent of Venus. The title concludes with a set of 12 star maps. Expertly illustrated with colour photographs and drawings, the title also features useful tips and hints for all keen star-watchers.
This title focus on the southern hemisphere using African examples. Ornithology for Africa has been specially written for users on the southern side of the equator and puts Africa in the lead in this regard. It is based on a series of lectures on the biology of birds, which the author has presented over the years to adult audiences throughout southern Africa. The text is aimed at the informed layperson as well as at the senior undergraduate student. The style allows the lay reader not only to learn about birds, but to enjoy ornithology as a pastime or even as a more serious occupation. The nine chapters cover the origin of birds, flight, feeding adaptations, zoogeography, ecology, migration, behaviour and breeding biology.
This edition of the South African classic, "Newman's Birds of Southern Africa", has been revised and updated to reflect the latest research. In particular, insight into bird taxonomy based on DNA testing and other, ongoing research has led to the addition of 46 new species, including a section on larks and albatrosses, together with illustrations. The familiar, user-friendly format of Newman's birds has been retained, and subtly modernized. Colour coding of major bird groups has been retained; and at the top of each page is classified by which family of birds is being described. Large page numbers and bold, cerise numbers alongside bird illustrations make for easy cross-referencing with the appropriate text; and, as always, large, accurate paintings of each species reflect the bird as it is seen in the field. Where necessary, updated maps reflect new distribution records, which, for greater clarity of presentation, are now aligned with their species description.;For 125 species, alternative or international names have been included, in line with international trends. An introductory section takes readers step-by-step through the process of using "Newman's Birds of Southern Africa" in the field.
The Beat about the Bush series answers all those everyday questions that are prompted by visits to the bush. It fills the gap in exisiting literature and field guides alike, complemented by more than 900 full-colour photographs. Although details are given on bird identification and all. The bird groups of southern Africa are covered in a very informative 'Did you know' section, this work can more appropriately be described as a behavioural guide. It delves into the fascinating lives of birds - discussing in detail their myriad forms, survival strategies, breeding and feeding behaviours, movements, migration,s and vocalisations. The result is a comprehensive reference work in a style that appeals to novices, birders, twitchers, tourists, bush enthusiast and field guides alike.
Following the extraordinary series 'Life On Earth' and 'The Living Planet', David Attenborough surveyed the entire animal kingdom again in 'The Trials Of Life', the last in a trilogy of natural histories. This time he looks at animal behaviour itself, examining why creatures behave as they do and showing that their lives are a series of problems to be faced and overcome.
At one and a half times the size of the United States, it has a year round population of only 800 people. Three quarters of the world's fresh water envelops it in a layer of ice so thick it conceals mountain ranges as vast as the Alps. And with temperatures seventy degrees below zero centigrade and winds of up to 120 mph, Antartica is the coldest, loneliest place on Earth. But it is also a place of majestic beauty which can support astonishingly rich and varied forms of wildlife.
Presented by David Attenborough, Life in the Freezer reveals incomparable standards of natural history filming to trace Antartica's seasonal cycle from the long winter months when the formation of ice almost doubles its surface area, to the brief summer when the race to breed really heats up
This guide is unique in its approach to identification. It allows you to first look at the track or sign and then, by means of keys, to determine the animal group or species responsible for what you see. The keys refer you to detailed descriptions and illustrations. The guide is arranged to enable quick identification.
All groups of land animals are presented, including frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. A special feature is also devoted to insects. Illustrated throughout with photographs of the animal together with diagnostic hand-drawings of the spoor and, in some cases, photographs of droppings and other signs to enable easy identification in the field. The accompanying text describes important features of the animal concerned and its spoor, and provides relevant information on its behaviour, habits and habitat. Where useful, a distribution map has been included with each description to show where in southern Africa the animal occurs.
This guide will be of value to entomologists, both amateur and professional, as well as to students, nature conservation officers, game rangers, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in natural history. An introductory chapter discusses the insect body, life history, classification and distribution patterns and relatives of southern African insects. It also touches on collecting, displaying and curating insects and explains 'How to use this book'.
This guide is part of the "First Field Guide" series of natural history field guides, developed in the hope that young people increasingly will take up the challenge to learn the secrets of the fascinating wild creatures of Southern Africa. These little guides are an invaluable resource for the budding naturalist, providing information at a glance through superb photographs, maps and easy-to-read text.
This comprehensive volume covers all mammals that occur naturally on the African mainland south of the Cunene and Zambezi rivers, and also in the subregion's coastal waters. Extensively revised and updated for the new edition, it now includes the latest data from from mammal research in southern Africa along with the radical taxonomic changes across all levels of mammalian classification. Containing contributions from specialists on each mammalian order, each species description has been reviewed by a range of independent and internationally recognised authorities. Along with the latest taxonomic information, the distribution maps and illustrations have been updated and redrawn, several new colour plates have been added, and the whole design has been enhanced to aid access to key information. This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date survey of southern-African mammals and forms an essential reference for zoologists, evolutionary biologists and anyone wanting an overview of the region's wildlife.
Southern Africa has a wealth of mammal species, a total of 337 - all of which are covered in this fully revised comprehensive field guide. While the term 'African mammals' conjures up the more celebrated species of elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, it is in fact the smaller animals - shrews, genets, suricates and bats - that comprise the bulk of the region's mammal species. And, often overlooked but included here too is the diversity of marine mammals - seals, whales and dolphins - that are found in our oceans. This new edition of "Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa" has been extensively revised to include the most recent research in line with new findings and new taxonomy. Up-to-date information, revised distribution maps and new images (where available) have been combined in a modern, full-colour layout. Colour coding has been introduced according to family groupings and spoor and size icons are included for quick reference with each mammal entry. Another new feature is the inclusion of skulls, grouped at the back of the book for easy comparison.;In addition to detailed descriptions of each species, the text offers insight into key identification characters, typical behaviour, preferred habitat, food choice and reproduction.
Mammals are the animals that most people come to wilderness areas to see. They range in size from the pygmy shrew (2g) to the blue whale (120 tonnes). But what makes a mammal a mammal - indeed why is the blue whale not a fish? How does the elephant's trunk work? Why do many mammals have coat pattern. This title follows in the footsteps of its immensely popular predecessor, Beat about the bush - mammals and birds. This expanded version has, however, been revised to cover mammals in a much more comprehensive manner with updated classifications, new questions and answers, a more user-friendly format and more than 600 full-colour photographs. The section on tracks and signs is superbly illustrated to make this intimidating and confusing subject easy to grasp. The overall result is a field companion that still manages to answer all those everyday questions about mammals in a style that appeals to tourists, bush enthusiasts and field guides alike, by presenting the fundamentals of our wildlife in a detailed, yet easily understandable fashion.
Exuberant in colour and bursting with life, Two Oceans captures the diversity of southern Africa's rich marine heritage, which comprises some 12 000 species of marine fauna and flora. This field guide covers over 1 400 species of the most common forms of marine life that inhabit our coasts – including the invertebrates, fish, reptiles, mammals birds and plants. The title documents a selection of these, concentrating on the most frequently encountered species living in the intertidal zone and in shallow subtidal waters that can readily be explored by scubadivers. There is a particular focus on open-coast beaches and rocky shores, and aquatic estuarine animals and plants are also covered. Fish that are commonly seen in tidal pools or by divers, or those frequently caught by angers are included, as are smaller rock-pool fish. It will meet the needs of scientists, students, fishermen, scubadivers and beachcombers alike, encapsulating current knowledge and enabling the identification of diverse species, from sponges to whales and from seaweeds to mangroves.
This edition supplements the 397 South African reptiles originally represented in this field guide by 64 new species. Some of these are new discoveries in the region, others are reclassifications. Author Bill Branch has also adapted the original text, modifying distributions and biology to reflect the most up-to-date research on the subject.;The book covers 133 species of snake, as well as many and varied lizard and gecko species, tortoises, turtles, terrapins and the crocodile. New species entries introduce 13 gecko species, eight skinks and three snakes, amongst others.;Each species entry includes size range, a physical description of the creature and a discussion on biology and breeding, habitat and range. Where subspecies occur, these are described. Each account is accompanied by a distribution map, which has been updated where necessary. Explanatory notes and a comprehensive glossary make the subject accessible to even the beginner herpretologist.
Southern Africa has almost 130 frog species that occur throughout the region. The first part of this guide is divided into chapters according to the five basic southern African biomes - savanna, grassland, forest, fynbos and desert. Frogs that are commonly found in these habitats are listed and examples of interesting adaptations and behaviour are discussed. The evolution of frogs is explained, how to find, photograph and record them, myths and medicinal uses, and a wealth of other fascinating details. The second part of the guide is a field guide that describes the Southern African frog species in detail, along with distribution maps and colourful photographs. With a few exceptions, frogs are nocturnal or crepuscular animals and can best be found by tracking their calls after dark. To assist in this process as well as in identifying species, a CD is included that features 56 frog calls.
In this second edition of the book, the text has been thoroughly revised and updated: inconsistencies and any errors have been corrected, and recent discoveries and theorizing – which have altered our understanding of some past events and patterns – have been incorporated to reflect the most up-to-date thinking in the field. Key diagrams have been revised or replaced; and the appendix to animals, plants and birds has been updated, as has the list of contacts in the area. A new foreword to the second edition, written by Mark Read, Vice Chairman of PAST (Palaeo-Anthropology Scientific Trust), presents the field as one that is ever changing and as “perhaps the most fractured and fractious science of all”. He acknowledges the publication as ambitious and filling a significant gap in the market. The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a unique area that probably tells us more about the history of our earliest ancestors than any place of a comparable size elsewhere in the world. This book facilitates the spread of the knowledge we have gained in the field thus far. It tells us something of the world in which our ancestors lived; provides a guide to all the known hominid species; details all the sites within the area and describes its animals and plants, both past and present, to give the reader a context in which to understand who we are and where we have come from.
Southern Africa is without equal in terms of geology, a treasure trove of valuable minerals with a geological history dating back some 3 600 million years. In addition, the evolution of plants and animals, especially mammals and dinosaurs, is well preserved in the region, which also has among the best records of the origin of modern man. The story of earth and life provides an insight into this remarkable history – how southern Africa's mineral deposits were formed, how its life evolved and how its landscape was shaped. Along the way readers will be enthralled by accounts of the Big Bang that marked the beginning of time and matter, by drifting and colliding continents, folding and fracturing rocks, meteors colliding with the Earth, volcanic eruptions, and the start of life. Other topics include why South Africa is so rich in minerals, how glacial deposits came to be found in the Karoo, why dinosaurs became extinct, how mammals developed from reptiles, and how closely humans are related to the apes. The answers to many such questions can be found in this title. Anyone interested in the landscape and ecosystems in which we live will be intrigued by this title.
These natural history guides have 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.
Fully updated and revised, this third edition features new, simplified keys based on leaf characteristics and incorporates updated names, reclassifications and new species. All known indigenous trees and many naturalized aliens ocurring south of the Zambezi-Cunene rivers are included. Accompanying the tree descriptions are comprehensively revised maps reflecting up-to-date distribution and drawings of a characteristic leaf and/or fruit. Other features include English and Afrikaans common names, notes on medicinal or magical properties and an illustrated glossary, while the colour section, comprising 314 colour photographs, remains unchanged. A comprehensive and user-friendly guide, it should appeal to tree enthusiasts and professional botanists across the sub-continent.
Grasses were the first plants to be cultivated by man for food and are still the most important food crop. Grass also plays a vital role in the ecology in terms of food for animals and protecting the soil from erosion. Other features are: an easy-to-use grass identification key, more than 800 colour photographs and a series of icons that enable the reader to obtain certain information at a glance.
This book is one of the most important reference works on southern African wildlife. Since it was first published in 1986, more than 23 000 copies of this title have been sold. It is a compendium of the knowledge and experience of various authorities in particular fields. The information is presented in a practical and understandable manner without compromising scientific integrity. This fourth edition has been entirely revised and reorganised. It provides essential information for the owners and managers of game ranches, researchers, conservationists, and nature lovers.
There is no doubt that extensive wildlife ranching in southern Africa has developed rapidly in recent years. However, the last few years have seen the development of intensive wildlife production too. Intensive production of wild animals often happens in small enclosed areas or areas of limited size and requires more intensive management than the extensive production of wildlife. This title summarises the current knowledge on the intensive production of wild animals in southern Africa.