East Africa comprises a varied range of habitats, which provide living space for more than 360 diverse species of mammal. These range in size from the elephant to the tiniest bats, shrews and mice.

This compact guide covers all of the common and some of the less common mammal species of the region. For each species it offers: key identification features; behaviour, diet, breeding biology, occurrence and size; clear, full-colour photographs; track illustrations; silhouettes to indicate size relative to human figure; and, distribution map. There is a section on droppings/dung of many of the animals that concludes the book.

Compact and easy-to-use, this is the ideal companion both for regulars and visitors to the region.

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.
 
This comprehensive guide will prove invaluable to herpetologists, snake collectors, hikers, gardeners and reptile enthusiasts.

Sasol First Field Guide to Fishes of Southern Africa is a beginner's guide to the more common fishes of the region, and covers both marine and freshwater species. Full-colour photographs, distribution maps and easy-to-read text will help enthusiasts and budding naturalists to identify the more common fishes in southern Africa, discover where they are found and learn about their unique behaviour, reproduction, conservation status and unusual features. A brief introduction gives context to the topic, outlines points of importance and explains the structure of the book. Sales points: straightforward introductory guide to the region's fishes; suitable for both adult and younger enthusiasts; informative, uncomplicated text written for beginners; useful introductory section; full-colour photographs of each fish; compact enough for ease of use in the field.

Sasol First Field Guide to Aloes of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the aloes of the region.

Full-colour photographs , distribution maps and easy-to-read text will help the budding naturalist to identify the more common aloes found in southern African gardens and landscapes, discover where they occur, and learn about their unique features.

This 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.

This highly regarded reference work, a botanical classic, has been fully revised and updated. A fresh new design and beautiful full-colour images aid identification.

First published in 1981, Succulent Flora has long served as an authoritative guide for academics and lay enthusiasts alike. This third edition takes into account intervening taxonomic advances and the discovery and naming of ever more species.

Information has been supplemented in line with the latest thinking and the book has been newly designed for clarity and ease of reference. Given the phenomenal extent of our succulent flora, this fully updated edition is a timely addition to the botanical literature of southern Africa.

Orchids of South Africa is the first field guide to local orchids to be published in over 30 years, and presents the more than 450 orchid species found in the region, including Lesotho and Swaziland.

A comprehensive roundup of orchids in their natural habitat, the book features:

- multiple photos for each species

- distribution maps

- flowering time-bars

- succinct text, enabling sure identification of these fascinating plants.

An illustrated introduction discusses orchid structure, ecology and conservation status.

Informative, colourful and easy-to-use, Orchids of South Africa is the authoritative update enthusiasts have been waiting for.

This comprehensive planning guide to 4x4 travel through eastern Africa (Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia) is based on first-hand travel experience. Introductory chapters give detailed general information and guidance on itineraries, what to take, potential costs, fuel availability, road conditions, security issues, requisite documentation, medical precautions, check lists, bush recipes and more. This is followed by descriptions of the routes traversed by the author and her party through six countries. Route maps and detailed, sensible advice equip future travellers with all the necessary information required to plan and carry out out a trouble-free trip through the region. Originally self-published under the title Beware of Falling Mangoes, this handy companion has easy, bulleted text and contains numerous photographs. An invaluable guide for 4x4 explorers to these less-travelled – but hugely rewarding – parts of our continent.

Fully revised, the new edition of Steve Woodhall’s lavishly illustrated Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa features all of South Africa’s 671 butterfly species. This popular field guide now includes 8 new species, two new African Plain Tiger subspecies and incorporates the most recent taxonomic changes based on DNA studies.

As with the first edition, the photography is exceptional and 70% of the images in the book are new. An invaluable aid to identification, they 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 compared to 32 in the first edition discusses butterfly biology, taxonomy, classification, anatomy and behaviour.

Other features include:

• Colour-coded sections at subfamily level for ease of use
• A quick reference to butterfly groups on the inside front
• Updated distribution maps for all species entries

Anyone with an interest in the natural world, from lepidopterists and entomologists (both amateur and professional) to students, gardeners and tourists, will appreciate this beautiful and invaluable guide.

This new-format, new edition of the African wildlife quiz book will provide hours of fun for people of all ages. Packed with quizzes, crosswords, word searches, brainteasers and interesting facts, it offers competitive games for lively groups, or a quiet challenge for solitary users. The activities will keep family and friends entertained while they learn about African wildlife and the environment; and the varied levels of difficulty will ensure that the whole family is entertained and challenged as they fill in the quiz grids provided. All the answers are given at the back of the book.

An excellent companion to take on long voyages, or have handy to fill spare time or spice up a party.

My first book of Southern African Seashore life is the latest title in this successful children's series. The title covers 58 sea creatures and plants that are likely to be seen at the shore. An illustrated introduction gives context to the subject, and then each of the featured specimens gets a vivid, full-colour illustration; simple, informative text; translation into three other languages – Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu; visual clues about the creatures' diet, size, distribution round our coast, locomotion and exactly where they live relative to the water line. This beautiful and inspiring introduction to southern Africa’s shores will appeal to children – and parents – of all ages.

This 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.

Al 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.

My first book of Southern African Animal Tracks introduces 55 different types of animals and the footprints they leave behind.

The animals and birds included are those that you are likely to find on visits to nature reserves or game parks – or even in gardens.

For each species featured, the book gives:

- Life-sized track ‘imprints’

- A full-colour illustration of the animal and a visual size comparison with a human body, arm or hand

- A short description in four languages of each creature and its prints.

This introduction to the intriguing world of tracking will keep children happily absorbed for hours at home or on trips to view wildlife. The text in four languages expands the readership and promotes multilingualism.

Sasol First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the birdlife of the region. With the help of full-colour photo graphs and distribution maps, and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common birds of prey in southern Africa, discover where they live, and learn about their unique feeding and nesting habits.

Sasol Eerste Veldgids tot Bome van Suider-Afrika bied ’n fassinerende blik op die bome van die subkontinent. Met behulp van volkleurfoto's en verspreidingskaarte, asook maklik leesbare teks, sal die beginner en ontluikende natuurliefhebber die meer algemene bome in Suider-Afrika kan identifiseer, kan vasstel waar hulle groei, en meer te wete kom oor hul unieke eienskappe.

This 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.

•  e book opens with stargazing tips while introducing important
astronomical concepts, describing our galaxy and the Earth’s place in it.
•  e body of the book o ers four star charts per month giving views from
north, south, east and west, with supporting descriptions of the stars and
constellations. Users can dip in during any month.
•  e  nal chapter surveys the solar system, including the Sun, Moon, planets
and le over debris.  ere’s information on a meteorite strike in Botswana in
2018, and how to identify arti cial 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 skies and giving a unique
African  avour.

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. Sales points: Comprehensive coverage of Renosterveld species, identification at a glance, full-colour photographs of all species described, expert author team.

Aimed at 3 to 5 year olds, this title introduces the alphabet and basic numbers and counting through the theme of African wildlife and nature.

Fully illustrated throughout, it is a 'first' book of the alphabet and as such features several single words to represent each letter from A to Z, and wildlife themes to introduce counting. Colourful scenes of the African bushveld, the coast, night-time and river environment reinforce words encountered earlier in the title and help young children to "test" their knowledge while learning about the environment.

Simple activities follow in which children can identify the animals they have seen, match animals to their shapes, identify animal hides, and learn comparisons.

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.

How many of the more common birds of southern African can you identify from their calls?

Birdsong is everywhere, whether we live in the city or in the country. Without the musical backdrop of our feathered friends, our gardens, parks and fields would be relatively silent – and much the poorer for it. Often we hear their calls, but cannot see the birds making them.

• The enclosed CD features 60 common bird calls.

• The book features full-colour photographs of the birds, distribution maps and interesting text about their habits, feeding and nesting routines, and their calls.

Southern 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.

Medicinal Plants of East Africa is a fully illustrated guide to 136 East African plants with important medicinal applications. Initially released in 2010, this fully revised edition updates the species descriptions, photographs and range of medicinal uses, and expands on the pharmacological properties of the plant parts.

Supported by more than 600 photographs, the book:

• describes the characters and ecology of each plant to aid identification
• lists indigenous names of species in 92 languages spoken in the region
• details the medicinal uses of the different plant parts by drawing on traditional knowledge
• includes recipes for the preparation and administration of remedies used to treat common ailments and afflictions
• discusses the active chemical compounds found in each plant to explain and unpack the healing properties at work

Covering Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this volume is a vital addition to the bookshelves of botanists, health and wellness practitioners, students, travelers, and all who have an interest in the healing properties of plants.

A new addition to this successful series and a companion volume to My First Book of Southern African Seashore Life, this book focuses on creatures that are found within the sea environment, away from the shore: fi shes; squid; sharks; rays; whales and dolphins; turtles; seabirds, and other creatures found off-shore. It follows the series model, with an illustrated introduction giving context to the subject, and then each page featuring:

•  a vivid, full-colour illustration
•  simple, informative text in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu
•  visual clues about the creatures’ diet, size, habits and distribution round our coast