A compact guide featuring nearly 400 wild flowers of Kenya and northern Tanzania, grouped for ease of use according to colour. The book includes the most widespread and commonly encountered species as well as some unusual flowers found in more remote areas.

Plants range from hardy succulents to spectacular epiphytic orchids and shaggy mountain lobelias, each concisely presented with reference to key features and typical habitat. Additional notes indicate whether a given species has particular ecological, medicinal or cultural value.

Fully updated and expanded, this third edition of the top-selling Field Guide to Common Trees & Shrubs of East Africa now features more than 520 of the trees and shrubs – indigenous and naturalized exotics – commonly found in the region.

Each of the four sections – trees, shrubs, palms and mangroves – is arranged in alphabetical order according to scientifi c name. The book features:

• An informative introduction to families.

• Species accounts describing the plants’ habitat, bark, leaves, fl owers and fruit.

• General and commercial applications and uses in traditional medicine.

• Almost 2,000 photographs depicting the species, its fruit, fl owers and bark.

• Glossaries, both textual and illustrated, of botanical and medical terms.

Africa is home to more than the Cradle of Humankind. It was the core of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, and comprises some of the oldest and most extraordinary geology on planet Earth.

This detailed and colourful book features 44 of the continent's most spectacular and interesting 'geosites', from Table Mountain in the south to the eroded necks and plugs of the Hoggar region in Algeria; and from the volcanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean to the continental fragments off the African east coast. Each site is authored by a geologist (or specialist in a related field) with in-depth knowledge about the particular feature or landform: how it formed and developed, its current geological status, ecological impact, and its archaeological and cultural interest.

Supported with many photographs, maps, satellite images and explanatory illustrations, the text is accessible to geologists and lay enthusiasts alike, unpacking the hows and whys of Africa's most intriguing landforms, sites and geological features.

Southern Africa is the natural home of the richest and most diverse succulent flora in the world. These plants come in all shapes and sizes, from trees such as the baobab at more than 20 m tall, to miniature soil huggers, just a few millimetres high, which mimic their pebble-desert surroundings.

This user-friendly, richly illustrated field guide features more than 700 southern African succulents, focusing on the most interesting and commonly encountered species. An introduction to families and their key features will help readers identify the relevant plant group, while concise accounts describing the plants’ diagnostic features, along with distribution maps, will enable quick ID of species.

More than just an ID guide for plant lovers, this book will inspire gardeners who are turning to indigenous, low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation.

This trusted best-seller has been comprehensively updated and expanded to feature accounts of over 1,500 species and insect groups. Included are the most common, most economically and ecologically important, interesting and attractive insects in the region.

It features:

• vivid photographs

• easy-to-read text

• detailed accounts covering identifi cation, biology, distribution and related species

• a helpful introduction detailing the signifi cance, life history, collection and photography of insects, and

• quick reference guides on the inside covers to facilitate identifi cation.

Entomologists both amateur and professional, students, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in the natural world will appreciate this illuminating and invaluable guide.

Scorpions 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.

Originally published in 1981, Living Shores was for many years the standard reference for marine science students but was also embraced by a popular market for its fascinating insights into marine and coastal habitats and the life they support. After a long absence, this classic has been revived and thoroughly reworked to incorporate the many dramatic changes that our oceans and coasts have undergone over the past few decades.

This book is the first of a two volume set, and examines the different marine ecosystems and how humankind interacts with them. It discusses the evolution of the sea and continents and looks at the ecology of coastal systems, including intertidal zones, beaches, dunes, estuaries, islands, kelp forests and reefs. The book unpacks the relationship between humans and the marine environment, and the consequences of harvesting and mining to meet our needs. It also addresses the impact of climate change, and highlights what can be done to protect our environment.

Richly supported by full-colour photography and numerous explanatory illustrations, diagrams and graphs, this book will prove invaluable to students and teachers but will also appeal to anyone with a fascination for nature and our marine world in particular.

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.

Fully revised and updated, Filmer’s spiders: an identification guide to Southern Africa features all 63 families of spider that occur in this region. A fresh layout, full-colour photographs throughout – many of them new – and diagrams of diagnostic features make this a quick and easy guide for use in the field. The spiders are grouped into web-living, ground-living and plant-Iiving species to aid identification.

Each family is described in terms of the spiders' lifestyle, habitat, size, behaviour and poison potential, and the best collecting methods are given in each case. For those species whose poison is potentially harmful to man, the effects and recommended treatment of bites are discussed.

This handy format book will appeal to anybody wishing to gain insight into the daily lives of spiders.

Easy-to-use and compact, this is the perfect pocket ID guide to mammals of the region. It covers some 120 mammals, from the smallest (bats, sengis and shrews) to the largest (lion, rhinoceros and elephant), as well as marine species, such as seals, dolphins and whales. Clear, full-color photographs and distribution maps.

A must-have for tourists and nature-lovers alike.This authoritative guide offers concise information, clear images of each animal, distribution maps and illustrations of tracks and droppings. This colorfully illustrated guide offers concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements. Clear images of each animal, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings offerconcise yet detailed information enabling quick and easy mammal ID.

A must-have guide to South Africa’s famously diverse and richly populated parks and reserves.

Stuarts’ Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of South Africa is an indispensable guide to the country’s best and most accessible conservation areas. Written by two prominent conservationists, this new edition (with slight name change) has been thoroughly revised and updated.

Each of the 43 featured reserves - arranged by province - includes:

Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors introduce the book with a discussion of reptile identification, diversity, biology, distribution patterns, and where to find and observe them, as well as unraveling the facts and fallacies of snakebites.

Written in a lively and accessible way, the subsequent chapters offer insight into: -Identification to group level, with an inclusive list of related species-A detailed description of appearance, together with colorful images-Biology and behavior of each group-Conservation status of species-Reproduction details-DistributionInformative panels provide key information at a glance, with a distribution map and clear icons giving typical habitat and period of activity.

A wealth of full-color photographs throughout brings the subject matter vividly to life.

This book will appeal to all wildlife enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, and will prove to be a valuable guide in the field.

The 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.

815 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.

This title focuses on the essentials of bird identification in East Africa by presenting those species that are most likely to be seen in accessible habitats throughout the region.

The text for each species highlights the diagnostic feature or combination of features that will enable the birdwatcher to most easily identify the bird.

For those species that are sexually dimorphic, have both breeding and non-breeding plumage, or in which the juvenile plumage differs markedly from that of the adult, more than one photograph has been included.

Thumbnail silhouettes aid the reader in quickly locating the correct group of birds, and for each species account a map shows the bird's distribution.

A comprehensive guide to the freshwater fishes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, this book offers background information on the diverse aquatic habitats of the region and on fish feeding, breeding and survival strategies. It also provides useful hints for anglers. The species entries describe each fish in detail, with key ID points and information on habits and occurrence. Each account is accompanied by a colour illustration or photograph. The book concludes with information on how best to utilise and conserve the fishes of the delta system and Chobe River.

This is the only such guide to fishes of the region and will be invaluable to local and visiting fishermen, naturalists, conservationists, as well as the many tourists who visit this spectacular African paradise.

Published for the first time in German, this is the first local field guide to cover all the commonly encountered plants and animals of the southern African region in one compact and easy-to-use volume.

More than 2 000 species (1 200 of them illustrated) are described in 11 categories - from lower invertebrates to insects and spiders; vertebrates, inlucing frogs, freshwater fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals; and plants, from fungi and ferns to wild flowers, grasses and trees. Each category has been compiled by an expert in the field and is colour coded for easy reference.

In 1938 a 400-million-year-old fish - known only from fossil remains and thought to have become extinct around 66 million years ago - was discovered living off the shores of southern Africa.

This fascinating book for younger readers tells the story of the coelacanth - what it is, what makes it special, how it was discovered, where it evolved, how it gives live birth, how and what it eats, and what eats it! With multiple illustrations and photographs and interesting text, this book will be an inspiration to a new generation of ichthyologists, palaeontologists, divers, and anyone with an interest in the natural world.

Aloes are the flagship plants of Africa, vividly defining the landscapes in which they occur.

In garden settings, these stately succulent plants capture the allure of the African savanna and serve as excellent focus plants around which other indigenous plants can be successfully grouped.

Aloes in Southern Africa explores the character and biology of African aloes, describing their habits, characteristic features and distribution in nature. It also details 58 aloe and related species across several vegetation zones.

Aloe cultivation and propagation is discussed too, providing insight into optimum growing conditions, gardening styles and plants that flourish in different regions.

A feature on medicinal, cosmetic and culinary uses reveals the special properties of these intriguing plants. Whether you are starting a garden, redeveloping one or simply looking to expand your knowledge of these fascinating succulents, Aloes in Southern Africa will prove an invaluable guide.

Southern Africa boasts many spectacular examples of rocks and minerals; volcanic lava make up the dramatic

Drakensberg mountain range, granite mountains form stunning scenery in Namibia and Zimbabwe, and some of the most ancient rocks on Earth - over 3000 million years old - are to be found on the subcontinent. The region is home to many important and interesting minerals, as well as a wide array of beautiful gemstones - diamonds from South Africa, emeralds from Zimbabwe and tourmalines from Namibia.

Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals of Southern Africa is the first definitive field guide to document the common, rare and unusual rocks and minerals of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique.

Supported by more than 500 full-color photographs, the text describes in detail a wide range of the region's common and attractive rocks and minerals. Authoritative information is presented in a user-friendly manner and is enlivened by box and panel features.

It will appeal to mineral collectors, geologists, gemologists, students, and anyone with an interest in the natural environment.

Featuring 250 of the region's most interesting and commonly encountered succulents, Guide to Succulents of Southern Africa is a guide to the identification of these increasingly popular plants.

Colour photographs vividly portray all the species covered. Authoritative text describes key identification features. Distribution maps show the occurrence of each species in Southern Africa.

This guide will have wide appeal both to naturalists and to the gardening public who, increasingly, are on the lookout for indigenous, low-maintenance and waterwise plants.

Fully revised, Birds of Africa south of the Sahara provides unrivalled coverage of African birds in a single volume, and is the first book to describe and illustrate all of the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert (the Afrotropic Region), including Socotra, Pemba and islands in the Gulf of Guinea.

Despite its exceptional coverage, this guide is compact enough to use in the field, and follows the standard field guide format, with texts and range maps appearing opposite the colour plates.