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.

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.

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 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.

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 First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa will help those with an interest in interpreting animal tracks to indentify the animals that have passed through an area.

Full-colour photographs and easy-to-read text will enable the beginner and budding naturalist to decipher the more common tracks encountered in southern Africa, learn about the unique features of each spoor and discover more about the animals that leave the spoor.

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.

Southern Africa is home to a diverse reptile fauna of more than 600 species. Of these, nearly 70% are endemic to the region, being found nowhere else. This compact guide features 276 of the more colourful and conspicuous species, as well as those unique to or endangered in the region. This up-to-date guide makes an ideal travelling companion on trips to the wildlife areas of southern Africa.

It features:

- authoritative text describing key identification features and symbols depicting endangered and venomous species;

- full-colour photographs of the featured species;

- distribution maps showing the range of each species;

- thumbnail outlines of each family group, enabling quick identification

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Eerste Veldgids tot Sterrehemel van Suider-Afrika bied ’n fassinerende blik op die suidelike sterrehemel. Met behulp van volkleurfoto’s en illustrasies, maandelikse sterrekaarte en maklik leesbare teks, sal die ontluikende sterrekundige die meer sigbare voorwerpe in ons naghemel kan uitken en meer van die unieke verskynsels in ons sterrestelsel te wete kom.

Following the success of the earlier Scatalog – Quick ID guide to southern African animal droppings, here’s another quick and quirky identification guide, this time to tracks of the region’s most commonly found mammals, but also includes tracks of reptiles, rodents, birds and insects.

A simple key on the inside front cover directs users to any of 11 categories, such as ‘cloven hooves’, ‘paws’ or 'tramline-like trails'. Nearly 100 animals or closely related groups of animals are depicted; for each, there’s

- a silhouette of front and back feet and a colour photograph of the track

- the average measurements for each track

- a short description of the track

- information about the circumstances and likely habitat

Concise and to-the-point, this pocket-sized reference will prove indispensible in the field, no matter the experience of the user.

Meet 36 of southern Africa’s most common and interesting snakes in this lively and engaging kids’ guide. Discover the intriguing habits of snakes – where they live, how they hunt, what dangers they face, and how they protect themselves, all richly supported by more than 250 captivating photographs. A detailed introduction to many aspects of snake behaviour opens up the fascinating world of these widely misunderstood reptiles.

Of all Africa's wildlife, none has captured the imagination more than those species that have come over the years to be known as the big five. Whether the biggest, the most beautiful, the fiercest or most formidable, these animals are the ones that have the power to remind us of our insignificance in the face of the true kings of the savannas. This is a truly magnificent record of Africa's Big Five.

A is for Aardvark
B is for Bakkie
C is for Cango Caves ...

A lively book to learn your ABC but also a colourfully illustrated guide to South Africa, its celebrated places and well-known objects.

Seasoned illustrator Sandy Lightley’s bright illustrations bring the country to life while fostering an awareness of sounds and letters. There are fun questions about the elements on each page; and a parents’ guide at the back, with addresses and contact numbers, outlines key activities and places of interest, and will facilitate visits to the major sights and attractions.

Aimed at tourists and locals alike, this vibrant book will delight and inform.

Following 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.

More 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 insignificant sanctuary was transformed into an astonishingly successful mega-park, and the most ecologically diverse protected space in South Africa.