The Living Deserts of Southern Africa unravels the mysteries of survival in some of the harshest landscapes on earth. Where rainfall is meagre and unpredictable, temperatures fluctuate between extreme hot and cold, and food is scarce, it seems that little can survive. But a surprising range of plants and animals does.

Situated at the tip of the continent, southern Africa has a coastline that has excited marine biologists and oceanographers for generations. Much research has been undertaken and many South African marine scientists have won international acclaim. The aim of this book is to communicate to a wide audience the excitement of marine biology and the stimulation of recent discoveries. Key features of this book include a glossary of terms, a bibliography of key references, appendices on the classification of animals and plants together with current regulations governing their collection, and a comprehensive index.