The major field guides for most of the southern Africa region are the SASOL & Newman's guides and various photographic guides with some specific ones for different countries. The SASOL guide is excellent - its illustrations are fantastic and the text succinct yet authoritative.
The Southern African Birdfinder: Where to find 1,400 bird species in southern Africa must rank as one of the best 'Where to' guides for a region. It contains detailed information on sites, clear maps and directions and great photos. With a very slick layout this book is an essential addition to any trip in southern Africa. Highly recommended.
Many birdwatchers are not only interested in birds, so we have added the most useful books for other taxa where possible. Clicking on a link will take you to our partner, Wildsounds, one of the largest specialist UK mail-order companies. The prices here are a guide price and Wildsounds may be able to offer a better deal.
*** Wildsounds donates 5% of each order generated via these links to the ABC Conservation Fund. Please order here, get a good price and support ABC! ***
Field Guides | Where to Watch and Site Guides | Avifaunas and Monographs | Bird Sounds | Mammals | General Titles | Reptiles and Amphibians | Insects | Plants | Diving Fishes & Corals | Other taxa - Sounds |
Field Guides
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa |
In ABC's view, this is the best field guide to the region. Field guides for southern Africa were always leagues ahead of other areas but this has surpassed them all. Handy for the field, the 200 plus colour plates and numerous distribution maps make this a joy to use. 445 pages. |
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Newman's Birds of Southern Africa |
The 9th edition of this excellent field guide. Text and maps with facing page colour plates. Numerous habitat photos. Extensively updated to include the latest information. With colour enhancements and fully updated text, this superb guide for all birds recorded from the Antarctic to the Zambezi will be more comprehensive than ever. Over 900 species are illustrated in all, including all 113 endemics, and all new vagrants. In this new edition, there is a new introductory section, revised and improved maps, updated illustrations, and a user-friendly design for use in the field. In terms of Southern Africa, the main competition is the SASOL guide which is probably better although each field guide has their devotees. 510 pages. |
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Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa |
Full colour photos of over 900 species known to occur from Antarctica to the Zambesi River. The book is divided into more than 150 plates, each grouping similar birds. Facing each plate is a succinct, comparative description and distribution map. 368 pages. |
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A complete illustrated field guide to the Birds of Africa south of the Sahara |
This is the first book to describe and illustrate all of the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara, including Socotra. It excludes Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles. The guide covers nearly 2100 species, and has 3000 images on 340 plates. The paintings portray most distinctive plumages, as well as diagnostic flight patterns and other details. It is compact enough to use in the field, and follows the standard field guide format, with texts and maps appearing opposite the colour plates. Many new species are described and illustrated for the first time. The text is formatted to give precise identification features, habitat, status and calls. The distribution maps are the first to show accurately the species distribution in sub-Saharan Africa and have combined all the latest atlas surveys. Also available with a durable PVC cover, this guide will be an indispensible part of any African birder's field equipment. 712 pages. |
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Roberts Birds of Southern Africa VIIth Edition |
This amazing tome was so popular in South Africa that it has been reprinted. * SPECIAL OFFER £99 WHILE STOCKS LAST * 1296 pages. |
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Roberts Field Guide - Southern Africa |
At last! a field guide version of Roberts Birds of Southern Africa VIIth Edition featuring large, clear illustrations, distribution maps as well as a "breeding bar" indicating breeding season. Covers over 950 species including all the recent splits. 456 pages. |
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Photographic Guide to Birds of Prey, Southern, Central & East Africa |
This compact, easy-to-use format is the ideal pocket-sized book for a travelling companion. It contains authoritative text describing key identification features and full-colour photographs depicting each of the 88 species. Approximately 200 colour photos. 88 colour maps. 144 pages. |
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Gamebirds of Southern Africa |
High quality, large format (290x240 mm). 50 superb colour plates. 128 pages. |
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Raptors of the World: A Field Guide |
This new field guide uses all of the plates from the Helm ID Guide Raptors of the World, with concise, revised text on facing pages, to create a conveniently-sized, lightweight field reference covering all 330 raptor species. Several of the plates have been reworked and repainted for this field guide. The book also has an updated colour distribution map for each species. 320 pages. |
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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Southern Africa |
A photographic guide to the birds of southern Africa, focusing on the 256 most abundant and obvious species seen in the region. 144 pages. |
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Birds of Prey of Africa |
Single group guides have often been restricted to world-wide distribution and it is nice to see one devoted to Africa. This guide is excellent and well worth having to identify raptors, many of which are tricky to identify at the best of times! This guide covers the identification, distribution & behaviour of over 100 species of diurnal raptor and 40-plus species of owl. 220 colour photos. 500 colour paintings. 347 pages. |
Where to Watch and Site Guides
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Sasol Birding Map of Southern Africa |
Published in 2002, this map includes over 200 birding sites in Southern Africa, as well as many game and nature reserves, towns, and routes. Each site description gives details of habitat type and the birds it attracts. Includes in depth profiles on 8 of the region's major sites. Its an interesting concept and is a very useful guide to planning a trip in southern Africa. Well worth the £5.99! |
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Southern African Birdfinder: Where to find 1400 bird species in southern Africa |
The ideal companion to all the local bird field guides. After an introduction to birding in the southern African region, the authors identify and describe more than 200 top birding sites and associated birds across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, the Indian Ocean islands and the little-documented, but increasingly popular areas of Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi. All sites are ranked into one of three categories of priority: essential (the region's best); excellent (top sites but expendable to a time-limited visitor) and local interest (ideal for those looking for new areas to explore). All sites include practical details of access, best times to visit, habitat diversity and general natural history. A guide to finding the region's top 100 birds and an annotated checklist conclude the book. 448 pages. |
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Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Self Drive Route |
Discover the birds of the Soutpansberg and Limpopo Valley. This booklet contains a basic map, accommodation and site lists, checklists and details of local facilities. 40 pages. |
Avifaunas and Monographs
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Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands |
This book is great. Need to know something about important sites in Africa? This book should be your first port of call and is ideal for background reading or planning a trip. This is the first regional analysis of its kind for the African continent including Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands, giving a clear understanding of the conservation status of the most significant sites for birds in Africa. 1144 pages. |
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Robins of Africa |
A nice coffee table book. Full of information about this fascinating and attractive group. |
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Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa |
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Bird Sounds
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Southern African Bird Sounds (CD set) |
900 announced species; almost all the species occurring in the region. On the CD version the sounds are each announced but are in groups of 10 species per indexed track. Essential for birding in all of the Southern African sub-region's countries:- Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, southern Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Very useful in all other sub-Saharan countries where there is no dedicated sound guide, i.e. Kenya, Tanzania, etc. 7.5 hours. |
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Birds Calls of the Kruger National Park Volume 1 (South Africa) |
99 species, each indexed. |
Mammals
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Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals |
New pocket identification guide to all African land mammals by one of the world's leading naturalists. It is an adaptation of the original Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. The greatly condensed text focuses on essential information such as identification and distribution, while the author's superb illustrations have been rearranged into an easy-to-use plate format and placed opposite the text. Complex and more obscure groups like the bats and certain rodent families are summarised by genera. 272 pages. |
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Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals |
All 1150 known species of African land mammals are covered in precise text with over 480 colour pictures and 280 maps covering 460 mammals or species groups. 494 pages. |
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The Larger Mammals of Africa (Revised Edition) |
Struik Field Guide. 400 colour photos. Includes distribution maps, an extensive discussion on the description, distribution, status, habitat, behaviour, food and reproduction habits of the species as well as a succinct summary. 320 pages. |
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African Predators |
Author Mills and wildlife photographer Harvey combine their talents and their knowledge of the large African carnivores to tell the story of their existence. Mills brings many years of study and practical research in revealing the origins, the present struggle for survival and the uncertain future of Africa's predatory mammals. His examination of their behaviour, social make-up, relations and interactions is supported by Harvey's superb and dramatic photography. 160 pages. |
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Mammals of Southern Africa |
This compact, easy-to-use guide covers approximately 250 species. Every entry includes one or more full colour photographs, and the text highlights key identifcation features as well as providing brief descriptions of habitat and bird behaviour. With a comprehensive introduction, corner tabs for easy reference and, where appropriate, distribution maps, the guide is invaluable for use in the field. Struik Field Guide. 500 colour photos. 272 pages. |
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Photographic Guide to Southern, Central & East African Mammals |
Slim pocket guide. 228 colour photos. Over 150 black & white distribution maps. 144 pages. |
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Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park |
Full-colour photographs and detailed information on all species of mammals found in the Kruger National Park - including information on distribution, habitat, diet, reproduction, physical characteristics and behaviour, as well as predation rates and percentage kills. 240 pages. |
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Cheetah |
This lavish book depicts the history, evolution, behaviour and day-to-day survival of one of the most fascinating cats of the African continent. It discusses the future of the cheetah and the danger it faces, highlighting both genetic and conservation issues. The authoritative text is backed up by glossy full-colour photographs that make the book a visual feast. |
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Collins Field Guide to Mammals of Africa |
Available from March 2009. The most up-to-date field guide to the mammals of Africa, a continent that includes about 25% of the world's mammals. This field guide includes all the species people most want to see when on safari and contains some 50 colour plates depicting almost all of Africa's 1150 plus species. For many species the female or juvenile is shown in addition to the adult male. Identifiable races or colour forms have also been included, as have the spores or tracks of key species. Informative notes on each species are placed opposite the illustrations and text describes the key identification features, the usual habits and habitat of the species and its global conservation status. In addition there are over 1000 distribution maps, information on geography, climate, conservation, finding and observing wildlife and a section on the continent's finest national parks. 304 pages. |
General Titles
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Southern Africa - Travellers' Wildlife Guide |
From the world-famous Kruger National Park in S Africa to Botswana's Okavango Delta and Namibia's Etosha National Park, travelers want to experience savannahs, forests, deserts and other stunning habitats and catch glimpses of some of the world's most spectacular wildlife. This book gives all the information you need to find, identify and learn about southern Africa's magnificent animal life. Colour illustrations of more than 500 of the most common amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals - the species you are most likely to see. Identification and location information on the most frequently seen animals. Up-to-date information on the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the animals. Information about and photos of southern Africa's major habitat types and most frequently visited parks and reserves. 488 pages. |
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Southern African Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide |
4th edition (2003). Bradt Travel Guide. Light-weight and reader-friendly. Covers Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, southern Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. It provides a good introduction to the wildlife of these areas including mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. 300 colour photos illustrate the most interesting species. There is a country-by-country summary of key wildlife sites in each region and tips and advice are given on planning a trip or safari. 284 pages. |
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Spirit of the Bush |
The essence of the South Africa Lowveld, distilled in photographs and text. Spirit of the Bush is a superbly illustrated celebration of the unique quality of the South African 'bush'. Hard to define yet immediately recognisable to those who know it, the spirit of the African bush can be felt in the stateliness of its trees, in the golden light spreading across its grassy plains, in the raw sight of lions on a kill, in a dew-sprinkled spider's web. Distilled in these pages are many such images, the sensitive work of two outstanding photographers. |
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Spectacular South Africa |
Photography portrays the beauty and grandeur of South Africa, a spectacular country, richly endowed with diverse cultures, natural splendours, wilderness and wildlife. 176 pages. |
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Southern Africa Revealed |
An introduction to South Africa is followed by five chapters which are based on geographical regions. Photographs of endless horizons, majestic landscapes and natural wonders are accompanied by informative and thought-provoking extended captions on the five major nations of South Africa - South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. 168 pages. |
Reptiles and Amphibians
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Field Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Southern Africa |
Third edition. Supplements the 397 southern African reptiles included in the second edition of this photographic field guide with 83 new species. Each species entry includes size range, a physical description, and notes on biology and breeding, habitat and distribution. The existing accounts have been fully rewritten. 112 colour plates, 480 maps. 399 pages. |
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Photographic Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Southern Africa |
Slim pocket guide. Approximately 240 colour photos and 240 b/w maps. 144 pages. |
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Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa |
The first field guide to cover all of the 200 species of frogs and three caecelians of the 10 African countries south of the Equator - Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. It includes an illustrated identification key to the adults; an identification key to the tadpoles; an illustration of a typical tadpole from each genus; detailed species accounts which feature: common, alternative, and scientific names, description, distribution and habitat with maps, breeding biology, tadpole behaviour and description, conservation status, and skin toxins; sonograms of advertisement calls, grouped for easy comparison; an overview of African fossil frogs; and a chapter of the impact of man and his relationship with the fauna today. 160 colour photos, 200 maps. 470 pages. |
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Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa |
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Insects
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Damselflies of South Africa |
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Field Guide to Insects of South Africa |
An authoritative, beautifully photographed work that fills the need for a comprehensive insect guide to the region. Some 1200 insect species are described, each with a full-colour photograph, distribution map, identification features, biology, habitat and, where applicable, related species. 444 pages. |
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Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa |
Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa is designed for easy, rapid identification of all butterflies likely to be seen in South Africa. Following a worldwide trend to butterfly watching, readers are encouraged to observe behaviour rather than collect specimens. A detailed introductory section discusses butterfly biology, behaviour and anatomy, and butterfly families and sub-families. A comprehensive section on individual butterfly species supplies a wealth of information - scientific and English common names, information on flight periods and numbers of broods, behavioural traits and differentiation from similar species, as well as notes on size, geographical distribution and larval food sources. Photographs are mostly of live specimens taken in the wild, and include under- and uppersides, and dimorphism where necessary. |
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Butterflies of Southern Africa |
For this guide the author has selected from his own collection more than 620 full-colour photographs to illustrate the distinguishing features of 232 of the more commonly encountered species. These include shots of larvae, pupae and larval food-plants as well as of the adult butterflies, male and female. In the compilation of the text, the assistance of a number of experts has been sought. A map, giving the presumed distribution range of the particular butterfly in Southern Africa accompanies each species account and, where known, the larval food-plants are listed. English, Afrikaans and scientific names are provided. The guide also includes an extensive introductory section on butterfly anatomy, life history, strategies and nomenclature, as well as an ABC of butterfly collecting, captive breeding and the care of collections. There is a strong conservation message. |
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Scorpions of Southern Africa |
Although southern Africa is one of the best places on earth to see and study scorpions, little information is generally available on these misunderstood and often persecuted creatures. This book is both a field guide to the identification of the more common and visible of southern Africa's rich fauna of 130 scorpion species and a description of the physiology and ecology of scorpions. It offers an intriguing insight into the amazing adaptations that have enabled scorpions to survive over millions of years. Laymans' terms are used in the book, as far as possible, and a glossary of more complicated terminology is provided. Distribution maps and photographs are given for over 50 southern African species as well as practical information about where to look for scorpions and how to best handle these often feared creatures. 88 pages. |
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Fieldguide to the Dragonflies of South Africa |
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Plants
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Southern African Wild Flowers: Jewels of the Veld |
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Photographic Guide to Southern African Trees |
In this slimline pocket guide, Dr Piet van Wyk presents approximately 250 of southern Africa's most commonly seen trees in a clear and succinct but easily accessible way. |
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Trees of Southern Africa (Struik) |
Struik Field Guide. Over 1000 colour photos plus distribution maps. 536 pages. |
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Trees of Southern Africa (Palgrave) |
This new edition is the essential, comprehensive identification guide to indigenous trees and naturalised aliens in southern Africa. There are new user-friendly keys, with updated names, species and reclassifications. Distribution maps accompany each species, line drawings of characteristic leaves and/or fruit. |
Diving & Reef Fish/Corals
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Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa |
This up-to-date guide to over 400 species of the fascinating fish along the coast of southern Africa, features over 600 original paintings showing changes with growth. 488 pages. |
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Dive Sites South Africa |
Covers Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Coast, the Garden route, Southern Cape Coast, Southwestern Cape Coast, and the inland dive sites of Wondergat, Badgat, and Bass Lake |
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A Photographic Guide to the Sea Shells of South Africa |
Slim pocket guide. Details 528 commonly encountered shells - with photographs of both sides of the shell. 144 pages. |
Other taxa - Sounds
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Animal Calls of Africa |
40 mammals and 9 conspicuous birds. 34 min. |
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Bird and Animal Calls Southern Africa |
22 beautiful and melodious birds, the sounds of 31 mammals plus a few additions to a now out-of-print sound guide. Announced. |
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