An easy to use pocket sized book with a wealth of information on some 120 species of Southern African mammals. (Review by Cherry MacIldowie)Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris and Mathilde Stuart is an ideal little book to slip into your pocket before setting off on your adventures around Southern Africa. Aimed at the local wildlife enthusiast and overseas visitors, it encompasses South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland and Lesotho.
The introduction indicates that there are more than 350 mammal species living in Southern Africa in a great diversity of habitat ranging from deserts, mountain ranges and areas of spectacular natural beauty and bounded on all sides by two great oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian.
Of the 120 varieties of mammals featured in this book, some are the well-known larger and more visible species, but also included are a few of the less-frequently seen animals such as the elusive aardvark and pangolin (I have yet to meet anyone who has ever seen either) and porcupine as well as bats and smaller rodents.
There is a detailed map and list of National Parks and Game Reserves to aid in the planning of your discovery of Southern Africa. The section on the Biomes is useful for identifying the vegetation of the various regions encountered along the way. “How to use this Guide” should be read as it gives pointers to the name of the animal, both the common English and scientific as well as those in Afrikaans, French and German. These are repeated in the Index for easy reference. Identification pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, tracks and maps and other relevant information; as well as tips on successful mammal watching.
Each animal has a page devoted to it offering concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings. Mammals of Southern Africa is divided into groupings, beginning with the primates, zebras, rhinos, hippos, giraffe and buffalo. On through antelopes, elephant and carnivores, including otters and the surprising number of different mongoose species. The cat varieties feature the African Wild Cat which looks like the moggy at home and the small spotted cat. A little-known, or for that matter, little-seen group are the sengis or elephant shrews and there are five types of bats covered. The section on rodents is comprehensive and includes the Greater Cane Rat, Fat Mouse and the cutest Spectacled Dormouse. Although I do think you would be very lucky to spot any of these animals. The last grouping covers a few marine mammals one may encounter along the coast line.
At the end of Mammals of Southern Africa there is a well-photographed Dung identification section. So when there is nothing of interest to look at, make a study of the droppings around the waterhole and the Track Comparison section will aid in identifying spoor left behind.
Although not a comprehensive guide to all mammals this is however a lightweight, useful and quick reference. All the photographs are clear and in full colour - remarkable for capturing those aforesaid elusive creatures.
Authors Chris and Mathilde Stuart are founders of the African-Arabian Wildlife Research Centre. They are well-known authors of numerous books including Pocket Guide Mammals of East Africa and Dangerous Creatures of Africa and have also published numerous scientific papers and popular articles on a wide range of topics.
Pocket Guide: Mammals of Southern Africa is also available in Afrikaans (Sakgids Soogdiere van Suider-Afrika: | ISBN 978-1-77007-886-4) and German (Taschenführer Säugetiere Südliches Afrika: ISBN 978-1-77007-887-1)
Mammals of Southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-861-1 is published by Random House Struik. Recommended selling price R100 – Cherry MacIldowie
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