The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals

"The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals" covers each of Southern Africa's 343 mammal species. From the diminutive shrews to the weird and wonderful bats, the carnivores, primates and ungulates (hoofed animals), this guide represents the work of 72 leading authorities in the field of mammal research. More than 400 colour photographs, many submitted by the region's most renowned wildlife photographers, were selected from an initial shortlist of 1,000. Wherever possible these portray the animals in their natural environments and many depict interesting aspects of behaviour too. The guide is divided into three main sections. The first and most extensive section covers land mammals - from shrews, moles and bats to primates, rabbits, rodents, primates, carnivores and ungulates. The second section embraces the marine mammals, comprising the whales, dolphins and seals. The third part of the guide covers exotic (introduced) species, such as the house rat, the grey squirrel and the fallow deer. In most instances, the species are introduced in a general text that is followed by more detailed biological notes covering aspects such as habitat, breeding, food and feeding methods and social system. A distribution map is provided for each animal. Supplementary essays at the front of the guide offer an even deeper insight into the subject, covering evolution, mammal classification, habitats, mammal adaptations and conservation. Selected further reading, a glossary of terms and a list of alternative names for each of the major languages within the sub-region are also provided.