The dynamic duo are back together again. This time with a subject that does not need to be searched for. Trees wait for you…in the same place every day! The beauty being that, unlike wildlife where a missed photo opportunity could spell disaster for a chapter, trees can be photographed the next day, month or year. And, in the case of some species, perhaps decades and centuries. I have come to learn that in tree identification, the shape of the leaves plays an important role, and Megan and Chem have that aspect well covered. Published in 2019, this book is a comprehensive guide to some of the more memorable trees found in both the Highveld and Lowveld. A must for both the novice as well as the more seasoned enthusiasts.
Clive Walker is a legend in the guiding/conservation industry. Even though this book dates back to 1996, it still has a relevant space on my home library shelf. Small enough to be carried on a hike, but concise enough to give answers to the most often asked tracking questions.
This is the type of coffee-table book that if you don’t have a coffee table will make you go out and buy one! Published in 2019, this book is a follow up to the Great Elephant Census of 2016. That census served to highlight the fact that an animal is killed every 15-20 minutes across the African continent. The book, although compiled by Don and Colin, relies on the combined input of more than 40 experts. From guides and rangers to scientists, activists, academics and poets, each of whom has had input to share. A beautifully written book with stunning photographs, this book is a testament to the elephant populations of Africa and what they have to endure in their interactions with mankind.
 ‘We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behaviour’. Grayden Carter
One of my most favourite titles. I love the sounds of frogs in the wild and when I have had in my pond at home, I get excited. That being said very few of those living in my garden have survived the onslaught from the local Hadeda population. This book, with a sensible plastic cover, also has a QR code facility. I downloaded an advert-free App for my Android phone which works extremely well. The calls are clear and unmistakable, making audio identification relatively easy. Interesting facts, key identification points and distribution maps are all included in this title.
Not called ‘Big Sky Country‘ for nothing, this relatively isolated area of South Africa has finally fallen under the tourist spotlight. From being part of a trip on the way to a coastal destination, the Karoo is becoming that destination. Originally thought to be either hot or cold(depending on the season) with a hostile and desolate landscape, visitors are realizing that it is those features that have now made it part of the tourist route. This book sets out to add to that newfound knowledge. Places like Samara that have re-introduced both elephants and lions to the area are at the forefront of tourism here. Mitch, with the help of other contributors, has produced a truly memorable work.
One of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever owned. First published in 2015, this 2019 updated and revised edition is spectacular. Damselflies and Dragonflies are NOT the easiest of species to photograph, but the Tarbotons have succeeded admirably and each page could hang proudly framed on a wall. They have in fact used scans of living insects to make this ‘old-school’ type of field guide POP. Another must-have title for any nature enthusiasts library.
To find out more about the current of back-catalogue titles, visit this website: www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za
