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Mammals of South Africa: A Diverse and Thrilling Wildlife Encounter
South Africa, a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, is also a haven for an astonishing array of mammals. From the majestic lion to the elusive aardvark, the country boasts a biodiversity that captivates wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of South African mammals, exploring their diverse habitats, unique adaptations, and conservation challenges. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of African wildlife!
Exploring the Big Five and Beyond: Iconic South African Mammals
When discussing South African mammals, the "Big Five" – lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and Cape buffalo – immediately spring to mind. These iconic animals are symbols of African wildlife and major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe. However, South Africa's mammalian diversity extends far beyond these celebrated creatures.
#### The Majestic Predators:
Lions: Found primarily in Kruger National Park and other reserves, lions are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Their social structures, hunting strategies, and interactions are endlessly captivating to observe.
Leopards: Masters of stealth and agility, leopards are elusive but widespread throughout South Africa. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from grasslands to mountainous regions, speaks to their adaptability.
Cheetahs: The fastest land animals on Earth, cheetahs are specialized hunters, relying on speed and agility to catch their prey. Their sleek physique and powerful legs are a testament to evolution's power.
#### The Gentle Giants:
Elephants: African elephants, particularly the African bush elephant, are iconic symbols of the African savanna. Their intelligence, social complexity, and immense size leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them.
Rhinoceroses: Both white and black rhinoceroses are found in South Africa, although sadly, both are endangered due to poaching. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of these magnificent creatures.
Cape Buffalo: Known for their unpredictable nature and powerful horns, Cape buffalo are highly social animals living in large herds. Their imposing presence and potential for aggression command respect.
Beyond the Big Five: Unveiling South Africa's Hidden Mammalian Treasures
South Africa harbors a wealth of lesser-known but equally fascinating mammals. These creatures contribute significantly to the ecological balance and add to the richness of the country's biodiversity.
#### Unique and Endemic Species:
Aardvarks: These nocturnal insectivores are characterized by their elongated snout, powerful claws, and long, sticky tongue. They are uniquely adapted to their subterranean lifestyle.
Cape Golden Moles: These tiny, blind mammals are perfectly adapted to their underground existence. They are endemic to South Africa, adding to the country’s unique biodiversity.
Springboks: These graceful antelopes are known for their spectacular leaping behavior and are a common sight in many South African grasslands.
#### Diverse Habitats and Adaptations:
South Africa's diverse landscapes – from arid deserts to lush forests – support a remarkable variety of mammals, each displaying unique adaptations to their specific environment. For example, desert-dwelling species have evolved mechanisms for conserving water, while forest dwellers are adapted to arboreal lifestyles.
Conservation Challenges and Efforts
The survival of South Africa's mammals faces several significant challenges, most notably habitat loss due to human encroachment, poaching, and climate change. However, dedicated conservation efforts are underway to protect these animals and their habitats. These initiatives include the establishment of national parks and reserves, anti-poaching programs, and community-based conservation projects.
Conclusion
South Africa's mammals represent a treasure trove of biodiversity, showcasing remarkable adaptations and ecological importance. From the iconic Big Five to the lesser-known but equally fascinating species, the country's wildlife is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Continued conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures for generations to come. Visiting South Africa provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness this incredible wildlife firsthand, fostering appreciation and supporting vital conservation initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the best place to see the Big Five in South Africa? Kruger National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife and offers excellent opportunities to spot all five animals. Other reserves, like Sabi Sands and Madikwe, also offer excellent wildlife viewing.
2. Are all South African mammals endangered? No, while some species like rhinoceroses are critically endangered, many others have healthy populations. However, continued monitoring and conservation efforts are essential for all species.
3. What is the role of ecotourism in mammal conservation in South Africa? Ecotourism plays a vital role by generating revenue for conservation efforts, creating jobs in local communities, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife.
4. What are the biggest threats to South African mammals? Habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change are the most significant threats.
5. How can I contribute to South African mammal conservation? Supporting reputable conservation organizations, choosing responsible tourism operators, and advocating for stronger environmental policies are all effective ways to contribute.
| mammals of south africa: The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region J. D. Skinner, Christian T. Chimimba, 2005-11-15 This comprehensive volume covers all mammals that occur naturally on the African mainland south of the Cunene and Zambezi rivers, and also in the subregion's coastal waters. Extensively revised and updated for the new edition, it now includes the latest data from from mammal research in southern Africa along with the radical taxonomic changes across all levels of mammalian classification. Containing contributions from specialists on each mammalian order, each species description has been reviewed by a range of independent and internationally recognised authorities. Along with the latest taxonomic information, the distribution maps and illustrations have been updated and redrawn, several new colour plates have been added, and the whole design has been enhanced to aid access to key information. This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date survey of southern-African mammals and forms an essential reference for zoologists, evolutionary biologists and anyone wanting an overview of the region's wildlife. |
| mammals of south africa: A Field Guide to the Mammals William Henry Burt, 1976 Provides information about mammals in North America and north of Mexico. |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of Southern Africa and Their Tracks & Signs Lee Gutteridge, Louis Liebenberg, 2013 Tracking is a much-loved yet difficult subject that attracts at least some of the attention of almost every bush-goer who ventures into the wild places of southern Africa. The ability to accurately read difficult, partial, or little-seen signs left in the soil or sand is rare and largely the domain of professionals. However, by making use of this comprehensive guide, anyone who applies him- or herself can begin to decipher these natural hieroglyphs etched on the ground. In this volume, highly accurate sketches of animal tracks are combined with a wide selection of extremely varied photographs that provide an all-round impression of the signs the animals may leave behind. This field guide to mammal tracks and signs also serves as an ID guide to the mammals of southern Africa as full color photographs of each animal are included. |
| mammals of south africa: Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa , 2004 |
| mammals of south africa: Smithers' Mammals of Southern Africa Peter Apps, 1996 Based on Reay Smithers' original work Land Mammals of Southern Africa, this revised and expanded field guide to Southern African mammals is intended for the general reader as well as the wildlife enthusiast. |
| mammals of south africa: The Wildlife of Southern Africa Vincent Carruthers, 2017-02-06 A field guide to the wildlife of southern Africa, describing over 2,000 plants and animals, with accurate illustrations in full colour. This book has been a trusted fi eld companion for many years. Comprehensively updated, it now features range maps for most groups. The chapters are colour-coded for easy reference, and diagnostic features appear in bold type within the descriptions. Each chapter is written by a leading expert in the field. All the main plant and animal groups are covered: Lower invertebrates, Spiders and other arachnids, Insects, Freshwater fishes, Frogs, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals, Grasses, sedges, ferns and fungi, Wild flowers, Trees |
| mammals of south africa: The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals , 1997 |
| mammals of south africa: A Fossil History of Southern African Land Mammals D. Margaret Avery, 2019-04-11 A comprehensive reference on the taxonomy and distribution in time and space of all currently recognized southern African fossil mammals. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core. |
| mammals of south africa: Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa Chris Stuart, Tilde Stuart, 2006 Of the world's 4,000 to 4,500 mammal species, about 1,100 occur in Africa. In this updated and revised edition of Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa, authors Chris and Tilde Stuart concentrate on the more visible and easily distinguished larger mammal species, plus some of the more frequently seen smaller mammals. In all, over 400 color photographs, combined with concise, pertinent information highlighting the diagnostic features of each species, provide a comprehensive source of information on each mammal. The latest information has been incorporated and the distribution maps have been revised to reflect the most up-to-date habitat and distribution patterns for each species. A new feature is the inclusion of the mammals' skulls, grouped together at the back of the book. To aid the reader, color-coding and symbols indicating the habitat and activity period serve as a quick reference to the various mammal groups. |
| mammals of south africa: Pocket Guide to Mammals of East Africa Chris Stuart, 2013-08-22 East Africa comprises a range of habitats that provide living space for more than 360 diverse species of mammal. These vary in size from the massive elephant to the tiniest bats, shrews and mice. This compact guide covers all of the common and some of the less common mammal species of the region. For each species it offers: • key identification features, behaviour, diet, breeding biology, occurrence and size • clear, full-colour photographs • track illustrations • silhouettes to indicate size relative to human figure • distribution map A section on droppings/dung of many of the animals, as well as that of relative tracks, conclude the book. Compact and easy-to-use, this is the ideal companion both for regulars and visitors to the region. |
| mammals of south africa: Stuarts' Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa Chris Stuart, Mathilde Stuart, 2015-03-27 Greater southern Africa has a wealth of mammal species, almost 400 – all of which are covered in this fully updated, comprehensive field guide. Now expanded to include species found in Angola, Zambia and Malawi, it has also been extensively revised to include: • the most recent research and taxonomy • revised distribution maps and many new images • colour-coded grouping of families • spoor and size icons • skull photographs, grouped for easy comparison • detailed descriptions of each species, offering insight into key identification characters, typical behaviour, preferred habitat, food choice, reproduction and longevity. |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of Southern Africa Jonathan Kingdon, 2007-10 An A5 laminated fold-out field guide featuring all the larger mammals and many of the smaller mammals found in Southern Africa. |
| mammals of south africa: Pocket Guide Mammals of Southern Africa Chris Stuart, 2011-08-26 Southern Africa is home to a wealth of mammal species, occupying a great diversity of habitats. This easy-to-use, compact book is the perfect pocket identification guide to mammals of the region. It covers - in surprising detail - some 120 mammals, from the smallest (bats, sengis and shrews) to the largest, such as elephant, lion and rhinoceros, as well as marine species, such as seals, dolphins and whales. Authoritative and colourfully illustrated, this guide offers concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behaviour, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements. Clear images of each animal, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings make this a must-have book for tourists and nature-lovers alike. |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of South America, Volume 2 Alfred L. Gardner, James L. Patton, 2007 The vast terrain between Panama and Tierra del Fuego contains some of the worlds richest mammalian fauna, but until now it has lacked a comprehensive systematic reference to the identification, distribution, and taxonomy of its mammals. The first such book of its kind, Mammals of South America both summarizes existing information and encourages further research of the mammals indigenous to the region. It includes identification keys and brief descriptions of each order, family, and genus. Species accounts include taxonomic descriptions, synonymies, keys to identification, distributions with maps and a gazetteer of marginal localities, lists of recognized subspecies, brief summaries of natural history information, and discussions of issues related to taxonomic interpretations. |
| mammals of south africa: The Mammals of South Africa Austin Roberts, 1951 A systematic account of mammals in South Africa, including tables of measurements. |
| mammals of south africa: The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa Burger Cillié, 2004 With colour photos, distribution maps, spoor, and photos of faeces, and an identification key. |
| mammals of south africa: Southern African Mammals Made Simple Gordon King, Doug Newman, 2014-03 Southern African mammals made simple enables users to distinguish between commonly confused mammals by applying the breakthrough methodology that made Southern African LBJs made simple so hugely popular. The simple three-step system allows for quick and certain identification of mammals in the field. For each species featured, the book gives: range maps full-colour illustrations and photographs key identification pointers, and concise text describing height, weight, habits and habitat. Distinctive and iconic animals are included, but the particular value of this book lies in making separati. |
| mammals of south africa: The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals Jonathan Kingdon, 2020-09-17 The essential mammal guide to take on safari, covering every African land mammal. Originally published in 2004, the Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals quickly became the field guide of choice to take on African safaris. Its compact format makes it ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive currently possible in this format. Adapted from the 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. Over 500 maps plot the distribution of all larger species, and for smaller mammals the maps show distribution by genus. This is a completely revised second edition of this popular guide. The information and taxonomy have been updated to follow the newly published second edition of the Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (2015), and this new edition of the pocket guide contains several new species and illustrations. The maps have been completely replaced and there are now 200 more maps than in the original edition. |
| mammals of south africa: The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region J. D. Skinner, Christian T. Chimimba, 2005-11-15 This third, extensively revised edition of The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion contains detailed descriptions of all mammals that occur naturally on the African mainland south of the Cunene and Zambezi rivers, together with all mammals indigenous to the subregion's coastal waters. The rapid accumulation of new information resulting from mammal research in southern Africa, together with radical taxonomic changes across all levels of mammalian classification, have necessitated this new edition, which presents the best and latest data accurately in one comprehensive volume for use not only by scientists but also by an increasingly wide audience of general readers with an interest in the natural history of southern Africa. J. D. Skinner and C. T. Chimimba have revised, expanded and updated the text in a major project overseen by an editorial committee constituted by the Mammal Research Institute at the University of Pretoria. Specialists on each mammalian order have served as subeditors, and a range of independent and internationally recognised authorities have reviewed every species description. In this edition all the distribution maps and many of the illustrations of mammal prints have been updated and redrawn, several new colour plates have been added, and the whole design of this definitive reference work has been enhanced to ensure easy access to information.--BOOK JACKET. |
| mammals of south africa: Megafauna Richard A. Fariña, Sergio F. Vizcaíno, Gerry De Iuliis, 2013-05-22 “An enjoyable read that provides a substantial amount of detail on the biology, ecology, and distribution of these fantastic animals . . . Highly recommended.” —Choice More than 10,000 years ago spectacularly large mammals roamed the pampas and jungles of South America. This book tells the story of these great beasts during and just after the Pleistocene, the geological epoch marked by the great ice ages. Megafauna describes the history and way of life of these animals, their comings and goings, and what befell them at the beginning of the modern era and the arrival of humans. It places these giants within the context of the other mammals then alive, describing their paleobiology—how they walked; how much they weighed; their diets, behavior, biomechanics; and the interactions among them and with their environment. It also tells the stories of the scientists who contributed to our discovery and knowledge of these transcendent creatures and the environment they inhabited. The episode known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, perhaps the most important of all natural history “experiments,” is also an important theme of the book, tracing the biotic events of both North and South America that led to the fauna and the ecosystems discussed in this book. “Collectively, this book brings attention to the discovery and natural history of ancient beasts in South America while providing a broader temporal and geographic background that allows readers to understand their evolution and potential immigration to South America.” —Quarterly Review of Biology “An excellent volume . . . This book is likely to facilitate progress in the understanding of fossil mammals from the Americas.” —Priscum |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of Southern Africa Burger Cillié, 1987 |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of Southern Africa John Dawson Skinner, 1999 Fully revised and updated, this popular guide describes and illustrates in full colour more than 90 of southern Africa's most interesting and more commonly seen mammals. |
| mammals of south africa: The Behavior Guide to African Mammals Richard Estes, 1991 A work of tremendous scope. . . . Amateur naturalists and tourists to the parks of Africa and finally professionals will find this a stimulating, well-documented summary.--John F. Eisenberg, Florida Museum of Natural History We have seen in the field how very helpful and informative The Behavior Guide is. Our knowledgeable safari guides turned often to their prized and already well-thumbed copies, and we continue to refer to ours now that we are back home.--Douglas F. Williamson, Jr., National Council, World Wildlife Fund, U.S. A fascinating, perceptive, and enjoyable travel companion heightens the pleasure of being afield. The Behavior Guide to African Mammals is that ideal companion. Lucid, accurate, and marvelously illustrated, the book is a basic reference for anyone interested in natural history.--George B. Schaller, author of The Serengheti Lion and The Deer and the Tiger A remarkable review of what is known about the larger African mammals.--A.R.E. Sinclair, The Ecology Group, University of British Columbia |
| mammals of south africa: Smithers Mammals of Southern Africa Peter Apps, Reay H.N. Smithers, 2012-04-05 This popular and authoritative field guide to the mammals of southern Africa has been fully revised and updated to include the latest research, while remaining accessible and compact for use in the field. Detailed accounts of over 220 land and nine marine mammal species are discussed in depth, with full species descriptions detailing physical characteristics, habitat, diet, life history, behaviour, field signs and conservation status. Beautiful, accurate illustrations depict each species, and there are up-to-date distribution maps, spoor patterns, symbols showing conservation status, time of activity, and whether the animal occurs only in the subregion. As an extra aid to identification, line drawings show the relative sizes of similar mammals, drawn to a common scale. Smithers’ numbers make for easy cross-referencing to the first and third editions of Mammals of the Southern African Subregion. Written in non-technical language and with a fresh design, this field guide classic will appeal to general readers, wildlife enthusiasts and professional guides, as well as to students and specialists in the field. |
| mammals of south africa: Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa Chris Stuart, Tilde Stuart, 2007 Southern Africa has a wealth of mammal species, a total of 337 - all of which are covered in this fully revised comprehensive field guide. While the term 'African mammals' conjures up the more celebrated species of elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, it is in fact the smaller animals - shrews, genets, suricates and bats - that comprise the bulk of the region's mammal species. And, often overlooked but included here too is the diversity of marine mammals - seals, whales and dolphins - that are found in our oceans. This new edition of Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa has been extensively revised to include the most recent research in line with new findings and new taxonomy. Up-to-date information, revised distribution maps and new images (where available) have been combined in a modern, full-color layout. Color-coding has been introduced according family groupings and spoor and size icons are included for quick reference with each mammal entry. Another new feature is the inclusion of skulls, grouped at the back of the book for easy comparison. In addition to detailed descriptions of each species, the text offers insight into key identification characters, typical behavior, preferred habitat, food choice and reproduction. |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of South America, Volume 2 James L. Patton, Ulyses F. J. Pardiñas, Guillermo D’Elía, 2015-03-09 The second installment in a planned three-volume series, this book provides the first substantive review of South American rodents published in over fifty years. Increases in the reach of field research and the variety of field survey methods, the introduction of bioinformatics, and the explosion of molecular-based genetic methodologies have all contributed to the revision of many phylogenetic relationships and to a doubling of the recognized diversity of South American rodents. The largest and most diverse mammalian order on Earth—and an increasingly threatened one—Rodentia is also of great ecological importance, and Rodents is both a timely and exhaustive reference on these ubiquitous creatures. From spiny mice and guinea pigs to the oversized capybara, this book covers all native rodents of South America, the continental islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean Netherlands off the Venezuelan coast. It includes identification keys and descriptions of all genera and species; comments on distribution; maps of localities; discussions of subspecies; and summaries of natural, taxonomic, and nomenclatural history. Rodents also contains a detailed list of cited literature and a separate gazetteer based on confirmed identifications from museum vouchers and the published literature. |
| mammals of south africa: Biological Invasions in South Africa Brian W. van Wilgen, John Measey, David M. Richardson, John R. Wilson, Tsungai A. Zengeya, 2020-03-10 This open access volume presents a comprehensive account of all aspects of biological invasions in South Africa, where research has been conducted over more than three decades, and where bold initiatives have been implemented in attempts to control invasions and to reduce their ecological, economic and social effects. It covers a broad range of themes, including history, policy development and implementation, the status of invasions of animals and plants in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments, the development of a robust ecological theory around biological invasions, the effectiveness of management interventions, and scenarios for the future. The South African situation stands out because of the remarkable diversity of the country, and the wide range of problems encountered in its varied ecosystems, which has resulted in a disproportionate investment into both research and management. The South African experience holds many lessons for other parts of the world, and this book should be of immense value to researchers, students, managers, and policy-makers who deal with biological invasions and ecosystem management and conservation in most other regions. |
| mammals of south africa: The Safari Companion Richard D. Estes, 1999-12-01 The best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals and an indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa! The Second Edition has been fully revised and includes a new preface. The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference. Other features include: Expert Illustrations Useful maps showing major national boundaries, vegetation zones, and game parks An extensive glossary Tips on wildlife photography A list of organizations working to protect African wildlife The best behavioral field guide ever.—Sy Montgomery, author of Tamed and Untamed The book is more than a field guide; it is a valuable tool for conservation.—Kathryn S. Fuller, President, World Wildlife Fund (U.S.A.) |
| mammals of south africa: Rodents of Sub-Saharan Africa Ara Monadjem, Peter J. Taylor, Christiane Denys, Fenton P.D. Cotterill, 2015-02-17 This comprehensive handbook covers all the rodents occurring in Southern, Central, East and West Africa, south of the Sahara. Genus and species accounts include diagnostic descriptions, systematics and taxonomy, biogeographical environment, fossil species, photographs of skull and mandible, illustrations of molar dentition, photographs of live animals, distribution maps and tables of standard museum measurements. |
| mammals of south africa: The Impossible Five Justin Fox, 2015 Visiting game reserves is, for most, all about ticking off the Big Five. Not for Justin Fox. He embarks on a humourous, quirky, frustrating journey in search of South Africa's most elusive mammals, the 'Impossible Five': Cape mountain leopard, aardvark, pangolin, riverine rabbit and naturally occurring white lion. Besides animals, the book is peopled with a lovable cast of eccentric characters and provides compelling insights into wild South Africa.--Back cover. |
| mammals of south africa: The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals Jonathan Kingdon, 2015-04-23 This is the definitive field guide to African Mammals, fully revised and updated following the publication of the groundbreaking Mammals of Africa (2013). Jonathan Kingdon, one of the world's foremost authorities on African mammals, has both written and illustrated this landmark field guide. The unique combination of his extensive field experience and artistic talent has produced a stunning work that sets new standards. The concise text provides full information on identification, distribution, ecology, relationships and conservation status, with introductory profiles that summarise the characteristics of each mammal group. All known species of African land mammal are covered, with coverage of several of the more complex groups of small mammals simplified by reference to genera. Classification has been fully updated and this new edition includes many newly recognised species. With over 780 colour illustrations, numerous line drawings and more than 520 maps, this book will be an essential companion to anyone visiting Africa or with an interest in the mammals of the continent. |
| mammals of south africa: The Living Deserts of Southern Africa Barry Lovegrove, 2022-02 Divided into ten chapters, The Living Deserts of Southern Africa details the biology of desert plants (biggest desert biodiversity hotspot in the world) and animals and discusses their conservation and future threats. |
| mammals of south africa: Animals of Kruger National Park Keith Barnes, 2016-10-18 This compact and stunningly illustrated field guide is an essential companion for any safari in South Africa's Kruger National Park--one of the largest, most iconic, and most visited conservation areas in Africa. Featuring a unique attractive layout and more than 200 color photographs that show animals in a variety of poses, the guide covers all of the park's most frequently seen mammals, reptiles, and frogs. The authoritative and accessible text provides more information about identification, habitat, behavior, biology, and conservation than most competing guides. Written by South Africa native Keith Barnes, an experienced naturalist, wildlife guide, and author, the guide covers 57 mammals, 17 reptiles, and 8 frogs. In addition to Kruger's famous Big-5 of elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses, and buffalos, the guide also includes lesser-known animals such as the charismatic Wild Dog, smaller cats like the Serval and Caracal, and odd nocturnal denizens like the Cape Porcupine and Springhare. Text and photos work seamlessly to enhance the user's understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the animals of this incredible region, which is home to South Africa's most important populations of megafauna. * An essential all-in-one Kruger safari companion* Perfect for new and experienced safari-goers alike* Small, portable format ideal for field use* Unique attractive layout with more than 200 stunning color photographs* Photos show animals in a variety of poses* Covers the most frequently seen species--57 mammals, 17 reptiles, and 8 frogs* Authoritative and accessible text provides more information about identification, behavior, biology, and conservation than most competing guides* Includes spoor prints for all frequently encountered mammal tracks Distributed by Princeton University Press.-- |
| mammals of south africa: South Africa Wildlife James Kavanagh, Waterford Press, 2017-11-16 Eco-tourists, adventurers, and nature lovers will find African Wildlife to be the ideal pocket-sized, folding guide to refer to while driving or trekking through this region. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and includes a map of wildlife viewing hotspots. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field on safari. |
| mammals of south africa: African Antelope Database 1998 Rod East, 1999 Although most antelope species still exist in large numbers in sub-Saharan Africa (some in hundreds of thousands), up to three-quarters of the species are in decline. Threats to their survival arise from the rapid growth of human and livestock populations, with consequent degradation and destruction of natural habitats, and excessive offtake by meat hunters. In addition, some parts of Africa are mow almost completely devoid of large wild animals because of uncontrolled slaughter during recent civil wars. This report presents the information currently held by the IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group on the conservation status of each antelope species (and selected subspecies) in sub-Saharan Africa. Key areas have been identified for the conservation of representative antelope communities. While external donors make the greatest contributions to the conservation of antelopes, greater recognition of wildlife conservation in national and regional development plans is often a critically important requirement. |
| mammals of south africa: Biodiversity of Angola Brian J. Huntley, Vladimir Russo, Fernanda Lages, Nuno Ferrand, 2019-02-20 This open access multi-authored book presents a 'state of the science' synthesis of knowledge on the biodiversity of Angola, based on sources in peer-reviewed journals, in books and where appropriate, unpublished official reports. The book identifies Angola as one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa, but notes that its fauna, flora, habitats and the processes that drive the dynamics of its ecosystems are still very poorly researched and documented. This 'state of the science' synthesis is for the use of all students of Angola's biodiversity, and for those responsible for the planning, development and sustainable management of the country's living resources. The volume brings together the results of expeditions and research undertaken in Angola since the late eighteenth century, with emphasis on work conducted in the four decades since Angola's independence in 1975. The individual chapters have been written by leaders in their fields, and reviewed by peers familiar with the region. |
| mammals of south africa: Pocket Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa Burger Cillie, 2011-03-15 This is a handy and compact guide to over a 100 mammal species -- from big cats to mice and bats. This 5th edition has been completely updated, with 16 new pages of mammals added. Each entry contains a detailed description with: Clear, full-colour photographs; Information on identification, subspecies, mass, shoulder height, vocalisation, age, habitat, habits, food, breeding, and male and female differences; Details of other species with which the mammal could be confused, and their differences; An illustration of typical tracks and their size; A Southern Africa distribution map; Listed where appropriate are the most recent standards set for trophy hunters by Safari Club International and Rowland Ward. Additionally, the pocket guide has: A vegetation map and habitat keys for essential, summarised information at a glance on distribution and preferred habitats; A photographic section on dung; An illustrated section on spoor and tracking. |
| mammals of south africa: Mammals of Africa Jonathan Kingdon, David Happold, Thomas Butynski, Michael Hoffmann, Meredith Happold, Jan Kalina, 2013-05-23 Mammals of Africa (MoA) is a series of six volumes which describes, in detail, every currently recognized species of African land mammal. This is the first time that such extensive coverage has ever been attempted, and the volumes incorporate the very latest information and detailed discussion of the morphology, distribution, biology and evolution (including reference to fossil and molecular data) of Africa's mammals. With 1,160 species and 16 orders, Africa has the greatest diversity and abundance of mammals in the world. The reasons for this and the mechanisms behind their evolution are given special attention in the series. Each volume follows the same format, with detailed profiles of every species and higher taxa. The series includes some 660 colour illustrations by Jonathan Kingdon and his many drawings highlight details of morphology and behaviour of the species concerned. Diagrams, schematic details and line drawings of skulls and jaws are by Jonathan Kingdon and Meredith Happold. Every species also includes a detailed distribution map. Extensive references alert readers to more detailed information. Volume I: Introductory Chapters and Afrotheria (352 pages) Volume II: Primates (560 pages) Volume III: Rodents, Hares and Rabbits (784 pages) Volume IV: Hedgehogs, Shrews and Bats (800 pages) Volume V: Carnivores, Pangolins, Equids and Rhinoceroses (560 pages) Volume VI: Pigs, Hippopotamuses, Chevrotain, Giraffes, Deer and Bovids (704 pages) |
| mammals of south africa: Wild Ways Peter Apps, 2014 Southern Africa has a rich mammal fauna. Identifying mammals is part of the fun - understanding their behavior is just as fascinating. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Peter Apps describes and interprets the behavior of all the significant mammals from aardvarks to tsessebe. |
| mammals of south africa: A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa Jean Dorst, Pierre Dandelot, 1995-08-03 Provides descriptions of the characteristics, habits, distribution, and migration patterns of African mammals. |
South Africa's Rare Mammals - mammalwatching.com
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Regional Red List of all extant South African mammals (RRL; Friedmann and Daly, 2004). This process was conducted according to current IUCN Red List categories and criteria (version …
Mammals Of South Africa (Download Only) - netsec.csuci.edu
South Africa's mammals represent a treasure trove of biodiversity, showcasing remarkable adaptations and ecological importance. From the iconic Big Five to the lesser-known but …
Mammals Of South Africa [PDF] - beta.getdrafts.com
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conservation importance/priority of South Africa mammals, this current thesis has resulted in a robust understanding of various assessment techniques. Key words: Regional conservation …
An inventory of mammals of the North West Province, South …
develop the National Red List assessment of mammals in South Africa. Keywords: Biodiversity, Biogeography, Class Mammalia, Conservation Planning, Distribution, Species Richness. …
Conservation assessment of South African mammals
Conservation assessment of South African mammals Abstract highlight mammals threatened with extinction while also being exposed to high human activity. Evidence indicated various …
A comparative analysis of components incorporated in …
conservation priorities for South African terrestrial mammals. The top 22 mammal species (i.e. the top 10% of assessed species) identified by both regional conservation priority assess-
SOUTH AFRICA: Mammals and Birds - Mammal Watching
specialities, both mammals and birds. In total 67 mammal species were seen (excluding bats) and over 270 birds. Highlights included: • More than 10 Southern Right Whales at both of two …
Patterns of distribution and protection status of the endemic …
This analysis focuses on the endemic mammals of South Africa, which are defined as all terrestrial mammals having over 75% of their distribution within the country. In this study, …
South Africa’s Rare Mammals - d11gbzngntg4t4.cloudfront.net
drive we had, with all the special and rare nocturnal mammals making an appearance! This included Aardvark, Aardwolf, Hedgehog, African Wild Cat, Black-footed Cat and Bat-eared Fox.
Mammals Of South Africa - beta.getdrafts.com
Mammals Of South Africa: Smithers' Mammals of Southern Africa Peter Apps,1996 Based on Reay Smithers original work Land Mammals of Southern Africa this revised and expanded field …
South Africa's Rare Mammals - d11gbzngntg4t4.cloudfront.net
A species that is naturally found mostly in the open savannah regions of the far north-eastern corner of South Africa (i.e. the Kruger National Park), the Roan Antelope is one of the largest …
CAINOZOIC MAMMALS FROM COASTAL …
Fossil mammals from various stratigraphic levels in coastal Namaqualand reveal that the littoral marine deposits, hitherto correlated to the Plio-Pleistocene, range in age from Early Miocene …
SOUTH AFRICA: Mammals and Birds - wildwings.co.uk
For mammals, Cape Hyrax was very common and approachable around the carpark and on the rocks. We also found African Black Oystercatchers, Water Dikkop and four species of
Atelerix frontalis Southern African Hedgehog - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa. Jess Light Assessment …
Habitat associations of small mammals in the foothills of the ...
A total of nine species of terrestrial small mammals have been recorded from the Drakensberg range within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa (Rowe-Rowe and Lowry 1982, Rowe …
Habitat assessment of small mammals in the Umvoti Vlei …
Some small mammal species have narrow habitat requirements e.g. the vlei rat (Otomys irroratus) and swamp musk shrew (Crocidura mariquensis), which are most commonly found in vlei …
Mammals Part # 2 - African Folklore - WildlifeCampus
Module # 4 - Component # 2. Mammals Part # 2 - African Folklore. Introduction. The content that follows is written from transcribed tapes recorded by Credo Mutwa. Credo Mutwa is one of …
Influence of microhabitat structure on large‐ and …
In South Africa, the forest biome is the smallest of the eight biomes (Eeley et al., 1999; Grieve & Downs, 2015; Mucina et al., 2006), including the naturally fragmented Southern Mistbelt …
Mammals Of South Africa (book) - offsite.creighton.edu
The Mammals of South Africa William Lutley Sclater,1900 The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region J. D. Skinner,Christian T. Chimimba,2005-11-15 This third extensively revised …
SMITHERS, R. H. N. 1983. The mammals of the - JSTOR
South Africa red data book-small mammals. South African National Scientific Programmes Report, 11:1-59. MISONNE, X. 1969. African and Indo-Australian Muridae evolutionary trends. …
Convergent Floral Evolution in South African and Australian …
habit in distantly related, low shrubby Australian and South African Proteaceae is interpreted as an adaptation for pollination by nonflying mammals. The cryptic, geoflorous habit is especially …
South Africa - Kruger National Park
South Africa - Kruger National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Mammal Tour ... that mammals and birds are so abundant in Kruger that a visit at any time of year will be rewarding! Food & …
Non-detriment findings for mammals in South Africa
Sep 3, 2023 · mammals trophy hunted in South Africa Jeanetta Selier Sam Ferreira Michelle Pfab Enrico Di Minin. A tangible, durable reminder of a specific achievement, serving as recognition …
SOUTH AFRICA: CUSTOM TRIP REPORT – BIRDS, MAMMALS …
5 | T R I P R E P O R T South Africa: Custom Trip Report April 2018 www.birdingecotours.com info@birdingecotours.com forest we found Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Terrestrial …
Southern Coastal and Shelf Waters of South Africa IMMA
H.T. Davies -Mostert (eds.) The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa: South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust. …
South Africa's Rare Mammals - d11gbzngntg4t4.cloudfront.net
South Africa's Rare Mammals Naturetrek Tour Report 13 – 25 April 2015 Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: …
Potamochoerus larvatus Bushpig - ResearchGate
Potamochoerus larvatus | 2 The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Figure 1. Distribution records for Bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus) within the assessment …
Parotomys brantsii Brants’ Whistling Rat - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Parotomys brantsii | 3 Habitats and Ecology Brants’ Whistling Rat is a largely crepuscular species (Jackson 1998), with …
Assessing the potential impacts of non-native small …
small mammals in South Africa. The European rabbit, the Norwegian rat, the house . Potential impacts of non-native small mammals in the South African pet trade 5 mouse and the Guinea …
Do all mammals dream? - Semel Institute for Neuroscience …
South Africa 2Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California ... mammals do dream, likely having what …
Prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in wild …
Jul 26, 2024 · Bartonella spp. from wild small mammals from 15 localities in 8 provinces of South Africa. Small mammals (n = 183) were trapped in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gau teng, …
Canis mesomelas Black-backed Jackal - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa. Emmanuel Do Linh San
Taxonomy and ecology of parasitic chigger mites (Acari:
Trombiculidae) on small mammals in South Africa by Karlien Malan Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Science in the Faculty of AgriSciences at …
Recommended tracking books (and some other resources), …
In Southern Africa, I recommend that you start here: Mammals (these may contain some info on birds, etc., but deal mainly with mammals): A Field Guide to the Animal Tracks of Southern …
Distribution patterns and
the status and distribution of game in South West Africa, This paper is the first comprehensive 'Aork on both the distribution and status of the wild ungulate mammals in all of South West …
South Africa: Rare Mammals of the Eastern Cape
Having grown up in South Africa, Neil learnt his craft photographing Africa’s iconic species and trained as a professional guide. Now, based near Bristol, he focuses much of his attention on …
Note on the small mammals of small, isolated forest patches …
South Africa Daniel M. Parker1,2,*, Kyle Junkuhn3, Nigel P. Barker4 1Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes ... We …
Fitzsimons, F. W. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
of South Africa will look forward with pleasure to their appearance.-N. Hollister. Rathbun, Mary J. REPORT OF THE CANADIAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION, 1913-18. VOL. VII: CRUSTACEA. …
HIGH PATHOGENICITY AVIAN INFLUENZA (hpai) – Situation …
Sep 15, 2023 · South Africa 1 Awada L, Tizzani P, Noh SM, Ducrot C, Ntsama F, Caceres P, Mapitse N and Chalvet-Monfray K, 2018. Global dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza …
Understanding the relationship between farmers and …
Burrowing mammals are ubiquitous on farms in South Africa and can hinder agricultural practices. This study explored farmer perspectives of these species, and specifically the ... burrowing …
The sTaTus of biological invasions and Their managemenT …
South Africa in 2017. south african national biodiversity institute, Kirstenbosch and dsT-nrf centre of excellence for invasion biology, stellenbosch. iSBN: 978-1-928224-18-1 Printed by: novus …
Resilient Forest Faunal Communities in South Africa: A …
South Africa: a legacy of palaeoclimatic change and extinction filtering? Michael J. Lawes*, Harriet A. C. Eeley*, Nicola J. Findlayt and Dale Forbesi ... non-volant mammals and frogs. Twenty …
Diversity and community structure of gastrointestinal …
associations in small mammals in South and southern Africa are scant. As a result, it is uncertain how host and environmental factors shape helminth infections and community structure across …
Oryx gazella Gemsbok - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Oryx gazella | 3 increasing on protected areas, conservancies and private game ranches. For example, over three …
Caracal caracal Caracal - The Cape Leopard Trust
Caracal caracal | 2 The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Figure 1. Distribution records for Caracal (Caracal caracal) within the assessment region also plausible …
Taxonomy and ecology of parasitic chigger mites (Acari:
Trombiculidae) on small mammals in South Africa by Karlien Malan Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Science in the Faculty of AgriSciences at …
Diet of small mammals from the Karoo. South Africa
The paucity of granivorous small mammals in the Karoo contrasts the patterns of trophic specialization for North American and Israeli semi-arid communities, but is similar to that of …
The Smithsonian Institution Preliminary identification manual …
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION MANUAL FOR AFRICAN MAMMALS· A revised checklist of African mammals has been needed for some time; this …
Mokola Virus in Domestic Mammals, South Africa
mammals (a dog and a cat) in South Africa. These cases occurred 8 years after the last reported case of infection with this virus. Our fi ndings emphasize the endemicity of
WILDWINGS SOUTH AFRICA TOUR MAMMALS AND BIRDS …
WILDWINGS SOUTH AFRICA TOUR MAMMALS AND BIRDS NOVEMBER 2016 LEADER – RICHARD WEBB www.wildwings.co.uk Wildwings Davis House Lodge Causeway Bristol …
Sylvicapra grimmia Common Duiker - the EIS
MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute …
Mokola Virus in Domestic Mammals, South Africa
mammals (a dog and a cat) in South Africa. These cases occurred 8 years after the last reported case of infection with this virus. Our fi ndings emphasize the endemicity of
Mokola Virus in Domestic Mammals, South Africa
Domestic Mammals, South Africa Claude T. Sabeta,*† Wanda Markotter,† Debrah K. Mohale,* Wonderful Shumba,* Alexander I. Wandeler,‡ and Louis H. Nel† We recently identifi ed 2 …
Historical Survey of Disease Problems in Wildlife …
Rinderpest was introduced into Africa in 188814,29 ancj created havoc among the naive populations of both domestic stock and wildlife. It spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa and …
Domestic mammals facilitate tick-borne pathogen …
1 Domestic mammals facilitate tick-borne pathogen transmission networks in South African wildlife Marcela P.A. Espinazea,b,*, Eléonore Hellarda, Ivan G. Horakc, Graeme S. …
Taxonomic review of fossil Proboscidea (Mammalia) from …
from Langebaanweg, South Africa William J. Sanders ... Among the mammals from the site are abundant proboscidean fossils from both the QSM and PPM, assignable to three species. …
Smutsia temminckii Temminck’s Ground Pangolin
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Smutsia temminckii | 3 Lynch 1989), and such reports from the Eastern Cape Province may refer to misidentifications or …
Habitat associations of small mammals in the foothills of the ...
A total of nine species of terrestrial small mammals have been recorded from the Drakensberg range within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa (Rowe-Rowe and Lowry 1982, Rowe …
THE STATE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BIRDS
South Africa is rich in birds with 856 bird species recorded in the region, including the Prince Edward Islands. The State of South Africa’s Birds 2018 report provides a synopsis of the …
Small mammals at Maremani Nature Reserve South Africa
South Africa . by . Jens Tang Christensen & Thomas Secher Jensen . Natural History Museum, Aarhus, Denmark . 2022. 1 . ... Most small mammals were trapped in enclosures where …
Survey of non-native small mammals traded in South Africa
distributed in South Africa than European rabbits and eastern grey squirrels (Figure S1). In South Africa, non-native species are regulated under the South African National Environmental …
Mammals Of South Africa Copy - offsite.creighton.edu
The Mammals of South Africa William Lutley Sclater,1900 The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region J. D. Skinner,Christian T. Chimimba,2005-11-15 This third extensively revised …
DRY SEASON FIXED-WING AERIAL SURVEY OF LARGE …
Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA), Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe and of large mammals in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR) and …
Cephalophus natalensis Natal Red Duiker - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Cephalophus natalensis | 3 forest habitat remaining in 2013/14 (GeoTerraImage 2015), which we construe as a proxy for …
ACOCKS, J.P.H. 1988. Veld types of South Africa. 3rd edn.
VAN HENSBERGEN, H.J.. 1996. Small mammals in afforestable montane grasslands of the northern Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 26 …
Parotomys littledalei Littledale’s Whistling Rat - ResearchGate
The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Parotomys littledalei | 3 pitched alarm whistle when disturbed by predators (Le Roux et al. 2002; Jackson 2013).
Surveillance of the rabies-related lyssavirus, Mokola in non …
Mar 9, 2022 · conducted, targeting non-volant small mammals from specific locations in South Africa. Non-volant small mammals were captured and sampled in accordance with the field …
