Southern African Wildlife

Mike Unwin's experience of southern Africa began in 1988, when he arrived as a teacher in Zimbabwe and spent much of the next two years chasing wildlife around the bush. He quickly fell in love with the region - its people and its wildlife - and, over five more years based in Eswatini, he was able to explore all its key conservation areas. Hands-on wildlife experience ranged from safari adventures, such as wild camping in the Kalahari and canoeing the Zambezi, to volunteer work for the Southern African Frog Atlas Project and setting up the Swaziland Bird Club. Since returning to his native UK and becoming a freelance writer, Mike has returned regularly to southern Africa on assignment, revisiting old haunts and discovering new ones. Today his body of work reflects his knowledge, experience and passion. Author of more than 35 books on wildlife for both adults and children, and regular contributor to numerous publications - from national newspapers such as the Telegraph to specialist magazines such as Travel Africa - Mike's numerous awards include UK Travel Writer of the Year (British Guild of Travel Writers, 2013) and Bradt/BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year (2000). He is also an accomplished photographer, illustrator and public speaker, and an enthusiastic imitator of unusual animal noises.

"Not only a fascinating read but a mine of information about the sheer abundance and variety of wildlife that calls this part of Africa home. From the savannahs of Kruger to the wetlands of the Okavango, to the arid wastes of the Namib Desert and the slopes of Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands; and from the Big Five to the horse-like antelope, thick-knee wader and spotted joker butterfly, Unwin has it covered." Travel Africa

• Impressions Introduction What's new?, How to use this book, Learning the lingo, The southern African environment Habitats Savannah woodland, Grassland, Forest, Desert, The arid zone, Fynbos, Wetlands and waterways, The coast, The human landscape Mammals Carnivores, African elephant, Hoofed mammals, Primates, Ant-eating oddities, Small mammals,Marine mammals Birds Seabirds and waterbirds, Ground birds, Raptors, 'Near-passerines': a mixed bag of birds, Perching birds Reptiles and Amphibians Tortoises, turtles and terrapins, Snakes, Lizards, Crocodiles, Frogs Invertebrates Millipedes and centipedes, Arachnids, Insects Tracks and Signs Tracks, Droppings, Who's at home?, Feeding signs Making the Most of It Planning your trip, Looking for animals, Other ways to watch wildlife, Roughing it, Photography, Back home Where to Go Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe Further Information Index