Rupert Watson – författare

Peacocks & Picathartes is a celebration of the diversity of African birds, focusing on families that occur only in Africa as well as iconic families and species that, despite having close relatives in other parts of the world, seem to embody something of Africa. Watson’s anecdotal style captures vividly his encounters with prized species, such the secretive White-necked Picathartes and the elusive Congo Peacock. He conveys the sheer delight mousebirds take in ‘being what they are’, and reveals the surprise discovery in 1991 of a new partridge in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains. Drawing on precolonial and current-day avian accounts, he offers his own insights based on a lifetime of personal observations in the wilds of Africa – recounting unforgettable expeditions, quirky bird behaviour, jittery taxonomy, moments of rare good luck – and much more. Both informative and entertaining, this book captures the essence of African birdlife, and will appeal to bird enthusiasts across the spectrum. Sales points: Delightful accounts of more than 40 bird families and species,filled with anecdotes and fascinating stories. Brilliant illustrations by a celebrated natural history artist; both informative and entertaining; excellent all-seasons gift for bird and nature enthusiasts.

The African Baobab is a revised and expanded edition of a book originally published in 2007. In this absorbing and inspired account of one of the continent’s oldest botanical wonders, Rupert Watson explores the life and times of the majestic baobab, an ancient tree that has outlasted every plant and animal around it.

This vibrant, informative guide showcases the diverse wildlife of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It profiles over 60 mammal species – from the wildebeest that migrate in vast herds across the Serengeti plains to the big cats that lie in wait, as well as smaller species such as caracals, genets and bats. It also features 50 of the more common and charismatic bird species, 30 reptile and amphibian species, 10 iconic trees and a range of interesting insects. Stunning full-colour photographs capture the essence of this popular game-viewing and birdwatching destination: action-packed river crossings, beautiful landscapes and African creatures great and small. This book is both a useful guide in the field and a valuable memento. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are two of the world’s most popular safari destinations, renowned for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebra. Sales Points: Features more than 150 species. Stunning, full-colour photographs. Handy guide and valuable memento. Targets a well-established market; more than 2 million visitors per year.