A remarkable variety of animals and plants can be found in the wilderness region surrounding the Okavango Delta. This photographic guide covers more than 470 of the area’s most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fi shes, invertebrates, trees and aquatic plants. An informative introduction describes the area’s geology, climate, habitats and the key roles played by some animals, such as termites and elephants. The species accounts feature concise text describing the species’ appearance, size, habits, habitat and status, with full-colour photographs to facilitate identification.
A comprehensive guide to the fishes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, this book offers background information on the diverse aquatic habitats of the region and on fish feeding, breeding and survival strategies. It also provides useful hints for anglers. The species entries describe each fish in detail, with key ID points and information on habits and occurrence. Each account is accompanied by a colour illustration or photograph. The book concludes with information on how best to utilise and conserve the fishes of the delta system and Chobe River. This is the only such guide to fishes of the region and will be invaluable to local and visiting fishermen, naturalists and conservationists, as well as the many tourists who visit this spectacular African paradise.
Wetland ecosystems and the amazing diversity of plants and animals that inhabit them are thought to be more threatened than any other ecosystem. The Okavango Delta, as the world's largest inland delta, is no exception. This book, published for World Wetlands Day, is both a celebration of the diversity of aquatic life in the Okavango Delta, and is an inspiration to decision makers throughout the region to work together to ensure the survival of one of the world's most beautiful and valuable wetlands. Few natural places in the world offer so much value to people in combination with such aesthetic appeal. Beginning with an explanation of the functioning of the Delta, the book describes (with the aid of many excellent graphics), the catchment areas in Angola and the passage of the Okavango River through Namibia, and goes on to reveal the physical, hydrological and ecological processes governing the working of the Delta itself. Subsequent chapters reveal the value of the Delta in
Based on a three-part television series, this book examines how, despite the Kalahari's immense wilderness of sands and sun-dried grasses, nature has adapted to the scarcity of water. It looks at the ecology of the Okavango Delta and at what is being done to conserve the environment of Botswana.
Botswana, many say, represents the last of Old Africa. For a year, between 1988 and 1989, the author roamed the wetlands and deserts of northern Botswana. This book is a testament not only to the wondrous wildlife of the region, but also to the author's extraordinary courage, skill, and photographic eye.
A hilarious, highly original collection of essays based on the Botswana truism: “only food runs!” In the tradition of Bill Bryson, a new writer brings us the lively adventures and biting wit of an African safari guide. Peter Allison gives us the guide’s-eye view of living in the bush, confronting the world’s fiercest terrain of wild animals and, most challenging of all, managing herds of gaping tourists. Passionate for the animals of the Kalahari, Allison works as a top safari guide in the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta. As he serves the whims of his wealthy clients, he often has to stop the impulse to run as far away from them as he can, as these tourists are sometimes more dangerous than a pride of lions. No one could make up these outrageous-but-true tales: the young woman who rejected the recommended safari-friendly khaki to wear a more “fashionable” hot pink ensemble; the lost tourist who happened to be drunk, half-naked, and a member of the British royal family; establishing a real friendship with the continent’s most vicious animal; the Japanese tourist who requested a repeat performance of Allison’s being charged by a lion so he could videotape it; and spending a crazy night in the wild after blowing a tire on a tour bus, revealing that Allison has as much good-natured scorn for himself. The author’s humor is exceeded only by his love and respect for the animals, and his goal is to limit any negative exposure to humans by planning trips that are minimally invasive—unfortunately it doesn’t always work out that way! Peter Allison is originally from Sydney, Australia. His safaris have been featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, and on television programs such as Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. He travels frequently to speaking appearances, and splits most of his time between Botswana, Sydney, and San Francisco.
