Title: Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna
Authors: Cliff Dorse; Suretha Dorse
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Struik Nature
Cape Town, South Africa 2023
ISBN 9781775847397 / ISBN 978-1-77-584739-7
Softcover, 15 x 21 cm, 272 pages, throughout colour photographs and distribution maps
The Fynbos Biome is world renowned for its spectacular botanical diversity. Despite covering only 74900 km2, this small biome contains over 9000 plant species, more than two-thirds of which are endemic. In other words, they are found nowhere else on the planet. While known primarily for its floral diversity and endemism, the Fynbos Biome is also home to a remarkable array of highly specialised and enigmatic fauna. The Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna features 420 species of frog, reptile, bird and mammal found in this unique biome. No fewer than 69 species are endemic, and 56 species are considered to be of conservation concern.
This concise Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna comprises four chapters: frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. Each section starts with an overview of the local species diversity, including life history and viewing guidelines, as well as illustrations of key identification features. The individual species descriptions include characteristic features, habitat preference, distribution maps, call (where applicable), conservation status, level of endemism, and includes popular tourist destinations such as the Cape Peninsula, the Kogelberg, the Cederberg, the Agulhas Plain, the West Coast and Baviaanskloof.
INTRODUCTION
Animals of the Fynbos
What is Fynbos?
Fynbos in context
Vegetation complexes
Functional ecology
Fynbos and fire
Management of threats
Conservation
Responsible use
How to use this book
FROGS
REPTILES
BIRDS
MAMMALS
Glossary
Excluded bird species
Index to scientific names
Index to common names
Picture credits