Mammals of East Africa Pocket Guide, by Chris Stuart and Tilde Stuart

Mammals of East Africa Pocket Guide, by Chris Stuart and Tilde Stuart.

Mammals Of East Africa Pocket Guide covers all of the common, some of the less common mammal species and is written by Chris Stuart and Tilde Stuart.

Chris Stuart  Tilde Stuart  

The name 'East Africa' conjures up vistas of grassland scattered with umbrella thorn trees, and home to vast herds of hoofed mammals. Yet the region is comprised not only of this, but of many different habitats, from high mountains to rain forests, great lakes and rivers to coastline, all providing suitable living space for more than 360 species of terrestrial mammal. The mammal species range in size from elephants that may weigh several thousand kilograms, to bats, shrews and mice that tip the scales at little more than a few grams. Politically East Africa consists of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. However, wildlife in the last-mentioned two countries has largely been eradicated. To the east lies the Indian Ocean and to the west are the four great lakes - Edward, Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi. Here are the legendary Ruwenzoris, or Mountains of the Moon, and the mighty peaks of Kilimanjaro, Kenya and Elgon. A chain of soda lakes runs like an uneven necklace down the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Where the mighty Nile River rises there are active, dormant and long-dead volcanoes. It is a region not only of great topographical diversity but also of numerous vegetation types. The vegetation map has been greatly simplified but does indicate seven of the most important vegetation types that you will encounter during your East African travels.

Outside the conservation areas much of the landscape has been greatly modified by the actions of growing human populations. Large tracts of natural bushland have been cleared for agriculture, both subsistence and commercial, and trees have been turned into charcoal. Human settlements have increased and existing ones have expanded. Poaching has resulted in decreasing mammal diversity and populations. Nevertheless, those interested in wildlife, and specifically in mammals, have much to look forward to in the region. We have included most of the larger and more conspicuous mammal species. In addition, a few of the more unusual species such as the pangolin, aardvark and porcupine have been included, as well as representatives from the different families and genera of bats, shrews, elephant shrews (sengis) and smaller rodents.

Example from Mammals of East Africa Pocket Guide, by Chris Stuart and Tilde Stuart:

Atilax paludinosus

Swahili: Nguchiro cha maji
German: Wassermanguste
French: Mangouste des marais

Identification pointers: A large, stoutly built mongoose with a uniformly dark brown and rather shaggy coat. Some individuals may be almost black, or reddish-brown, but from a distance all look blackish and, at close quarters, grizzled. Hair on the muzzle and feet is short, but long and erectile on the tail.

Similar: Could only be confused with Alexander's cusimanse (Crossarchus alexandri), but overlap may occur only in far-western Uganda; sometimes mistaken for otter, but latter is larger, sleeker and variably marked on throat.

Habitat: Most well-watered habitats, rivers, marshes, swamps, lake fringes and coastline. Will penetrate arid areas along watercourses as long as permanent pools present. Sometimes found several kilometres from water.

Behaviour: Nocturnal, crepuscular and terrestrial. Readily wade and swim. Probably territorial. Sightings are mainly of solitary animals, although pairs and females with young sometimes seen. When foraging they follow well-used pathways, and droppings are deposited at regularly used latrine sites - often near water. When hunting they rely on sight and hearing. Their long toes probe under and among rocks for prey.

Food: Mainly crabs and amphibians, but also wide range of invertebrates, small rodents, birds; occasionally wild fruits.

Reproduction: Births and young recorded in the region May to August, but are based on few records and are possibly aseasonal.

Drop: 1-3 cubs, about 120 g, in dense vegetation cover (reed beds), rock crevices, or the burrows of other species.

Longevity: Not known.

Calls: High-pitched bark alarm call is usually the only one heard.

Occurence: Relatively common, but seldom seen.

Weight: 2.5-5.5 kg
Shoulder height: 22 cm
Total length: 80 cm-1 m
Tail length: 30-40 cm
Front: 41 mm
Back: 36 mm

This is an extract from the guide: Mammals of East Africa Pocket Guide, by Chris Stuart and Tilde Stuart.

Book title: Mammals Of East Africa
Series: Pocket Guide
Authors: Chris Stuart; Tilde Stuart
Publisher: Randomhouse Struik
Cape Town, South Africa 2009
ISBN 9781770077065
Softcover, 11x18 cm, 160 pages, throughout colour photos