Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa, by Chris Stuart and Mathilde Stuart

Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa, by Chris Stuart and Mathilde Stuart. Penguin Random House South Africa. Imprint: Struik Nature. Cape Town, South Africa 2019. ISBN 9781775842743 / ISBN 978-1-77584-274-3

As with most field guides, the purpose of Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa by Chris Stuart and Mathilde Stuart is to enable the observer to identify mammals observed in the wild.

Chris Stuart  Tilde Stuart  

All of the larger mammals have been covered, and within this definition is included a number of species that weigh between 80g and 1kg, but excluded are the bats and virtually all of the insectivores and rodents. The species in the 'smaller' category include those that are fairly frequently seen, such as the hyraxes, hares and rabbits, hedgehogs, giant sengis, gundis, ground squirrels, cane-rats, giant rats and springhares. The definition of'smaller' and 'larger' is totally subjective, as several of the antelope weigh less than 5kg, and some of the carnivores weigh less than 1kg, with a few, such as the dwarf mongooses, as little as 220g. Why, for example, have we left out the arboreal squirrels that range in weight from the 16g African Pygmy Squirrel to the African Giant Squirrel that averages 700g? With very few exceptions, they are seldom seen and are difficult to identify in their forest homes. Several species of root-rat (Tachyoryctes) and mole-rat (Bathyergus) can tip the scales at more than 900g, but these are subterranean dwellers that are very rarely found on the surface. Then there are the jirds (Meriones), grass rats (Arvicanthis), vlei rats (Otomys) and whistling rats (Parotomys), some of which may exceed 200g in weight. The reasoning behind selecting 'larger' mammals is that these are usually, but not always, easier to see, and are generally less problematic to identify.

Each species is discussed according to ten subheadings as follows:

Measurements: In most cases, a range of measurements is given, from lowest to highest, or alternatively, the average for that particular species. However, there will always be variation within a species. The most useful measurement in the field identification of the larger and medium-sized mammals is shoulder height. A useful method of learning to judge measurements is to cut pieces of wood into known lengths and place these at different distances. With practice, it should be possible to apply these estimates to mammals in the field. In the case of most antelope species, two horn measurements are provided: the average length, and the hunting record length.

Identification pointers: The main aids to identifying a species are highlighted.

Similar species: Where one species is similar to, or could easily be confused with another, their distinguishing features are mentioned.

Description: The descriptions concentrate on external features that will assist the observer to identify a mammal to species level. The following six steps will serve as a guide when identifying a mammal:

1. Decide to which group the mammal belongs. Is it an antelope, or does it belong to the dog or cat family, for instance?
2. Estimate the shoulder height and the total and tail lengths if possible. Is the tail shorter than the length of the head and body? Is the mammal roughly as tall as a Shetland pony?
3. Look for outstanding features. Does it have black or white stripes, spots or a bushy tail, or is the back arched?
4. Check the distribution map to determine whether the species occurs in the area.
5. Check the habitat preference of the mammal. You will not see a Klipspringer on the open savanna, nor a Cheetah in tropical forest. [...]

This is an excerpt from Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa, by Chris Stuart and Mathilde Stuart.

Title: Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa
Author: Chris Stuart; Mathilde Stuart
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Struik Nature
Cape Town, South Africa 2019
ISBN 9781775842743 / ISBN 978-1-77584-274-3
Softcover, 15 x 21 cm, 456 pages, throughout colour photographs