The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert, Mary Seely

The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert, Mary Seely. ISBN 9991668160 / ISBN 9789991668161

Images from guide: The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert by Dr. Mary Seely

With her guide 'The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert', Dr Mary Seely introduces the reader to many of the fascinating aspects of the history and the life forms of the desert Namib.

Mary Seely  

Foreword by Professor Gideon Louw: People vary greatly in their response to a desert environment. Some speed through it as rapidly as possible and are horrified by the desolation and bizarre forms of life encountered there. They also find the geology grotesque and feel threatened by the unusual landscape. To those of us who appreciate more than just traditional "pretty" scenery however, the desert offers a great deal. We can delight in its isolation, tranquility and the ever-changing pastel shades of its scenery. Scientists are frequently enthralled by the exciting opportunities for research. The sparse plant cover lays bare the bones of geological time, and one can read with comparative ease the history of the Namib over millions of years. Also, much of the desert is still unspoilt by man, so the interactions between plants, animals and the environment can be studied in undisturbed conditions in this splendid natural laboratory. Moreover, the harsh environment, particularly the extreme aridity, high temperatures and unpredictable food supply, has resulted in the evolution of unique behavioural, morphological and physiological adaptations in both, plants and animals, a fertile hunting ground for the imaginative mind. I can think of no one better qualified than Dr Mary Seely to introduce the reader to many of the fascinating aspects of the history and the life forms of the desert. She has spent the past twenty years studying the ecology of the Namib Desert, and during this period has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience. I can therefore recommend this book enthusiastically and without hesitation to all who wish to become better acquainted with the unusual, if not unique, environment of the Namib Desert.

Content: The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert

Geography
Age of the Namib
Climate
Conservation
Archaeology and paleontology
Biology
Mechanisms of survival
Colour
Detritus
Fog
Scientific research
Usakos to Swakopmund
Sandy beaches
Kuiseb Swakop dunes
Walvis Bay Lagoon
Walvis Bay bird sanctuary
Birds found near the Namib coast
Sandwich Harbour
!Nara
Swartbank Mountain
The Hamilton Range
Vogelfederberg
Kriess-se-rus
Ganab
Kuiseb Canyon
The Kuiseb River Bridge
Mirabib
Homeb
Birds in the vicinity of Homeb
Dunes near Homeb campsite
Tinkas Flats
Blutkoppe
Welwitschia Flats
Hills near Wlotzkasbaken
Lichens
Omaruru mouths
Salt-pans
Beach vegetation
Hills near Cape Cross
Shallow dry watercourses
Usakos to Henties Bay
Spitzkoppe
Brandberg
Ugab River
Green lichens
Huab River
Rocky ridges
Koichab River
Large Sa/so/a
Torra Bay barchans
Northern dune fields
Uniab Delta
Mesembryanthemum fields
Sa/so/a near Terrace Bay
Torra Bay to Khorixas
Sesriem Canyon
SossusVlei
Austo Rosh Pinah
Luderitz
Tenebrionid beetles
Literature
Glossary
Index

This is an excerpt from the guide: The Namib. Natural history of the ancient desert, Mary Seely.

Book title: The Namib. Natural history of an ancient desert
Author: Mary Seely
Type: Regional Guide
Publisher: Desert Research Foundation of Namibia
3rd Edition. Windhoek, Namibia 2004
ISBN 9991668160 / ISBN 9789991668161
Softcover, 15x21 cm, 110 pages, numerous colour photos and bw-illustrations