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This new edition of Gamebirds of Southern Africa (first published in 2000) covers the 21 landfowl species found in southern Africa being quails, francolins, spurfowls, guineafowls and sandgrouse. Using current knowledge the authors guide the reader from the scientific evolutionary work through to the individual species descriptions within the family groups.
From their research the authors convey the importance of an inclusive approach to conservation and land management talking of conservation scientists working hand in hand with land owners and land users such as wingshooters though they also mention that there are many examples of land usage that has had seriously negative effects on gamebird populations.
The aim of the book according to the authors is and I quote “to communicate sometimes difficult to understand scientific findings in a format more easily digested by the layperson. By doing this we hope to encourage landowners and wingshooters to manage their gamebirds for biologically sustainable and economically viable utilisation, thereby allowing these birds to act as umbrella species whose conservation promotes biodiversity in general”, they further say that they hope this book can be used a benchmark for future works on gamebirds.
Filled with a wealth of important information such as detailed descriptions at the species level, distribution and habitat descriptions as well as habits, feeding, breeding, status and conservation and scientific classification this book certainly meets with their goals of purveying their stated intentions as well as meets expectations for those of us wanting to broaden our knowledge. For anyone studying these birds or for those wanting more information on land usage and how that usage would affect these populations, this book is a must buy!
From a look and feel point of view, the publisher and the designers have done a wonderful job in presenting a very well researched work from both the textual and artistic point of view. This book definitely brings a welcome interpretation of gamebirds to the market. For those of us that are merely interested from a birding perspective, this is a book that definitely needs to find a home in our bird book libraries. From the detailed information provided through to the beautiful paintings or should I say works of art I believe this is definitely worth getting!
Authors: Rob Little, Tim Crowe and Simon Barlow (responsible for the exquisite art work)
Publisher: Struik Nature
ISBN: 978-1-77007-989-2
RRP: R275.00..
Rating:  [ of 5 Stars!]
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