Bats of Southern and Central Africa

Bats of Southern and Central Africa PDF

Author: Ara Monadjem

Publisher: Wits University Press

Published: 2020-06-01

Total Pages: 728

ISBN-13: 1776145828

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This revised edition of a book first published in 2010 supplements the original account of the 116 bat species then known to be found in Southern and Central Africa with an additional eight newly described species. The chapters on evolution, biogeography, ecology and echolocation have been updated, citing dozens of recently published papers. The book covers the latest systematic and taxonomic studies, ensuring that the names and relationships of bats in this new edition reflect current scientific knowledge. The species accounts provide descriptions, measurements and diagnostic characters as well as detailed information about the distribution, habitat, roosting habits, foraging ecology and reproduction of each species. The updated species distribution maps are based on 116 recorded localities. A special feature of the 2010 publication was the mode of identification of families, genera and species by way of character matrices rather than the more generally used dichotomous keys. Since then these matrices have been tested in the field and, where necessary, slightly altered for this edition. New photographs fill in gaps and updated sonograms aid with bat identification in acoustic surveys. The bibliography, which now contains more than 700 entries, will be an invaluable aid to students and scientists wishing to track down original research.

Fig Trees and Humans

Fig Trees and Humans PDF

Author: Yildiz Aumeeruddy-Thomas

Publisher: Berghahn Books

Published: 2024-02-02

Total Pages: 181

ISBN-13: 1805392689

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Humans and figs form hybrid communities within the context of anthropogenic landscapes, supported by biocultural mutualisms driven by traits of Ficus species and people’s imagination and practices, and where humans also positively influence Ficus species ecology. Fig Trees and Humans examines the interactions between the biology and ecology of the genus Ficus and how humans use and think of Ficus species across the tropics and in the Mediterranean region. It demonstrates a high level of convergence of material and symbolic uses of human-fig interactions that affect various aspects of human culture, as well as the ecology of wild or cultivated Ficus species.

Sappi Tree Spotting

Sappi Tree Spotting PDF

Author: Kevin Balkwill

Publisher: Jacana Media

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 124

ISBN-13: 9781770090361

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This edition of the Tree spotting series that is designed to enhance this fast-growing eco-hobby in southern Africa.

Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa

Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa PDF

Author: Braam van Wyk

Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

Published: 2013-08-06

Total Pages: 732

ISBN-13: 1775841049

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This comprehensively updated and expanded edition of the region’s best-selling field guide to trees offers much, much more than the highly successful first edition. Fully updated text (including additional species entries) and distribution maps, numerous new photographs and a new 87-page section of full-tree photographs makes this well-loved guide even more indispensable in the field. Southern Africa has a rich variety of tree species, with an estimated 2 100 indigenous species and more than 100 naturalised aliens. Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa describes and illustrates more than 1 000 of these, focusing on trees that are the most common and most likely to be encountered. Species are logically arranged in 43 groups based on easy-to-observe leaf and stem features, and each account is illustrated by full-colour photographs of the plant’s diagnostic parts. The text also touches on the practical uses of the plants.

Ladders to Heaven

Ladders to Heaven PDF

Author: Mike Shanahan

Publisher: Unbound Publishing

Published: 2016-09-08

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1783522372

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"Irresistible" - Literary Review Fig trees have affected humanity in profound but little-known ways: they are wish-fulfillers, rainforest royalty, more precious than gold. Ladders to Heaven tells their incredible story. They fed our pre-human ancestors, influenced diverse cultures and played a key role in the birth of civilisation. More recently, they helped restore life after Krakatoa's catastrophic eruption and proved instrumental in Kenya's struggle for independence. Figs now sustain more species of bird and mammal than any other fruit – in a time of falling trees and rising temperatures, they offer hope. Theirs is a story about humanity's relationship with nature, as relevant to our past as it is to our future.

Guide to Trees Introduced into Southern Africa

Guide to Trees Introduced into Southern Africa PDF

Author: Hugh Glen

Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

Published: 2016-08-01

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1775844706

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Southern Africa is home to more than 2,000 introduced (not indigenous) trees. These non-native species are encountered daily and form a familiar part of our urban landscapes, growing successfully in parks, gardens, along road sides, and in other open spaces. This guide features nearly 600 of the most common and familiar of these and, using the same model of identification as FG Trees of Southern Africa, facilitates ID based on leaf and stem features. The book provides the country of origin for each species and offers key information on cultivation and uses. Each entry is supported by colour images that depict key features, and a shaded map that shows the plant’s cold tolerance (where the species can grow). An essential guide for landscapers and gardeners as well as tree enthusiasts who will struggle to find these trees in their guide to indigenous trees.