Southern Africa has some of the best whale and dolphin watching opportunities in the world, with over half of the world’s species being found in our waters. Watching Whales & Dolphins in Southern Africa is an essential guide to watching the region’s 12 more common species. In addition to species accounts and charts that aid identification, this guide provides detailed information on cetaceans – their evolution, senses, behaviour, classification and anatomy. Multiple, clear images, both photographic and illustrated, help identify each species by showing how to read the partial signs that cetaceans usually offer, such as a flipper, tail, or even just their ‘blow’. The book also discusses the tragic toll that hunting has had on whale populations, and the ongoing struggle to protect these majestic mammals. This is an invaluable guide for anyone wishing to know more about whales and dolphins of the region.

This book is the first stand-alone and definitive account of the cetaceans of the oceanic region from the equator to Antarctica, and between the longitudes of 20° W and 80° E - a region that includes almost two-thirds of the world's marine cetacean species. In the fascinating accounts of 51 species of whales and dolphins (and one porpoise), information for this region is comprehensively summarised, allowing Peter Best to give us the benefit of his extensive knowledge and of the wealth of unpublished information he has accumulated during his 40 years of studying these creatures. Approximately 100 illustrations have been created in colour for this book by world-renowned marine mammal illustrator Pieter Folkens. Colour photographs of the living animal portray the 'jizz' of each species and specific coloration or behavioural features.

First Field Guide to Sharks, Whales and Dolphins of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the sea creatures of the region. With the help of full-colour photographs or illustrations, distribution maps, and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common shark, whale and dolphin species found in southern Africa, discover where they live, and learn about their unique feeding and breeding habits.

The Rough Guide to South Africa is the definitive guide to one of the world's most fascinating and varied countries. Now available in ePub format. With accommodation listings that range from the most sumptuous safari lodges to cheap and cheerful backpacker lodges in stunning coastal positions, there's something for every budget. In-depth coverage on South Africa's many nature reserves is complemented by an illustrated wildlife guide, to help you make the most of your time on safari. Whether you want to explore the country's big sights - from the wilds of Kruger National Park and the best spots for whale watching to Cape Town's vibrant dining scene - or to uncover its many hidden gems, such as the dramatic desert scenery of the Richtersveld, The Rough Guide to South Africa is your indispensible travelling companion. Make the most of your time on EarthTM with The Rough Guide to South Africa.

Discover South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland with themost incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan tosafari in Kruger National Park, savour the fine wines of the Western Cape orexplore the village where Nelson Mandela grew up, The Rough Guide to South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland will showyou ideal places to sleep, eat, drink and shop along the way. Inside The Rough Guide to South Africa,Lesotho & Swaziland - Independent, trusted reviewswritten in Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight,to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit everybudget. - Full-colour maps throughout -navigate Johannesburg's downtown shopping streets or the beachfrontof Port Elizabeth without needing to get online. - Detailed regional coverage -whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations,this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way.Areas covered include: Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula; The Western Cape;The Northern Cape; The Eastern Cape; the Garden Route; KwaZulu-Natal; Durban;Free State; Gauteng; Johannesburg; North West Province; Mpumalanga; Limpopo;Lesotho; Swaziland. Attractions include: Table Mountain; RobbenIsland; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; Stellenbosch; the WildCoast; Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park; the Drakensberg mountains; Joburg'sApartheid Museum; Blyde River Canyon; Kruger National Park. - Stunning, inspirational images Itineraries - carefully plannedroutes to help you organize your trip. - Basics - essential pre-departurepractical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, foodand drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, crimeand personal safety, and more. - Background information - aContexts chapter devoted to history, music and books, plus a handy languagesection and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with theRough Guide to South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland.

Written by local experts, Fodor's travel guides have been offering advice and professionally vetted recommendations for all tastes and budgets for 80 years. Everything about Africa that stirs the imagination is concentrated in its southernmost country. Lions freely roam vast game reserves such as Kruger National Park; vineyards stretch across the Cape Winelands; and mountains cascade into the sea along miles of beaches. In addition to dream safaris and romantic honeymoons, South Africa offers modern cities with thriving arts and dining scenes. South Africans are welcoming, and the country’s emergence from a turbulent past provides a dramatic history lesson and the promise of something new every time you visit. This travel guide includes: •SAFARI PLANNING: Reviews of new safari camps, Safari-planning tips, and recommended tour companies •DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS:Hundreds of hotel and restaurant recommendations, with Fodor's Choice designating our top picks •ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE contains a brief introduction and spectacular color photos that capture the ultimate experiences and attractions throughout South Africa •MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to help make the most of your time exploring the top attractions •INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Each chapter opens with an orientation spread that includes a map, short descriptions of each region, and the top reasons to go •COVERS: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Johannesburg, Durban, The Garden Route, Kruger National Park, The Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Little Karoo, The Kalahari, The Sunshine Coast, The Drakensberg, Mpumalanga, Sabi Sand Looking specifically to plan a Safari trip? Check out Fodor’s The Complete Guide to African Safaris

This series of natural history field guides has been developed in the hope that young people and anyone with a budding interest in natural history will take up the challenge to learn the secrets of Southern Africa's fascinating fauna and flora.

'Erich Hoyt's handbook is an admirable, timely and highly welcome contribution.'Michael Stachowitsch, Marine EcologyWhat does it mean to save the whales if their habitat is left unprotected? Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is the definitive handbook on this pressing issue and the first to bridge the gap between the disciplines of marine protected areas and cetacean conservation. It launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the crucial habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species.The author, one of the world's foremost experts in this field, takes you around the world to investigate the promising results of the latest conservation research and the strategies for obtaining marine protected areas in coastal waters and on the high seas, using national legislation and regional and international conventions. This is an essential introduction, guide and reference work for those working to ensure a future for whales and dolphins.

Within little more than a generation, whale-watching has been subject to global industrial development. It has been portrayed by destinations and business operators, and advocated by environmental groups, as a sustainable activity and an alternative to whaling. However, in recent years the sustainability of these activities has increasingly been questioned, as research shows that repeated disturbance by boat traffic can severely disrupt critical behaviours of cetaceans in the wild. Bringing together contributions by international experts, this volume addresses complex issues associated with commercial whale-watching, sustainable development and conservation of the global marine environment. It highlights widely expressed concerns for the failure of policy, planning and management and pinpoints both long-standing and emerging barriers to sustainable practice. Featuring numerous case studies, the book provides critical insights into the diverse socio-cultural, political, economic and ecological contexts of this global industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise along the pathways to sustainability.

Being at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean, South Africa plays a considerable role in the smooth running of maritime commerce and the diverse efforts to ensure the sustainable development of the marine environment. South Africa and the Law of the Sea brings together the many threads of the rich South African marine-law tapestry by covering both the public international law as context and the details of South African marine law and policy within their African framework. The result is a tool to foster implementation, co-ordination and further research at the domestic level as well as a platform to facilitate comparative work to strengthen Africa’s jurisprudence and influence in maritime matters.