African Wildlife & Environment Issue 83

GOOD READS

series. Unlike the two previous guides reviewed above, this one includes the scientific name of each of the 80 common trees introduced to visitors to the KNP. The striking cover shows a magnificent Marula tree, dwarfing the elephants that have been enjoying its welcome shade. There is much controversy about the number of elephants currently in the KNP and their impact on the trees, but that debate is not for first-time or casual visitors to the Park for whom this concise guide has been written. Each tree is allocated a double page spread, with a photo of the whole tree taking up the left hand page, with flowers, leaves, fruits and other distinctive features opposite, together with a description and notes on where the species may be found. Tree distribution in the KNP is very much dictated by the substrate in which they grow, in turn dependent on the underlying geology. Pages 8 to 25 are devoted to explaining these

relationships, with detailed maps of the various landscapes. Piet was an excellent photographer and many of the images used in the book are a tribute to his skill. Other photographers are credited on page 178, and there is also a glossary, a bibliography and an index. Braam generously acknowledges the assistance of various individuals who helped in the production of the book on page 197. Trees are a predominant and pervasive component of the biodiversity of the KNP, and this excellent little book is an ideal way to introduce their beauty and distinguishing features to visitors who would like to learn more about them.

THE WONDERS OF DESERT LIFE: A COMPELLING, IN-DEPTH READ THE LIVING DESERTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Barry Lovegrove

A DEFINITIVE NEW EDITION OF A CLASSIC AVAILABLE AT LEADING BOOKSTORES NATIONWIDE & ONLINE

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8 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 83 (2023)