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Predator: Life and Death in the African Bush
With his phenomenal photographs of the five great predators of the African bush—lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles—Mark Ross takes the reader on a wild safari. He shares his unparalleled knowledge and in-depth insight into the morphology, behaviors, daily activities, and livelihoods of the large carnivores that prowl the plains, woodlands, and rivers of Africa.
Along with a removable, fold-out guide containing a predator “cheat sheet” of various traits and statistics as well as tips on how to best observe and photograph the animals, Predator overflows with information that both enlightens the reader and dispels popular misconceptions. Compelling and sometimes violent, Ross’s text and images capture the true life-and-death scenarios that are played out every day against the backdrop of the magnificent African landscape.
Along with a removable, fold-out guide containing a predator “cheat sheet” of various traits and statistics as well as tips on how to best observe and photograph the animals, Predator overflows with information that both enlightens the reader and dispels popular misconceptions. Compelling and sometimes violent, Ross’s text and images capture the true life-and-death scenarios that are played out every day against the backdrop of the magnificent African landscape.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 9, 2008
This was an impulsive pick-up from the New Non-Fiction display at the library. I'm glad I picked it up. I'm ready for safari.
EXCELLENT!
filled with great photos! lots of hunting! blood and death. and also babies! baby animals. and Myths and Facts. and Safari Tips. The Safari Tips are my favorite part, but they are also confusing because they seem to assume you'll be going on safari for real, soon. ...but that also makes them much more fun to read.
here is a Safari Tip from page 81:
To better understand what is involved in a cheetah hunt, get out of the vehicle and put your head down to a cheetah's head level (about thirty inches above ground). Now imagine moving at sixty miles per hour at that height, and while you're moving at that speed remember to keep an eye on the fleeing gazelle and watch out for any rock or hole that could twist your ankle and incapacitate you.
I'm going to try walking to work like that tomorrow.
Here is my favorite Hyena myth from page 172:
Myth: Witches ride hyenas and drink hyena milk (a commonly held belief in Africa).
Fact: Witches ride brooms, and hyena milk is one of the richest of all mammals, but no research indicates that witches enjoy that milk.
Fact from me:
Hyenas may be ugly, but baby hyenas are adorable--like baby devil-bears. I could look at the picture of two baby hyenas fighting, for hours.
EXCELLENT!
filled with great photos! lots of hunting! blood and death. and also babies! baby animals. and Myths and Facts. and Safari Tips. The Safari Tips are my favorite part, but they are also confusing because they seem to assume you'll be going on safari for real, soon. ...but that also makes them much more fun to read.
here is a Safari Tip from page 81:
To better understand what is involved in a cheetah hunt, get out of the vehicle and put your head down to a cheetah's head level (about thirty inches above ground). Now imagine moving at sixty miles per hour at that height, and while you're moving at that speed remember to keep an eye on the fleeing gazelle and watch out for any rock or hole that could twist your ankle and incapacitate you.
I'm going to try walking to work like that tomorrow.
Here is my favorite Hyena myth from page 172:
Myth: Witches ride hyenas and drink hyena milk (a commonly held belief in Africa).
Fact: Witches ride brooms, and hyena milk is one of the richest of all mammals, but no research indicates that witches enjoy that milk.
Fact from me:
Hyenas may be ugly, but baby hyenas are adorable--like baby devil-bears. I could look at the picture of two baby hyenas fighting, for hours.
April 22, 2010
We got our copy (signed & got a photo w/ him) tonight at a special zoo event. He is a very funny, upbeat, and vastly knowledgable individual. I've only skimmed the book so far (it was really for my daughter) and am impressed by the 'adventure of living' captured in the images.
WOW!!!
I've never been very interested in Africa... but his talk makes me want to go on a Safari!!!
WOW!!!
I've never been very interested in Africa... but his talk makes me want to go on a Safari!!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews