The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals

by Jonathan Kingdon

Jonathan Kingdon, one of the foremost authorities on African mammals, has written and illustrated this new field guide which sets new standards in African mammalogy. The author covers all the known species of African land mammal in a concise text providing full information on identification, distribution, ecology, evolutionary relationships, and conservation status. The focus is always on the mammals as seen in the field and on their ecology and evolutionary interrelationships. Introductory profiles summarize the characteristics of the various mammal groups, and the author simplifies many of the more complex groups of mammals by referencing genera. Twelve newly recognized species of bushbaby, fourteen newly named baboons, guenons, and mangabeys and nine newly described colobus monkeys contribute to a modern treatment of the monkeys. New species of bats, rodents, and fox as well as a fully revised listing of the duikers, squirrels and genets are included. Kingdon combines his long personal experience of life in Africa and his artistic talent with the best that modern natural history and biological science can offer. With over 480 color pictures and 280 maps covering some 1,100 mammal species, this book is an essential companion to all visiting Africa or with an interest in the mammals of the continent.

Key Features:
* Employs the most up-to-date classification and lists all 1,150 known species
* Focuses on mammals as seen in the field and in their evolutionary interrelationships

Genres: Africa, Science, Animals, Nature, Reference, Field Guides, Kenya

640 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Jonathan Kingdon is a zoologist, science author, and artist; a research associate at the University of Oxford. He focuses on taxonomic illustration and evolution of the mammals of Africa. He is a contributor to The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best animal reference books I have ever come across, and in a handy size to boot! Filled with detailed write up on each species including description, evolutionary history, habits and behaviors etc. Illustrated throughout with beautiful hand drawn and painted examples of the animals, no less by the author himself, evidently a talented artist as well as naturalist! The sheer diversity of mammals on this continent boggles the mind, particularly of primates and antelope. Though this work is encyclopedic in its treatment of species, while there are brief discussions on genealogy and origins, it is by no means a full fledged treatise on evolution. However it does what it sets out to do - be a comprehensive field guide, with flying colors.

[jaime chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one time, I checked this book out from the library seven times in a single year. If an eleven-year-old's stamp of approval matters at all, Mr. Kingdon has mine.

[David Mccarrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an insightful and interesting guide to African mammals. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is traveling to Africa.

[Thaths · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb reference book to the mammals of Africa. The Tanzania-born author is the authority on study of mammals in Africa.

This heavy book was my constant companion when on Safari in Kenya. I would come back in the evenings from my game drive and read up on the animals I saw.

If you are going to go on multiple safaris I recommend getting the hard bound version. The paperback is lighter, but as with any reference book, becomes dog-eared after frequent use.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very good in showing relationships of family groups/genus