Review by Ngami Times Vol 14 no 699 September 27 to October 11 2013.
A superb guide to our mammals

The second edition of a Field Guide to the Mammals of Botswana is a superb little booklet which many living in this part of the world should have on their bookshelves.
First published by Salome Meyer and Peter Comley in 1994, the latest edition is the work of Comley and Jen Cowie.

As is stated in the foreword, the book is to enable the traveller to identify and learn about the mammals – large and small – of this country. It is easy to read, and colour coded with distribution maps showing where particular animals are likely to occur but, as is pointed out, the animals do migrate ‘under stressful conditions.’
Obviously our world famous predators, such as lion, are featured extensively because Botswana is renowned for these animals and for most visitors on safari, it is the high point of their trip to sight a lion. Leopard and cheetah feature as well as, of course, wild dog.

Botswana’s numerous elephants – there are more African elephants in the country than anywhere else – have expanded their range by at least 53% in recent years. The Chobe National Park is the most populous area but elephants have now been sighted in places as diverse as Nxai Pan and the Makgadikgadi Pans.
The habits of each of the mammals featured are well documented so the tourist cannot say he or she had no idea where any particular animal may be sighted. That is the value of this book.

Comments from a guide.
‘This book is so informative that sometimes I think that I have four or five different references with me.’  
Big Samuel Tshekonyane