The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes

The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes is a substantial and highly regarded reference work on the behaviour and social lives of Africa’s mammals. First published in the early 1990s, this 1997 South African edition was published by Russel Friedman Books and runs to 611 pages. It is a paperback edition of an important work of African natural history, particularly suited to readers interested in zoology, wildlife behaviour, safari and the ecology of African mammals.

Unlike a conventional field guide that concentrates primarily on identification, The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals examines what animals actually do and explains the significance of their behaviour. Estes draws on extensive field research and the work of numerous other scientists to explore communication, social organisation, feeding, reproduction, territoriality, courtship, parental behaviour and interactions between individuals and groups. The result is an unusually detailed portrait of African wildlife in its natural environment.

The book is organised into four major sections covering hoofed mammals, including antelopes and other ruminants; non-ruminant hoofed mammals such as elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses; carnivores including lions, hyenas, wild dogs and mongooses; and primates. Species and groups are considered in considerable detail, making The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals particularly useful for anyone wanting to understand the behavioural patterns behind the animals they encounter in the field.

Richard Despard Estes was an influential behavioural biologist and specialist in African mammals, with more than two decades of experience studying these animals, including seven years of fieldwork. The original work was also illustrated by Daniel Otte, with a foreword by renowned biologist E. O. Wilson.

For students, naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, safari-goers and collectors of African natural history, The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals remains a valuable and fascinating reference. This 1997 Russel Friedman Books paperback is an excellent example of South African wildlife literature and an informative addition to collections devoted to African mammals, zoology and animal behaviour.

Condition: Very Good – Light shelf wear on paperback covers. Embossed prior ownership on front end page. Light foxing of front matter and text block.