Book reviews from Whiteshelf

The Safari Companion

by Richard D Estes

If you are planning to go on a Safari, this is by far the best book to study before you go and take with you. In (only) 456 pages, Estes begins with a description of general animal behavior such as mating and social behavior, followed by guidelines on observing African mammals. Once he covers the general points, Estes describes each group more specifically, from ruminates (like antelope), other hoofed animals, carnivores, and primates- from Bushbabies to Apes. Many, many simple diagrams illustrate behavior characteristics,saving on wordiness and allowing you to glimpse the behavior in with just a glance. In addition to the diagrams, each animal is described according to the categories as follows: What it is; Where it lives (including good places to see it); Ecology; Activity; Social and mating behavior; Maternal care of offspring; etc. Finally specific behaviors are described and diagramed, such as aggression, courtship, and submission. It is very exciting to see these behaviors actually taking place! This book will give you amazing insight into the world of African mammals- it is like seeing in color instead of black-and-white.