Best Book with Info on African Antelopes?

[Daktari]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a book that has information on all of the antelope species of Africa that also includes pictures of them in order to help with identification.

 

[Adrian]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a book that has information on all of the antelope species of Africa that also includes pictures of them in order to help with identification.

'The Perfect Shot' by Kevin Robertson does pretty much all of that and tells you where to place your shots too if you want Africa specific animals although it concentrates on the most commonly hunted and doesn't cover every antelope.
Otherwise 'Game Animals of the World' by Chris and Mathilde Stuart is good for world wide game species.
I'm sure other members will chime in too.

 

[Kowas Adventure Safaris]

Hi @North American 36

Here are a few that I really like;

- The Antelope of Africa
by Willem Frost
A definitive field guide to the Antelope of Africa, this book conveys their conservation status, threats and risks for survival, distribution ranges, habitat requirements, habits, and how some of the species were introduced to the scientific world. With text complemented by distribution maps, full-color photographs, and the latest taxonomic classifications, this book also features specific reference to antelope sub-species as the conservation prospects for many species differ from region to region. The Antelope of Africa also shares the story of Africa’s antelope and, as the antelope family is becoming increasingly threatened as population numbers are on the decline almost everywhere, it aims to raise appreciation for the diversity of antelope species and their plight in a changing Africa.

- Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa
by Chris & Tilde Stuart
Southern Africa has a wealth of mammal species, a total of 337 all of which are covered in this fully revised comprehensive field guide. While the term African mammals conjures up the more celebrated species of elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, it is in fact the smaller animals shrews, genets, suricates and bats that comprise the bulk of the region's mammal species. And, often overlooked but included here too is the diversity of marine mammals seals, whales and dolphins that are found in our oceans.This new edition of Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa has been extensively revised to include the most recent research in line with new findings and new taxonomy. Up-to-date information, revised distribution maps and new images (where available) have been combined in a modern, full-color layout. Color-coding has been introduced according family groupings and spoor and size icons are included for quick reference with each mammal entry. Another new feature is the inclusion of skulls, grouped at the back of the book for easy comparison. In addition to detailed descriptions of each species, the text offers insight into key identification characters, typical behavior, preferred habitat, food choice and reproduction."

- The Perfect Shot II (Ltd)
by Kevin Robertson
Kevin “Doctari” Robertson’s best-selling book on shot placement for African game, The Perfect Shot, has now been completely revised and updated: extensive additions to the text; 300 all-new photos of the animals covered; and revised, detailed anatomical drawings. The Perfect Shot II also has shot-placement details for a number of species not covered in the original edition, including blesbok, bongo, black wildebeest, grysbok, nyala, reedbuck, roan, and steenbok. In all, twenty-seven African game species are now covered.

Robertson, a licensed professional hunter and veterinarian, first developed The Perfect Shot a dozen years ago, and it was quickly recognized as the most comprehensive work ever undertaken to show the anatomical features for all classes of African game. His revised version reflects his increased knowledge of big-game anatomy and shot placement. In addition, the chapters on bullet construction and performance have been substantially revised to cover the advances in bullet development that have occurred in the twelve years since the publication of the original edition.

The book covers just about every animal you might hunt in Africa, from the big, dangerous species (elephant, buffalo, rhino, and hippo) to the large cats (lion and leopard) and from the largest antelopes (eland and bongo) to the smallest (duiker, grysbok, and klipspringer). Even Africa's more unusual species (giraffe, crocodile, zebra, and hyena) are covered in detail. Each animal is shown in at least one color field picture as well as a color "ghost view" that illustrates the shoulder bones, heart, lungs, brain, and spinal column. These views allow you to see precisely where to place your shot in relation to how the animal may be standing. Most species now have multiple illustrations from different angles for easier understanding of the different shot-placement options.

The invaluable natural history section on each animal contains trophy-assessment hints as well as how to determine the sex of an animal. Other chapters include caliber and bullet selection, trophy handling, basic animal anatomy, and practical tips on how to make that "perfect shot." This great reference work is a must-have for every safari hunter, no matter how experienced.


I hope that will help you a little

My best,
Jacques

 

[Nyati]

The Kingdon field guide to African mammals by Jonathan Kingdom

Published by Princeton University Press