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BOOK: The South African Bushveld, a field guide from the Waterberg.

Author: Lee Gutteridge
Southbound
2008
ISBN 978-1-920143-13-8
R 400 approx.

The name says it all.

This momentous 700 page book tries to give a broad spectrum look at the natural heritage of the Bushveld. It contains sections on the history of the region, the geology, animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, scorpions, spiders, butterflies, tracks and signs, flowers, trees, grasses, survival techniques and even a section on how to conduct a walk.

It is a paperback, with lots of photos and the sections are colour coded. The books gives a good impression.

Gutteridge tries to cover every aspect of the Bushveld. It is almost as if he is giving a course to aspirant guides. And indeed, a guide with all of this knowledge would do well in the Bushveld. The fact that Gutteridge is involved in guide training shows clearly in his approach to this book.

The photos taken in the bush is a real plus in this book. It gives interesting perspectives on the subjects he is addressing.

But ... This book suffers from trying to be everything for everybody. Because it covers such a diverse group of topics, it is impossible to do real justice to any of them. He touches on the main species and gives basic information. If you are looking for new knowledge not found in most other field guides, you won't find too much.

Should you buy this book?

If you could afford a separate book on each of these topics .. rather buy them!

If you want one handy reference book, which covers the main topics and most prominent species ... and if you are willing to do some searching ... buy this book.

If you already have all the other books ... you will probably buy this book anyway!

Also saw the book on 50/50 and seems like an interesting addition to have.

Was surprised to find a email from Lee in my inbox this morning after being away most of this week thanking me for photos I said he could use. Totally forgot that he contacted me sometime back via the guys doing "Kitsgids tot die voëls van die Laeveld" (photographic guide of Lowveld birds)

Will have to check out the book to remind myself which photos I donated to him.

What I enjoyed from the 50/50 insert was how Lee to people into the field with the book and then showed them how they could use the book to ID trees, spoor, etc.

fronscoid, can you score us a free book?

Good day all.
I came across this piece of art via SABC's 50/50 program and bought a few imediately.
Its written by a field guide called Lee Gutteridge and contains 702 pages of absolutely everything- info on snakes, mammals, trees, plants, soiders, tracks and signs, grasses, birds, etc, etc

Its written in different sections, with about 1800 pictures in colour.

I reckon its probably the best book out there at this stage.
It costs a bit much, about R 500, but then again, you get a few books packed into one.

Deffinately a bargain, and guess what- Its available in The Park, but only at Tshokwane and Nkuhlu!!!

Recommended for all Field Guides studying for exams...outside Kruger it is R400

I really loved the book.

Hi All!

Having been involved with the book in the final stages before the publication and having edited the reptile section of the book I can say that it was a very difficult excercise to complete. There was so much of extra data that was planned to still go into the book but the line had to be draw at some stage. (unfortuantely)

As has been said, its a nice book to have around but does not cover every single species found in the bushveld, however most species that are commonly encountered have been included. Just imagine the size of a book that would include everything.

The books main aim is to be used for training purposes for field guides in the South African Bushveld and is being used as the core sylabus for the FGASA courses conduted in the Bushveld

Its a stunning book for most people that go into the bush on a vacation basis and dont have all the other books available to themselves, like so many of us on the forums do.

It was a major project that Lee Gutteridge attempted and i will always be proud of his achievment.

If any one has any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Jens

Thanks for that.
I will certainly go and browse through the book and maybe add it to my wish list if need be.

I find the a lot of species specific books focus on detail and lists. I am looking for a book that gives an over arching global view of how things interact rather than a reference manual.

Have not been able to have a look at this book yet as I have not been able to find it in any of the bookstores at our local Mall

I don't think this book will really satisfy your need.

Rather try the "Beat About the Bush" books.

A good book on KNP is "The Kruger Experience" written by the scientific staff of KNP. It provides wonderful insights. I got my copy online through "Adventures With Nature".

The Kruger Experience: Ecology And Management Of Savanna Heterogeneity
Author(s): Johan Du Toit
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 1559639814
Published: 2003

I have still not managed to see a copy of "THE SOUTH AFRICAN BUSHVELD" at the CNA, Wordsworths and Exclusive Books at our local mall.

Any one know of bookstore chains that do stock this book?

Cois, I saw the book at the CNA @ Sandton city about 2 weeks ago, and they had about 5 copies on the shelve.

Also very tempted to get myself one.

Best place is www.awn.co.za