Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa

Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa is now in stock and ready to ship. This stunning book features over 400 incredibly detailed paintings of adult and juvenile individuals. There is also an excellent general introduction to fish biology, ecology and taxonomy. A must have for the fish biologist!

The authors, Elaine and Phil Heemstra are based at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Grahamstown, and they have collaborated on numerous scientific publications. They have co-written the text and all paintings in the book are by Elaine. Phil is a leading international authority on marine fishes and was co-editor (with Margaret Smith) of the comprehensive Smiths’ Sea Fishes.

Directory of Important Bird Areas in the Kingdom of Thailand

After many weeks of trying we have managed to source copies of Directory of Important Bird Areas in the Kingdom of Thailand published by BCST. This is an excellent IBA providing details of the 62 IBAs in Thailand, of which 22 are unprotected or only partially protected. A number of IBAs in Thailand are facing threats as they are being badly affected by development. It is hoped that this directory will be used for education, policy making and in implementing action plans for the conservation of birds and biodiversity in Thailand.

Illustrated Guide to the Trees of Peru

A major contribution to the field of botany literature Illustrated Guide to the Trees of Peru contains 900 (yes, 900!) fine, technically accurate line-drawings and coloured plates by Rosemary Wise, one of the foremost botanical illustrators.

I know that I, and many other botanists, will use this volume frequently

Ghillean T Prance, School of Plant Sciences, University of Reading

Seabird Numbers and Breeding Success in Britain and Ireland, 2004

Just published by the JNCC Seabird Numbers and Breeding Success in Britain and Ireland, 2004. This report presents the results of monitoring of seabird populations and breeding performance throughout Britain and Ireland in 2004 and makes comparisons with previous years. For an example of some of the findings see relevant JNCC page