Read these books on African wildlife
What's the story
African wildlife has always fascinated writers, giving them a chance to explore the continent's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. These books give a glimpse into the lives of animals, ecosystems, and how humans interact with them. They are not just informative but also give you a taste of the beauty and complexity of Africa's natural world. Here are five books that highlight this unique aspect of African wildlife.
#1
'The Elephant Whisperer' by Lawrence Anthony
Lawrence Anthony's The Elephant Whisperer is an enthralling account of his experiences while managing a herd of elephants at South Africa's Thula Thula game reserve. The book gives a glimpse into elephant behavior and their social structures, while narrating Anthony's emotional bond with the animals. It's an amazing read for anyone wanting to know more about these majestic creatures and their place in the ecosystem.
#2
'Cry of the Kalahari' by Mark and Delia Owens
In Cry of the Kalahari, Mark and Delia Owens take readers on an adventurous journey through Botswana's Kalahari Desert. The book details the couple's research on lion and hyena populations in one of Africa's most remote areas. The authors provide insight into survival strategies of these predators, while also highlighting conservation challenges in arid regions.
#3
'Born Free' by Joy Adamson
Joy Adamson's classic memoir, Born Free, recounts her efforts to raise Elsa, an orphaned lion cub, before releasing her back into the wild. The book provides an intimate look at Elsa's development from cub to independent lioness, while also addressing broader themes of wildlife conservation and human-animal relationships. Adamson's narrative brings to life both the challenges and triumphs of reintroducing captive animals into their natural habitats.
#4
'The Last Rhinos' by Mick Grant
Mick Grant's The Last Rhinos is a gripping account of the fight against poaching in Africa. The book focuses on the efforts to save the critically endangered northern white rhinos from extinction. Grant's narrative highlights the dedication of conservationists, and the challenges they face in protecting these magnificent creatures from poachers motivated by the demand for their horns.
#5
'Eye of the Elephant' by Delia Owens
Delia Owens' Eye of the Elephant takes readers on an expedition through Zambia's Luangwa Valley National Park. The book chronicles her work with wildlife conservationists who study elephant migration patterns and behavior changes due to environmental pressures such as poaching or habitat loss. It offers insights into how scientists track these majestic animals over vast distances using innovative methods like GPS collars or satellite imagery technology advancements.