On Track

Following the success of the earlier Scatalog: Quick ID guide to southern African animal droppings, here's another quick and quirky identification guide, this time to tracks of the region's most commonly found mammals, but also includes tracks of reptiles, rodents, birds and insects. A simple key on the inside front cover directs users to any of 11 categories, such as 'cloven hooves', 'paws' or 'tramline-like trails'. Nearly 100 animals or closely related groups of animals are depicted; for each, there is a silhouette of front and back feet and a colour photograph of the track; the average measurements for each track; a short description of the track; and information about the circumstances and likely habitat. Concise and to-the-point, this pocket-sized reference will prove indispensable in the field, no matter the experience of the user.