Lynnath Beckley

Description: Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun and starry skies make the Seychelles an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history and this is the only travel guide to the Seychelles with a comprehensive account of the flora and fauna. The authors provide fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves. Updated throughout, they reveal the islands many secrets from coco de mer palm forests and bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine.

Description: Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun and starry skies make the Seychelles an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history and this is the only travel guide to the Seychelles with a comprehensive account of the flora and fauna. The authors provide fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves. Updated throughout, they reveal the islands many secrets from coco de mer palm forests and bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine.

Description: Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun, starry skies and delightful people, the Seychelles are an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history. The guide gives fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves and conservation projects. Seychelles' many secrets are also uncovered from coco de mer palm forests, picturesque La Digue and island bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine. Famed for their "get away from it all" appeal for travellers of all budgets, the Seychelles are also a haven for those interested in natural history. This comprehensive Bradt guide contains a detailed introduction to the island’s ecosystem, from coastal life and coral reefs to nature reserves and conservation projects. The authors provide a full range of options for watersports enthusiasts and there is a special section for cruise-ship passengers.

Description: This unrivalled field guide covers over 1,400 species of the most common forms of marine life that inhabit our coasts'including the invertebrates, fish, reptiles, mammals birds and plants. The book documents a selection of these, concentrating on the most frequently encountered species living in the intertidal zone and in shallow subtidal waters that can readily be explored by scuba divers. There is a particular focus on open-coast beaches and rocky shores, and aquatic estuarine animals and plants are also covered. Fish that are commonly seen in tidal pools or by divers, or those frequently caught by angers are included, as are smaller rock-pool fish. It will meet the needs of scientists, students, fishermen, scuba divers and beachcombers alike, encapsulating current knowledge and enabling the identification of diverse species, from sponges to whales and from seaweeds to mangroves.

A survey of the invertebrate subtidal and estuarine resources on the Transkei coast was undertaken in April 1993 by the Oceanographic Research Institute in association with the University of Transkei (UNITRA). This survey examined the stocks of abalone, rock lobsters, mud crabs, oysters, subtidal mussels, and sand and mud prawns. During the latter half of 1993, the Zoology Department of UNITRA examined shellfish resources in the intertidal zone along the coast. Information on past and current levels of utilisation of all resources was collated and, where possible, survey and biological data were combined to make preliminary assessments of the potential for sustainable utilisation.

The guide intends to facilitate the identification of the most common forms of marine life that inhabit southern African coasts. Invertebrates, fish, reptiles, mammals and plants, are included. In particular, focus is on the life of open coast beaches and rocky shores, and the most frequently encountered species that live in the intertidal zone and in shallow subtidal waters that can be readily explored by scuba-divers are covered. More than 1400 species are included, being presented in taxonomic groups according to the classification system of the animal and plant kingdoms. Most species are illustrated with colour photographs, and descriptive notes are given regarding identification, size, biology, maps, and related species.