cover image Predator: Life and Death in the African Bush

Predator: Life and Death in the African Bush

Mark Ross, David Reesor. ABRAMS, $35 (208pp) ISBN 978-0-8109-9301-3

Based on years of observation in the field, filmmaker and safari guide Ross, along with wildlife photographer Reesor, present a photo-heavy volume that takes a measured look at five wild African killers: leopards, cheetahs, lions, hyenas and crocodiles. Each section begins with a ""day in the life"" vignette based on Ross's observations, followed by detailed discussions of each species' ecology, including mating, birthing and rearing young, hunting patterns, family structures and preferences for habitat and prey, using clear prose and striking photography (culled from over 20,000 images) to bring the information to life. Filled with deep insights into the lives of these animals and their prey, Ross and Reesor even provide several pages of tips for observing and photographing animals in their natural habitat, and a pull-out pocket guide to take along on safari (one of Ross's goals is to educate people before such a trip to make the experience more rewarding). Ecological depth and plentiful insight make this an excellent addition to middle and high-school classrooms, while vivid photographs provide a fine virtual tour of the African bush and a great advert for conservation efforts.