John Beaufoy Publishing

NATURAL HISTORY · DIVING & UNDERWATER · HISTORY · TRAVEL

Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots

Published by . Filed under Natural History - Australia & NZ. Total of no comments in the discussion.

This lavishly illustrated guide describes 55 of the best sites for viewing both common and rare species in Australia.

Alongside a map of the area, detailed descriptions of each site cover the type of terrain, climate and specific spots at which certain species are likely to be encountered. A fact file for each site lists road and rail access; entry fees and permits, facilities, nearby services, accommodation and GPS co-ordinates. Key species for each site are also listed.

Peter Rowland is a wildlife conservationist, educator and nature photographer, and worked at the Australian Natural History Museum for a period spanning 30 years. Peter has travelled extensively throughout Australia as a biodiversity consultant, and has written several books and scientific articles on Australia’s wildlife. In 1999, Peter was the recipient of a Whitley Award from the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Chris Farrell is a nature and landscape photographer who has spent the last 32 years behind a camera capturing the natural world and enjoying the ride. Chris is an accredited fundraiser for the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, and is a strong campaigner for the conservation of Australia’s wildlife. Chris’s images have been used to study the movements and population trends of endangered animals, including the Southern Right Whale.

Specifications • 210 x 148 mm (8¼ x 6”) • 328 pages
• 80,000 words approx. • more than 500 photographs plus 65 maps
• ISBN 978-1-912081-66-0
• £25.00 (UK), A$49.99 (Australia), paperback.

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of Thailand

Published by . Filed under Natural History - Southeast Asia. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of Thailand is a photographic identification guide to 280 bird species commonly seen in Thailand. High quality photographs from one of Thailand’s top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation, opportunities for naturalists and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Thailand encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, IUCN status as at 2016.

Philip D. Round, a British citizen who has lived, and watched birds, in Thailand for over 30 years, is the foremost authority on Thai birds. He has written several books and over 80 scientific papers on Thai birds, and wildlife conservation issues. He is based at Mahidol University, Bangkok.

Wich’yanan Limparungpatthanakij has a masters degree in biology from Mahidol University. He is a member of Thailand’s Bird Records Committee and compiles records for the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand.

Specification 180 x 128 mm (7 x 5”) • 176 pages • 40,000 words approx. • 300 photographs
• ISBN 978-1-909612-09-9 • £12.99 paperback • Available

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of India

Published by . Filed under Natural History - India & Sri Lanka. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A photographic identification guide to the 280 reptile species most commonly seen in India (covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives).

High-quality photographs from the region’s top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers climate and vegetation, snake-bite management and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the reptiles of India encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status.

Indraneil Das received his DPhil from the University of Oxford, and is Professor at the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. His main research interest focuses on the ecology and systematics of the amphibians and reptiles of South and Southeast Asia.
Abhijit Das received his PhD from Utkal University, Orissa and is a Scientist with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. His research area includes the taxonomy, systematics and conservation biology of Indian reptiles and amphibians.

Specifications 180 x 128 mm (7 x 5”) • 176 pages • 40,000 words approx. • 200–300 photographs
• ISBN 978-1-909612-81-5
• £11.99 (UK), $17.95 (USA), paperback • Available

The Natural History of the Bible

Published by . Filed under Natural History – Middle East. Total of no comments in the discussion.

Mountains shape the Holy Land that lies along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Two parallel ranges run from north to south and in between is the country’s most extraordinary physical feature, the deep trench that holds the River Jordan, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, all part of what is still commonly called The Great Rift Valley. This wide variety of landscapes, from snow-topped mountains to fertile plains to deserts, means that the natural vegetation of the land is very different from one area to another; each supporting a range of different plants and animals.

With chapters on physical geography and natural vegetation, trees and shrubs, herbs and flowers, mammal, birds, and other creatures, in this new book, Peter Goodfellow explores the natural history of the Bible tying in his descriptions to biblical references and, where relevant, explaining how these factors influenced the lives of the people of the Old and New Testaments.

Peter Goodfellow is a Methodist Local Preacher, has been a keen birdwatcher since he was a boy, and was a teacher till he retired – he’s put all three parts of himself together in this book. He is the author of the highly successful Birds of the Bible and Flora and Fauna of the Bible. He is also the author of a number of several successful birdwatching guides and Avian Architecture which won the 2011 Prose Award from the Association of America Publishers.

Specifications 246 x 189 mm (9½”x 7½”) • 184 pages • 45,000 words • c100 watercolours
• ISBN 978-1-909612-98-3 • £19.99 hardback • Available

Great Railway Journeys in New Zealand & Australia

Published by . Filed under Rail and River Travel. Total of no comments in the discussion.

Great Railway Journeys in New Zealand and Australia describes 35 trips that highlight some of the most interesting, scenic and rewarding railway journeys in New Zealand and Australia. They include the renowned long-distance journeys, such as The Northern Explorer in New Zealand’s North Island that stretches from Wellington to Auckland, and The Indian Pacific in Australia that takes travellers on a three-day trip from Perth to Sydney, as well as journeys that traverse stunning scenery, such as New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train or the Spirit of the Outback in Australia. Also included in this new edition is New Zealands’ Coastal Pacific that runs between Picton and Christchurch, now fully operational again since being shut in the aftermath of the 2016 earthquake.

There are also routes on which restored steam locomotives operate and other lines included for the wonder of their engineering. Trains are a great way to travel in these countries, taking you at ground level past superb scenery that often cannot be seen by any other means of transport. David Bowden’s entertaining text describes the route, the major features of interest along the way and any special technical details about the locomotive or the track.

David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia, specializing in travel and the environment. While Australian, he’s been living in Asia longer than he can remember, but returns frequently to his home country and has a particular enthusiasm for the revived railways there. He is the author of Enchanting Australia, Enchanting Bali & Lombok, Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Indonesia, Enchanting Langkawi, Enchanting Malaysia, Enchanting Singapore and Enchanting Vietnam, all published by John Beaufoy Publishing.

Specifications 260 x 215 mm (10¼ x 8½”) • 160 pages • 45,000 words • c150 photographs + 35 route maps
• ISBN 978-1-913679-23-1 • £25.00 hardback, A$49.99, NZ$49.99 • Available

A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Canberra & the High Country

Published by . Filed under Natural History - Australia & NZ. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Canberra and the High Country is a fully comprehensive field guide to the 322 bird species of the High Country, including all common, rare and vagrant species. With photographs from the author and the region’s other top-quality nature photographers, each species is illustrated with many variants. The guide is focussed on field use to help beginners and experts identify species.

For each species the common and scientific names are listed as well as local variations. The main identifying features of each species are described and key facts cover size, habits, habitat, breeding, distribution, voice and status in the region. Distribution maps provide an at-a-glance view of where the birds can be found. The book also includes information on climate and topography, types of habitat, orders and families, residents, migrants, vagrants and highly scarce migrants, topography and the key birdwatching sites. The checklist provides complete information on the local status of each species.

The Australian High Country is located in the south-east of the continent, and extends from the Wollemi National Park and the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney, through the Kosciuszko and Alpine National Parks and south-west into Victoria, almost to the edge of Melbourne. It includes Canberra and the ACT.

Neil Hermes has been an avid birder since childhood. He has had over 40 years’ association with the Canberra Ornithologist Group having variously served as President, Editor and Field Trips Organiser. He has written over 20 books including Birds of Norfolk Island and Australia’s Endangered Species. For nearly ten years he was Deputy Director of Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) and has an Honours Degree in Science (Zoology) from the Australian National University.

Specifications • 210 x 148 mm (8¼ x 6”) • 360 pages • 65,000 words approx. • 650 photographs
• ISBN 978-1-913679-17-0
• £24.99 paperback (UK), A$49.99 (Australia) • Publication November 2021

Enchanting New Zealand (2nd edition)

Published by . Filed under Enchanting series, Featured. Total of no comments in the discussion.

Enchanting New Zealand explores the country’s natural wonders and its remarkable wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or making a return trip, the sheer majesty of New Zealand’s landscapes is always awe-inspiring. There are peaceful lakes and thundering waterfalls, active volcanoes and the looming icy peaks of the Southern Alps as well as beautiful sandy beaches.

Beyond the scenic bounty, New Zealand also offers world-class local food, wine and accommodation, and friendly, welcoming people. From Auckland at the top of North Island to Invercargill at the bottom of South Island, Liz Light describes and illustrates the epic scenery, the heritage attractions, the unique Māori culture and the renowned wine regions that make up a memorable trip to the country.

This fully revised 2nd edition with updated photos and up-to-date information is the perfect introduction to this vibrant and colourful country.

Liz Light was an Auckland-based travel writer and photographer. She travelled extensively but it was New Zealand, her homeland, that held her heart. She loved its splendid scenery, and its open, new-world attitudes and ambience. Liz won numerous awards for both her writing and photography.

Specifications
• 260 x 215 mm (10 x 8”) • 80 pages • 10,000 words • 200 photographs
• ISBN 9781917879026 • £12.99 hardback • Publication September 2026

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia (2nd edition)

Published by . Filed under Natural History - Australia & NZ. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia is an introductory photographic guide to 280 reptile species commonly encountered in Australia.

High quality photographs from Australia’s top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers the threats to reptiles, types of habitat, anatomy of reptiles, and details of orders and families. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the reptiles of Australia encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and its global IUCN status.

Peter Rowland is a wildlife conservationist, educator and nature photographer, and worked at the Australian Natural History Museum for a period spanning 30 years. Peter has travelled extensively throughout Australia as a biodiversity consultant, and has written several books and scientific articles on Australia’s wildlife. In 1999, Peter was the recipient of a Whitley Award from the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Chris Farrell is a nature and landscape photographer who has spent the last 32 years behind a camera capturing the natural world and enjoying the ride. Chris is an accredited fundraiser for the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, and is a strong campaigner for the conservation of Australia’s wildlife. Chris’s images have been used to study the movements and population trends of endangered animals, including the Southern Right Whale.

Specifications:• 180 x 128 mm (7 x 5”) • 176 pages • 40,000 words approx. • 350 photographs
• ISBN 9781912081035 • A$29.99 (Australia), £12.99 (UK), paperback • Available

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Australia (2nd edition)

Published by . Filed under Natural History - Australia & NZ. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Australia is an introductory photographic guide to 300 mammal species commonly seen in Australia.

High quality photographs from Australia’s top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers the geography and climate of Australia, types of habitat, and details of orders and families. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the mammals of Australia encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and its global IUCN status.

Peter Rowland is a wildlife conservationist, educator and nature photographer, and worked at the Australian Natural History Museum for a period spanning 30 years. Peter has travelled extensively throughout Australia as a biodiversity consultant, and has written several books and scientific articles on Australia’s wildlife. In 1999, Peter was the recipient of a Whitley Award from the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Chris Farrell is a nature and landscape photographer who has spent the last 32 years behind a camera capturing the natural world and enjoying the ride. Chris is an accredited fundraiser for the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, and is a strong campaigner for the conservation of Australia’s wildlife. Chris’s images have been used to study the movements and population trends of endangered animals, including the Southern Right Whale.

Specification • 180 x 128 mm (7 x 5”) • 176 pages • 40,000 words approx. • 300 photographs
• ISBN 9781913679071 • £12.99 UK), A$29.99 including GST (Australia), paperback • Available

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Sri Lanka (2nd edition)

Published by . Filed under Natural History - India & Sri Lanka. Total of no comments in the discussion.

A photographic identification guide to the 150 reptile species most commonly seen in Sri Lanka.

High-quality photographs from the authors are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers fascinating information on folklore associated with reptiles, snake topography, how to deal with snake bites and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the reptiles of Sri Lanka encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and its IUCN status.

Anslem de Silva MSc., DSc. (Hon Cau, University of Peradeniya), has written or contributed to 400 or so publications on various aspects of the herpetology of the country. He has received the President’s Award for Scientific Publications three times and has organized several national and international herpetological conferences. His honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of his scientific contributions to and promotion of all aspects of the herpetology of Sri Lanka.
Kanishka Ukuwela is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. He holds a BSc degree in Zoology (University of Peradeniya) and a PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Kanishka has published many research papers on the reptiles and amphibians of Sri Lanka, and is also a member of the IUCN Amphibian and Sea Snake Specialist Groups.

Specifications:
• 180 x 128 mm (7 x 5”)
• 176 pages
• 40,000 words approx.
• 300 photographs
• ISBN 978-1-912081-23-3
• £11.99 paperback
• Available