Southern Africa has some of the best whale and dolphin watching opportunities in the world, with over half of the world’s species being found in our waters. Watching Whales and Dolphins in Southern Africa is an essential guide to watching the region’s 12 more common species. In addition to species accounts and charts that aid identification, this guide provides detailed information on cetaceans – their evolution, senses, behaviour, classification and anatomy. Multiple, clear images, both photographic and illustrated, help identify each species by showing how to read the partial signs that cetaceans usually offer, such as a flipper, tail, or even just their 'blow'.
The book also discusses the tragic toll that hunting has had on whale populations, and the ongoing struggle to protect these majestic mammals. This is an invaluable guide for anyone wishing to know more about whales and dolphins of the region.
Noel Ashton, with a background in environmental and geographical science, has specialised as a whale and dolphin scientific illustrator, developing a complex process of morphological mapping. Noel and his wife Belinda Ashton have worked towards whale and dolphin conservation through their Oceans of Africa programme. Their acclaimed Sacred Ocean anti-whaling campaign in the Two Oceans Aquarium was launched by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and their IFAW Whale Show is shown daily in the Whale Museum in Hermanus.
Belinda Ashton and her husband Noel have worked towards whale and dolphin conservation through their Oceans of Africa programme. Their acclaimed Sacred Ocean anti-whaling campaign in the Two Oceans Aquarium was launched by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and their IFAW Whale Show is shown daily in the Whale Museum in Hermanus.