United States
£ GBP
Language: English with bilingual introductory chapters in English and French; and English, French and scientific nomenclature
Based on extensive recent fieldwork by the authors, augmented by the contributions of resident or visiting naturalists, The Birds of Benin and Togo presents detailed accounts of the more than 650 species known in both Benin and Togo (of which there are 135 migrants from the northern hemisphere). The text complements the species maps, with a synthesis of what is known of ecology, status, movements, breeding seasons, taxonomy and conservation concerns. Some 330 published references are cited, and there are details of ringing recoveries and a gazetteer of more than 900 localities. In 100 pages, the introductory chapters review the topography and climate, vegetation and major bird habitats, biogeography, migration, conservation and the history of ornithological exploration in the Dahomey Gap. The colour photos illustrate the main habitats and a selection of typical bird species.
"[...] the volume represents the culmination of a huge amount of work in the field and in libraries and museums by the foremost protagonists of African ornithology who, unlike most other observers such as the authors of the Togo check‐list eeking out observations in their spare time, were able to devote full‐time to their task. The book is a monument to their perseverance, for which congratulations are due. The book will be the standard work on the birds of Benin and Togo for many years to come."
– Robert A. Cheke, Ibis, 2020
