Savannah Lives

This work describes the African Savannah, its animals and its people, and includes a description of how human beings evolved in that habitat. The author, a European ecologist, has spent every possible minute in the Savannah and his love of it shines through.

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In a lively, personal style, Savannah Lives offers an introduction to the African savannahs as home to a unique wildlife and as the context for the origin and evolution of the human species. After briefly explaining the geology of the African continent and the climatic changes that have shaped its vegetation, Staffan Ulfstrand describes how the savannah is constantly modified by fire, water, elephants - and people. Much of the book is taken up with describing the lives of some of the most charismatic savannah species and how they have evolved to cope with the environment they lived in. Ulfstrand goes on to explain how our knowledge of animals' behaviour and evolution can provide insights into much of our behaviour and modern life-style. The book is written for everyone who is interested in the natural history of savannahs, in their animal inhabitants, and in the human species. Most of all, it will appeal to anyone who has visited or hopes to visit the fabulous scenery and spectacular animal diversity of Africa-s savannahs.