Suricata is a new sister journal to SANBI’s Strelitzia, and is a peer-reviewed publication that publishes original and applied research such as monographs, revisions, checklists, Red Data Lists, atlases, and Fauna’s of any taxa belonging to Regnum Animalia (the Animal Kingdom).
In the past, some extensive faunal research was published under the SANBI Biodiversity Series. Content of this nature will be more prominently published under the new monograph name, which will highlight the wider range of biodiversity work that SANBI does. The new monograph will therefore provide a vehicle for information that is already considered for the SANBI Biodiversity Series, but doesn’t fall within its framework of submissions (see SANBI Biodiversity Series above). The zoological part of SANBI’s work, in addition to biodiversity information sourced via collaboration and networking, can be more prominently showcased in this dedicated publication series.
 | Editors: A.H. Kirk-Spriggs & B.J. Sinclair (eds) Publication date: 2021 Volume 3 includes family chapters dealing with 51 of the 108 families of flies that occur in the region and covers the Brachycera: Cyclorrhapha, excluding Calyptratae (sometimes termed the higher Diptera). Each chapter includes a diagnosis of the family, sections dealing with biology and immature stages, classification and identification, an identification key to genera (if more than one) and a synopsis of the fauna section, arranged genus by genus alphabetically. The text is richly illustrated with over 3,447 illustrations, including 1,746 colour and 101 black and white images and 1,600 line drawings of flies. Hard cover, 215 × 275 mm, pp. 1 032. ISBN 978-1-928224-13-6 Price SADC R1 500.00 Download PDF |
 | Editors: R.D. Stephen Publication date: 2021 This guide describes the diversity of cicadas, that are well known for their shrill song on hot summer days, but which are so skilfully concealed, that they are often only seen when disturbed, or after a careful and surreptitious search. The guide sets out to lift the covers off this interesting, shy and defenceless creature, and answer some of the questions and misconceptions about it. Above all, it is intended to be an identification aid to all those admirable specialists and dedicated amateur workers and volunteers in museums, those active in conservation, ecological impact studies, databasing and other vital biodiversity and environmental studies. It is hoped that this guide will encourage further interest and research into these largely unknown insects and their life histories, distribution, ecology and their niche in the southern African environment. Hard cover, 170 × 240 mm, pp. 216. ISBN 978-1-928224-42-6 Price SADC R390.00 Download PDF |
 | Editors: A.L.V. Davis, C.M. Deschodt & C.H. Scholtz Publication date: 2020 Accounts and photographs are provided for over 500 scarabaeine dung beetle species recorded in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. This amounts to an estimated 80% of the regional fauna with the missing species primarily belonging to a single tribe (Onthophagini) for which validation of names and description of new species is an ongoing task. The accounts for tribes, genera and validated species provide information on taxonomic and conservation status, geographical range and distribution, temporal and climatic range, as well as notes on associations with soil, vegetation and food type (where available). Following the species accounts, is a short synthesis of current dung beetle systematics and its shortcomings, analyses of group distribution patterns across southern Africa, and threats to conservation of the dung beetle fauna. In addition, several large tables provide quick reference to range size, distribution pattern and conservation status, as well as climatic and ecological associations of each species (where known). Hard cover, 210 × 297 mm, pp. 808. ISBN 978-1-928224-39-6 Price SADC R950.00 Download PDF |
 | Editors: Ashley H. Kirk-Spriggs & Bradley J. Sinclair Publication date: 2017 True flies, or Diptera, constitute one of the largest orders of insects in the biosphere, with over 160 000 described species worldwide, more than 20 000 of which occur in the Afrotropical region. They are as diverse morphologically and biologically as they are numerous and many groups have evolved spectacular structural adaptations that are commensurate with their environment and biology. During their long evolutionary history, virtually every terrestrial niche has been occupied by the Diptera, making them one of the most successful groups of organisms on Earth. Many have co-evolved in association with other organisms and become highly specialised parasites or parasitoids of a range of disparate groups of plants and animals. Whether focusing on their systematics, biology, biogeography, conservation, or the more applied aspects, the Diptera remain a fascinating and intriguing group. This four volume book, a collaboration of over 90 international experts on Diptera, is the first-ever synopsis of the 108 families of flies known from the Afrotropical region and includes discussions on biology and immature stages, economic importance, classification, identification to the genus level, as well as a synopsis of each genus. This work provides the basics for understanding the diversity of a major order of insects in a large tropical and sub-tropical region and is the first such synopsis of its kind for any major insect order occurring in the Afrotropics. Volume 2 includes family chapters dealing with 43 of the 108 families of flies that occur in the region and covers the nematocerous Diptera and lower Brachycera (sometimes termed the lower Diptera). Each chapter includes a diagnosis of the family, sections dealing with biology and immature stages, classification and identification, an identification key to genera (if more than one) and a synopsis of the fauna section, arranged genus by genus alphabetically. The text is richly illustrated with over 2 900 illustrations, including 1 360 colour and 130 black and white images and 1 430 line drawings of flies. Hard cover, 215 × 275 mm, pp. 440. ISBN 978-1-928224-11-2Price SADC R520.00 Download PDF (80.53 Mb) |
 | Editors: Ashley H. Kirk-Spriggs & Bradley J. Sinclair Publication date: 2017 True flies, or Diptera, constitute one of the largest orders of insects in the biosphere, with over 160 000 described species worldwide, more than 20 000 of which occur in the Afrotropical region. They are as diverse morphologically and biologically as they are numerous and many groups have evolved spectacular structural adaptations that are commensurate with their environment and biology. During their long evolutionary history, virtually every terrestrial niche has been occupied by the Diptera, making them one of the most successful groups of organisms on Earth. Many have co-evolved in association with other organisms and become highly specialised parasites or parasitoids of a range of disparate groups of plants and animals. Whether focusing on their systematics, biology, biogeography, conservation, or the more applied aspects, the Diptera remain a fascinating and intriguing group. This four volume book, a collaboration of over 90 international experts on Diptera, is the first-ever synopsis of the 108 families of flies known from the Afrotropical region and includes discussions on biology and immature stages, economic importance, classification, identification to the genus level, as well as a synopsis of each genus. This work provides the basics for understanding the diversity of a major order of insects in a large tropical and sub-tropical region and is the first such synopsis of its kind for any major insect order occurring in the Afrotropics. Volume 1 includes 11 general introductory chapters dealing with the history of Afrotropical dipterology, collection and preservation, morphology and terminology, natural history, agricultural and veterinary, medical, forensic and phytosanitary significance, biogeography, conservation and the phylogeny of flies. The volume also includes identification keys to all Afrotropical fly families for both adult and larval stages. The text is richly illustrated with over 1 600 illustrations, including 40 colour maps, 800 colour and 60 black and white images and 690 line drawings of flies. Hard cover, 215 × 275 mm, pp. 948. ISBN 978-1-928224-11-2Price SADC R350.00 Download PDF (69.86 Mb) |
 | Authors: Fortunate M. Phaka, Edward C. Netherlands, Donnavan J.D. Kruger, & Louis H. du Preez Publication date: 2017 Frogs are in general poorly known and highly misunderstood; yet they are among the most important members of the animal kingdom. These harmless creatures are as colourful and melodious as birds and they have outlived dinosaurs, but are currently under threat of extinction. Their presence or absence can tell us a lot about an environment and their presence is vital to the functioning of many ecosystems. Frogs are an unusual group of animals as they live in two different environments; water and land. Being unusual is what makes them important and it unfortunately also contributes to them being misunderstood. The book is in two languages (English one half, and Zulu the other half). Soft cover. 168 × 240 mm. English: pp. 87. Zulu: pp. 89). The downloaded PDFs contain the frog sounds. ISBN 978-1-928224-19-8Price SADC R100.00 Download PDF (32.04 Mb) |
 | Authors: Michael J. Samways & John P. Simaika Publication date: 2016 Overall, freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened ecosystem type in the world. The scarce South African freshwaters are threatened by alien organisms, high volumes of water abstraction, and pollution. Yet some South African freshwaters are being restored to their former condition. It is important to monitor these systems and note whether they are declining or improving. One way to do this is to use the Dragonfly Biotic Index, which is based on dragonfly biogeography, their sensitivity to change, and the degree to which they are threatened. This index is sensitive and robust and is suitable for assessing and monitoring freshwaters across the country. This manual explains how to use and apply the Dragonfly Biotic Index, while also providing guidelines for species identification. Published by the National Botanical Institute (NBI). Soft cover. A4. pp. 224. ISBN 978-1-928224-05-1Price SADC R200 Download PDF (18 Mb) |
 | Edited by: Michael F. Bates, William R. Branch, Aaron M. Bauer, Marius Burger, Johan Marais, Graham J. Alexander and Marienne S. de Villiers Publication date: 2013 This Atlas and Red List details the outcomes of the Southern African Reptile Conservation Assessment (SARCA), the most thorough reptile assessment project ever conducted in Africa. The conservation status of the 422 recognised species and subspecies of reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland was evaluated against IUCN guidelines, based on detailed distribution maps, published literature and the collective expertise of leading herpetologists. Maps were based on records from museums, conservation agencies, published literature, targeted fieldwork, and an online virtual museum. The assessment revealed that a fifth of all species and subspecies are of conservation concern, mainly because of habitat alteration. Two species are now extinct, whereas 36 are classified as threatened (five Critically Endangered, 10 Endangered and 21 Vulnerable). As much as 45% of the region's indigenous taxa are endemic, including most taxa of conservation concern. This important publication includes, for the first time, colour photographs of all snakes, lizards, tortoises, terrapins, turtles and crocodiles of the region, as well as detailed maps illustrating their ranges. Accounts for each taxon also include details on taxonomic and conservation status, habitat, and threats. Introductory chapters discuss project design, data management, taxonomy, evolutionary relationships, conservation status, endemism, threats, and diversity hotspots. The Atlas will appeal not only to herpetologists, but also to other biologists, naturalists, conservation planners and managers, environmental consultants, legislators, and members of the public. Published by SANBI Publishing (South African National Biodiversity Institute), Pretoria. Hard cover. pp. 504. ISBN 978-1-919976-84-6Price SADC R475.00 Download PDF (31.21 Mb) |
