Jonathan Ball Publishers publishes naturalist Quinton Coetzee’s The buck that buries its poo. The book contains 102 intriguing facts about SA’s wildlife. Coetzee not dispels numerous myths and old wives’ tales regarding creatures in the bush. He also clarifies some of the legends surrounding them. I found the content fascinating, enlightening and entertaining and heartily recommend it to all nature and animal lovers.
The buck that buries its poo consists of 234 pages and lots of black and white photos and illustrations. There are six parts with headings as follow: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and amphibians, Fish, Arthropods and Plants. Extra chapters include “What’s the difference between …”, “Collective nouns for animals”, and “South Africa’s protected areas”.
The publisher’s letter reads: “This handy guide is based on Coetzee’s own research and that of others, and his experience gleaned over decades living close to nature and wildlife. It seeks to unravel the mysteries of nature in Africa – from mammals and birds to arthropods and plants – with fascinating information and fun trivia.” The content is “in line with the systematics of classification that have underpinned biological discovery for more than 300 years”.
Some of the questions that get answered are: Is a zebra black with white stripes, or white with black stripes? How do butterflies taste what they eat? What makes scorpions glow under UV light? Why are hamerkop nests so big? Can elephants jump? How do bats poo while hanging upside down? Why do flamingoes stand on one leg? Do earwigs crawl into your ears? How do chameleons change colour?
More about the author
Coetzee, a bushcraft expert, survivalist and entrepreneur, holds a BSc degree from Rhodes University. He has presented numerous television wildlife programmes such as Aardwolf and 50/50 Veldfocus.
Order your copy
Get your copy of The buck that buries its poo (ISBN 9781776192267) at leading bookstores or buy it here.
Read Louise Viljoen’s take on The living deserts of South African here.
