The Birds of Africa: Volume VIII - the Malagasy Region

This eighth volume of the Birds of Africa contains an authoritative and comprehensive account of the incredible avifauna of the Malagasy region, mostly Madagascar but also Mauritius, Reunion, the Comoros and the Seychelles. The region is famed for its spectacular levels of endemism; indeed, 41% of the 487 species covered in the book are endemic. Natural habitats in the region are also exceptionally threatened, with many endangered species and a depressing number of extinct birds mentioned in the book. Most of the book is taken up with species accounts, along with very detailed distribution maps. The colour plates are generally excellent. This book is highly recommended and will make you want to visit. It would be even better if we still had Elephant Birds to go to look for…

Book reviewed by Andy Musgrove