Reddit reviews The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals

I have no experience with the US or Canada, but I grew up in southern africa, so maybe I can help you there. First thing is you should probably focus on a certain subset of animals that interest you, such as birds or mammals. Even then there is a vast range of species within that subset, each with their own characteristics and traits. So focusing a bit more would help you from getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of knowledge that there is to be had.


For mammals, I have always found The Safari Companion a good book to learn about animal behaviour. For quick identification of mammals, scat and spoor, i would suggest Signs of the Wild. Whilst not the systematic guide that you are looking for, they are great field guides.


For birds there is the immense Roberts VII which will cover almost anything you want to know about southern african birds. For more of a field guide I am very pleased with Sasol's guide.

Unfortunately I do not know of any books that take a systematic approach to actually teaching zoology, though I must admit I don't have very much experience in that matter.

The single best advice that I can give you is just to go out and observe. Along with a good guide this is hands down the best way to learn about animals and to identify them. To become quick at identifying species may seem frustrating work at first when you have to look everything up, but after just a bit of experience it will become a lot easier. I also wouldn't worry too much about not having a zoological background. Some of the most knowledgeable people I know have no formal background at all, they've learnt everything just by being out there.

Photography can also be a useful motivator for learning about animals. I spend about 3-4 months of the year in africa and do a lot of wildlife photography. Just by sitting by an animal and waiting to get a good shot, you will learn a lot about the animal's behaviour and mannerisms. Just be careful not to get too absorbed in your life through the lens that you miss out on the world outside it.