Signed by the autho, Johan Fourie, assisted by Izak Rust and John Almond.
The Nature Guide (1st Edition) was developed as a study aid for Field Guides studying FGASA Levels 1, 2 and 3. It draws heavily on the practical experience of Johan Fourie, experience accumulated over a period of 20 years operating as a Field Guide in National Parks and other natural areas in southern Africa . The book combines the publications An Introduction to Nature Guiding and Advanced Nature Guiding. It has been comprehensively rewritten to comply with the requirements in the latest FGASA Level 3 syllabus, and draws extensively on the experience of the author. Subjects such as cultural heritage, bush skills, communication and conflict management add considerable depth to the knowledge and expertise of Field Guides.
The interesting field of palaeontology is included, placing the South African fossil record in perspective. Students are expertly guided through the subject of geology, while being taught how to use a geological map effectively.
The authors Johan Fourie is a founder member of FGASA with its inception in 1991. He has 20 years of wildlife management experience with the South African National Parks, resigned as Manager of Wildlife Management. He currently is the Managing Director of The Nature College. He is a Level 3 SKS (Dangerous Game) Field Guide and has extensive experience in guiding and Field Guide training.
Dr John Almond is a British palaeontologist with a particular interest in South African geology, fossils and natural history. He obtained his Honours Degree in Natural Sciences (Zoology) and his Doctorate in Palaeontology from the University of Cambridge, UK. After post-doctoral research in Europe , the USA and North Africa , he worked for the South African Geological Survey for several years. He has now started his own company Natura Viva cc, specialising in natural history education and tourism. John is a registered Field Guide for South Africa and Namibia.
Dr Izak Rust retired as professor of geology from the University of Port Elizabeth . He has been a teacher of geology for 35 years at Stellenbosch and Port Elizabeth . His special interest is in sedimentology, coastal processes and landscape evolution. Izak travelled the world – from Antarctica to the Namib Desert, Bay of Fundy to the Amazon Basin; Mississippi Delta to Japan; Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.
