The Rise of Mammals in Africa by Emmanuel Gheerbrant

The Rise of Mammals in Africa

Emmanuel Gheerbrant, Charlène Letenneur, Alexandre Lethiers

Johns Hopkins University Press · Hardcover · November 18, 2025

A beautifully illustrated account of the evolutionary journey of mammals in Africa.

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Who it’s for
Fossil evidence and original artwork trace mammal origins amid Africa’s isolation and changing environments.
Genres
Mammal Biology, Paleontology & Fossils, Evolution
Published
Johns Hopkins University Press, November 18, 2025

About this book

A beautifully illustrated account of the evolutionary journey of mammals in Africa. For more than 80 million years, "Island Africa" was a vast, isolated landmass south of the ancient Tethys Sea. Despite this isolation, waves of pioneering mammals crossed the sea, sparking remarkable evolutionary success stories that include the ancestors of elephants, primates, aardvarks, and more.

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Follow the extraordinary evolutionary journey of African mammals in this definitive account of how Africa's unique isolation shaped the development of some of Earth's most iconic species. Emmanuel Gheerbrant, a world-renowned expert in mammal evolution, weaves together paleontological discoveries and cutting-edge molecular research to illuminate this fascinating history. Through a comprehensive exploration of fossil evidence and stunning original artwork, this book reveals the origins and adaptations of extraordinary creatures, from the extinct Arsinoitherium and Moeritherium to today's elephants and lemurs. Gheerbrant explores the environmental and climatic forces that shaped these mammals, the impact of Africa's collision with Eurasia, and the enduring legacy of its evolutionary innovations on today's global biodiversity. Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, The Rise of Mammals in Africa provides an unparalleled window into a critical chapter of natural history. Whether you're a paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, or a curious reader captivated by Africa's natural wonders, this book is a gorgeously illustrated resource for understanding the origins of life as we know it.

African Mammal Evolution

Fossil evidence and original artwork trace mammal origins amid Africa’s isolation and changing environments.

Come here for

  • Fossil evidence from extinct and living African mammals
  • Original artwork depicting mammal origins and adaptations

Expect

  • Paleontological discoveries alongside molecular research
  • Africa’s collision with Eurasia and its effects on mammal evolution

Where it sits

Paleontology & Fossils63%
Evolution57%
Mammal Biology41%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Animals
  • Biology
  • Mammal Biology
Authors
Emmanuel Gheerbrant, Charlène Letenneur, Alexandre Lethiers
Publisher
Johns Hopkins University Press
Published
November 18, 2025
Format
Hardcover
Reading lane
Animals