This guide serves as a comprehensive identification manual for the diverse avian and mammalian wildlife found across the African continent. Author Peter C. Alden utilizes his expertise in natural history to organize a vast array of biological data into a portable format. The text provides a structured framework for identifying 850 species, supported by visual documentation and geographical distribution data to assist both amateur observers and serious naturalists in the field.

The technical organization and inclusion of range maps suggest a high level of utility for field researchers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting African nature reserves. The focus on a broad spectrum of fauna indicates a dense, practical reference tool intended for frequent use in diverse ecological settings.