That humans originated from Africa is well-known. However, this is widely regarded as a chance outcome, dependant simply on where our common ancestor shared the land with where the great apes lived. This volume builds on from the 'Out of Africa' theory, and takes the view that it is only in Africa that the evolutionary transitions from a forest-inhabiting frugivore to savanna-dwelling meat-eater could have occurred. This book argues that the ecological circumstances that shaped these transitions are exclusive to Africa. It describes distinctive features of the ecology of Africa, with emphasis on savanna grasslands, and relates them to the evolutionary transitions linking early ape-men to modern humans. It shows how physical features of the continent, especially those derived from plate tectonics, set the foundations. This volume adequately conveys that we are here because of the distinctive features of the ecology of Africa.

Winner, 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Titles

... the book is exceptionally well written, and very recommendable as a foundational introduction to modern Africa savanna ecology for a readership ranging from undergraduates to professional researchers in paleoanthropology.'

Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo Source: Evolutionary Anthropology

‘In Only in Africa Owen-Smith presents us with copious evidence of the complexity of interactions within and between species of plants, herbivores, and carnivores, coherently linking the trophic levels. He also makes a compelling case that the early stages of human evolution could only have happened in Africa. For those willing to accept that their knowledge of relevant contemporary African ecosystems and their critical role in human evolution could do with some updating and refreshing, Norman Owen-Smith's new book provides just the help they need. Its importance for paleoanthropology cannot be exaggerated.’

Bernard Wood Source: Journal of Human Evolution

‘a cross-disciplinary textbook that provides a natural historian's overview of the ecology of Africa, with a gradually sharpening focus on the primates that originated there and evolved into modern humans … Owen-Smith provides a refreshing look at a continent in its entirety and all the life it has generated, facilitating a perspective quite different from the usual focus on only one particular aspect of that life … Highly recommended.’

L. Swedell Source: Choice Connect

‘Norman Owen-Smith’s new book Only in Africa is a most welcome contribution … it provides a much-needed textbook for upper-level undergraduate to graduate courses on the ecology of human origins.’

John Rowan Source: The Quarterly Review of Biology

‘The scope of this book is remarkable. It presents a lifetime of research, field observations and deep thinking about what is going on and why. … If you can afford it get the book. If not, ensure that your library has a copy. It’s a great resource for introducing African ecology to a wide readership. I do hope that those writers of textbooks far from the world of grasses and grazers will take note of this rich account of the connections in savanna ecology. Greater understanding will surely help the conservation of Africa’s savannas in a challenging future.’

William Bond Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa

‘This is not a book about continental evolution, or ecological evolution, or human evolution, but rather a book about the interconnectedness of these elements, which together form the why of hominin evolution beginning only in Africa. It is a wonderful book and I particularly recommend it to anyone who is interested in human evolution.’

Kaye E. Reed Source: American Journal of Biological Anthropology