The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere, 2 Vol. Set (Comstock Books in Herpetology)

Book Description

Since the publication of The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America by Cornell University Press in 1989, scientific discoveries and taxonomic changes have resulted in the addition of many taxa and species to the herpetological fauna of the Western Hemisphere. This updated, heavily rewritten, and greatly expanded version of that book now includes accounts of all 192 species of venomous snakes and lizards found in the Western Hemisphere. This two-volume set is illustrated with stunning color photographs, including portraits of venomous reptiles (many of which are unique in showing newly discovered species and views of male, female, and juvenile individuals); images of snakebites, an important tool for diagnosis and treatment; color vegetation and topographic maps; black-and-white photographs; line figures; and completely revised distribution maps.

Volume I includes a list of tables, preface, introduction, and regional/country accounts with related bilingual identification keys and vegetation and topographic maps. Genus and species accounts in this volume treat the lizards, coralsnakes, seasnakes, and all the pitvipers except rattlesnakes; these accounts are accompanied by color photographs of each species. Volume I also contains a complete index to both volumes.

Volume II includes descriptions of all known species of rattlesnakes. It also features four chapters by experts on mimicry, evolution, and snakebite treatment in tropical and temperate America. A glossary, literature-cited section, and index serve both volumes. Color photographs portray rattlesnakes, mimics, and the damage done by snakebite.

The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere, Volumes I and II is an essential reference for all naturalists interested in herpetology--amateurs impressed by the beauty and complexity of venomous reptiles as well as professional herpetologists and their students conducting research in the classroom, at the zoo, and in the field.

Customer Reviews:

venomous reptiles of the western hemesphere.......2007-01-12

Very informative. A must for herp students/amateur and pro keepers

One of the best, most comprehensive books regarding New World venomous reptiles!.......2005-10-05

What can be said about this beautiful set of books that hasn't been said...it is a MUST HAVE for any self-respecting amateur or professional herpetologist! These books go into great deal regarding the biology and evolution of New World venomous reptiles. There are well over 1000 full color plates, along with detailed descriptions of each of the over 200 venomous reptile species in the Western Hemisphere. Do yourself a favor and pick these up! Well worth every penny.

The Venomous Reptiles of Western Hemisphere.......2005-08-08

The best herpetology book series ever written. Extensive information on species, potency, treatment, and even localities. You will not need any other books until new editions are released. Hundreds of amazing photographs. Up to 15-20 per species.

Half the Worlds poisonous herps a bargain.......2004-07-24

This is a damn fine book(s)! The VRWH is an updated and expanded version of the out-of-print 1989 classic The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America. Expanded because it now includes all of North America; that's half the planet! If you can find a copy of the older version it will run you several hundred dollars, making this new version a bargain. I have never met Dr. Campbell but I have been fortunate enough to have spent time with Lamar in tropical forests on a couple of trips. Aside from their professorships Lamar also does field and consulting work with film crews and leads ecotours for his company Greentracks. My limited experience indicates that Lamar is truly a jungle character and an excellent field biologist. Campbell's career is quite extensive with both of these men racking up decades of herp work.

Venomous reptiles do not make up a single taxonomic group of reptiles but instead are a fascinating mix of lizards and snakes that follow the same evolutionary path of using venoms and toxins in self-defense and food capture. Venomous reptiles, snakes in particular, are frequently discussed distinctly due to their import in human fears and interactions. The main topics of this treatise are the world's two venomous lizard species, the coral snakes, and the pit vipers. We get keys to the venomous reptiles of Canada and North America, in both English and Spanish, as well as tables of geographic distribution by species and distribution by vegetation types. This format continues for Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands, and South America all by individual countries.

Volume 1 continues with the taxon accounts beginning with the Helodermids. The only poisonous lizards, the famous Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard, are introduced by their original type descriptions and relevant natural history quotes from the world's literature. We then get an historical background of etymology and research, which leads us into the known natural history of the animals.

This format continues with the coral snakes in 3 genera and more than 70 described species. This chapter opens with numerous tables and figures to assist in identifying and distinguishing the various and similar species. Only a fool would rely on the old dictum, "Red touch yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touch black, it's ok Jack". There is a huge amount of natural history information including Spanish, local, and common names of the snakes. Just about everything relating to these snakes is mentioned, from habitat preference, feeding, breeding, physiology, and toxicology are discussed. There are distribution maps, scale patterns, line drawings, and black & white photos all illustrating important taxonomic traits.

The taxonomically more challenging pitvipers are then discussed. Campbell and Lamar currently recognize 12 genera with 111 described species. As all things taxonomic this recognition is in a constant state of flux as new information and data become available. There is a surprisingly open discussion to potential problems with the phylogenetic placement of these groups but there needs to be a baseline from which to work from and this current arrangement seems most valid. In fact this type of debate and historical placement and naming of groups is one of my favorite aspects of this book. As an amateur herper I only delve into these groups on occasion. Campbell and Lamar's discussions allow me to play catch-up on current taxonomic argument and naming without having to track down the myriad of published papers swaying favor back and forth.

Volume 2 begins with the rattlesnakes and closing with a number of non-venomous mimics as well as some less dangerously venomous snakes found in other families. Following are chapters on venomous snake mimicry, New World venomous snake evolution, and venom poisoning, toxinology, and symptomology contributed by various authors.

I don't have much in the way of critique for this book other to say that it seems apparent that this was written for a specific audience and that audience being biologists or fairly well versed dedicated amateurs. For example, the chapter on the lizards tells us there are 2 venomous species but does not immediately introduce them as Heloderma suspectum and H. horridum nor does it initially correlate the common names of Gila monster and beaded lizard, respectively. The introduction to these lizards details the generic distribution and speaks of their range overlap using common names and throughout the generic introduction there is alternating use of the common names and scientific names. Granted most herpetologists are familiar enough with these lizards to recognize what the authors are speaking of but neophytes may have difficulty distinguishing to which species they are referring too without flipping pages ahead to clear themselves.

The chapter on coral snakes mentions the important patterns of rings called monads and triads without fully explaining them. The glossary helps but without diagrams these definitions are fuzzy. Are these criticisms oversights or assumptions that the reader is already knowledgeable? I suspect the latter as the text is concise and well written.

Like the previous edition this one is sure to become a classic. Even though this text was finally released in April I have read several scientific journal articles citing this book. That should be ample testament to its research potential. The photos are wonderful and highly descriptive as well as artistic. One look at the covers, Volume 1 with my personal favorite coral snake Micrurus langsdorffi and Volume 2 with the awesome bushmaster Lachesis stenophrys, are enough to elicit excitement. And does Lamar look ever so distinguished in his author photo. As most of these scientific texts have limited marketing potential they are usually limited to first run prints of limited editions. If that is the case with this one, don't miss your chance to pick up a copy. At $150 it's a bargain. You'll kick yourself when you're later trying to chase down a used copy at twice that price. Did I mention the literature cited section is 100 pages?!

Great!.......2004-04-22

I am still reading the book, but I can say that everything inside is great. The format is very similar to the one used in the first version, but I found a lot new information about the venomous reptiles of all America. It is helping me with valuable information in a review that I am doing about all the venomous animals in America.

For everyone that knows the first version, I can say that this one has updated information and excellent images. For the ones who never knew the first version, I can say this is the best book you can find about venemous snakes and lizards in our hemisphere.

Book Description

This all-new edition of the popular field guide provides photographs and descriptions of all species and subspecies of snakes of Eastern and Central North America from Texas to Manitoba, to the Eastern seaboard of the continent.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for home and field use.......2007-04-07

Excellent book for novice and experienced alike. Tons of pertinent, useful information. This is a great book for educating entry level herpers. This is not a typical field book, having far more useful information for each species than most I have used. This is particularly helpful when dealing with similar species. More info on typical habitat, range, size, coloration, diet, etc. makes identification easier. A great addition to any library.

Four months and still waiting . . . ........2005-03-25

In fairness, I haven't even read this book. I ordered it in November, and I never received it. Twice Amazon.com asked for permission to extend the date of delivery of my order. Twice I agreed. The third time I said enough is enough. Forget it. I just got my money back, minus the amount I should have obtained from giving Amazon.com an interest-free four-month loan. Each time I was asked to consent to an extension on the delivery date I was denied an explanation for the delay.

I understand that this is more of an indictment of Amazon.com than it is the book, so it is unfair for me to give it the rating I have assigned it. But I just wanted Amazon.com's customers interested in this book that if you want it, be prepared to WAIT!!! (Or look for the book on bn.com.)

Great Guide!.......2004-01-05

I just bought the 2003 edition of this book, and I must say it is great! The pics are very good! On some of the variable species, there are more than one photo to show you the different forms. The author provides great information on every aspect of the snakes' lives including size, reproduction, prey, habitat, and relative abundance. The book is very easy to read and is a steal at that price for 600 well written pages on North American snakes!- Anthony J. Chodan

Good, accessible guide.......2001-08-29

A very good reference and field guide to snakes from Texas to North Dakota eastwards, aimed at enthusiasts and accessible to the average reader. It builds on Tennant's earlier books on Texas and Florida snakes (which were excellent), and in fact the text of the species accounts is often lifted more or less directly from those books. This makes this book less than original, but the detail -- over 600 pages worth -- is very good. Lots of photos, though each are a little small. This book is thicker, more thorough and generally stronger than the companion western volume (Snakes of North America: Western Region). It also has a good bibliography. One quibble, though -- the range maps often do not extend into Canada (though the Canadian ranges of the relevant snakes are discussed in the text), which reduces the usefulness of this book for Canadian readers. Recommended.

Snakes of North America : Eastern and Central Regions (Field.......2000-08-09

Overall I thought this book was well written, very comprehensive, and quite easy to use. The copy I purchased has a problem with some of the pages being out of order. The Western guide I have has the range maps for the hognoses reversed. These may be a function of the printing company's sloppiness. However, I believe this book is an important addition to any serious amateur or professional herpetologist or budding herpetoculturist.

Average customer rating:

One of the best
An excellent, basic guide to a large number of species.
Great starting point for herpetoculturists
A useful overview, though not comprehensive.
A milestone in it's area.

Living Snakes of the World in Color
John M. Mehrtens
Manufacturer: Sterling Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 080696460X

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2005-03-08

For a combination of photos, natural history, and care notes on so many species of snakes, this book cannot be beat. I just bought my second copy, so that i can have one in mint.

Even though this book was published several years ago, the care info in it is solid. If you are halfway interested in snakes, this is a definate book for you.

An excellent, basic guide to a large number of species........2001-03-17

The book is intended to provide a basic overview of 400+ species of snake. Therefore, no time is wasted on introductions. The book is divided first into 3 categories: primitave snakes, Colubrids, and venomous snakes. These groups are further divided into family groups/regional groups. The author provides usually one (often more) color photograph to accompany the description of each individual species. Information is provided on habitat, geographic range, natural history, size, care, and reproduction for each species. With a few exceptions, the phototography is excellent. The overviews are brief, but the author provides information & photos of more species that I have found in any single book. The book is excellent for readers interested in venomous snakes. Over 1/3 of the book is dedicated to hard-to-find information/photos on sea snakes, elapids, viperids, and crotalids. The book contains a brief section on snake venom. The biggest weakness of the book is probably it's age (1987), but it is still well worth the investment. While the information on each snake is brief, I have not found a book containing species-specific information on as many species as the Mehertens book. To receive equivalent information, you would need to purchase multiple regional guides. A great guide for professionals and amateur snake lovers!

Great starting point for herpetoculturists.......1999-08-16

I have had this book for a while now and still refer to it when I have questions about food and habitat for certain species. I am still for a book that talks about all species of snakes whether they are common in captivity or almost(in some cases thought to be) extinct. The book covered the material it was designed for and was all in all a very good book.

A useful overview, though not comprehensive........1998-02-08

This book attempts to provide expansive coverage of snakes commonly seen by the public in zoos, private collections, and the pet trade. Ultimately, I was a bit disappointed by the book.

This book provides minimal, and I do mean minimal, coverage of "164 genera, 413 species, and 454 subspecies" according to the dust jacket. Of necessity, the amount of coverage devoted to each snake is limited. Still there's enough text to provide an overview of the species. Unfortunately, the book fails to mention many of the species that are currently available as reptile pets. More than half of the book is devoted to poisonous snakes, most of which the average reader is unlikely ever to encounter. I would have traded, say, the 15 pages of coverage on poisonous sea snakes for more discussion of snakes I'd be likely to see in my backyard or neighborhood pet store. Additionally, because the book is now over 10 years old, its taxonomy for a number of species is not longer correct or complete.

One of the big distinctions of this book is that it provides color photographs of all the species it describes. In most cases, the photographs range from good to excellent. This makes the blurry and out-of-focus pictures (e.g. Dumeril's boa on pp. 23 and blood python on pp. 59) stick out like a sore thumb. Some of these problems may be related to the printing of my copy, but in a number of cases the problems are a result of poor photographic technique. Especially frustrating when the species being photographed is commonly available! Still, these flaws are forgivable when compared against the general quality of the book.

"Living Snakes of the World in Color" succeeds at providing a pictorial introduction to hundreds of species of snake. Those uninterested in poisonous snakes, or those looking for comprehensive coverage of snakes available as "pets" might be better off with another book (although I have yet to find a reasonably priced book that fits the bill).

A milestone in it's area........1997-01-28

Excellent color pictures mixed with a well-written and professional text. All to all a balanced book. Novice or expert, you will enjoy many hours of good reading. (an extra plus for the "care" section of each animal, useful and often hard to come by.)

And No Birds Sing: A True Ecological Thriller Set in a Tropical Paradise

Average customer rating:

A Gem
silence of the birds

And No Birds Sing: A True Ecological Thriller Set in a Tropical Paradise
Mark Jaffe
Manufacturer: Barricade Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Endangered Species | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Tropical | Ecosystems | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1569801096

Customer Reviews:

A Gem.......2001-02-18

This account of efforts to understand and deal with threatened exotic-caused extinctions on Guam is a gem. The paper back's blurbs focus on Jaffe's "ecological detective thriller." But it's the seamlessness of the book's widely-informed joined elements -- including biographical and political sketches of great pith, accessible population biology, and How Modern Science Works to try to save avian species -- that's most compelling. This deftness in weaving many individually fascinating threads recalled for me Neal Ascherson's astonishing "Black Sea."

The paperback's Index lists only passing references to DDT -- on pages 26, 27 and 72. Because the bad guy is not a chemical, not one of our products. No, he's one of us. And after the paucity and untimeliness of the legislative response to the Guamanian situation had sunk into my consciousness, it was ironic that in the end, an air force base on the island established the 50-acre "environmental reclamation experiment" Jaffe hopes could begin to turn it all around. Like the ending of William Golding's little masterpiece, with the navy warship rescuing the tribe of island-stranded boys from themselves.

silence of the birds.......1998-10-30

My God! You won't find any birds singing in this masterpiece! Rachel Carson has nothing on this guy! The DDT chapter broke my heart!!!

Average customer rating:

Don't Take Your Snake For a Stroll
A Cute Book, but Not for Every Child - a review of "Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll
Wish this kind of book was around when my kids were small!

Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll
Karin Ireland
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0152023615

Book Description

What would happen if your moose wanted to go to the movies? What if your rhino begged to go dancing? What if your pig pleaded to shop? Say "No!" Because, as the unsuspecting pet owner in this book learns, taking peculiar pets to people places can lead to pandemonium!
Karin Ireland's hilarious verse and David Catrow's wacky visuals just might convince you that sometimes it's best to leave your creatures at home.

Customer Reviews:

Don't Take Your Snake For a Stroll.......2007-02-05

A fun book for readers that are a bit older. My 4 and 5 year old enjoy the story, but don't get the humor regarding each animal. I think this is great for first grade and up. When I read this at elementary school story time, it gets the best reaction from the first and second graders.

A Cute Book, but Not for Every Child - a review of "Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll.......2006-10-07

This is a cute book conceptually and the poetry reminds me very much of Shel Silverstein - at least as far as the cadence and some of the rhyme goes.

The humor is there, but in my experience it is going to be one of those things that your child is going to 'get' or not get depending on where they are developmentally - which means you are going to have to make the judgement call yourself as to whether they would enjoy this book.

With my own two children, I would say that they didn't 'get' most of this book. (They are boy and girl; 4 and 6 y.o. at the moment.) Below is an example of one the rhymes.

If you take your pig out shopping,
Don't take him to the mall.
He'll play in the dirt in the planter outside
And you won't get to shop at all.

Three Stars. [C+]. Cute rhymes. Cute concept. Artwork is so-so. Good read-aloud.

Wish this kind of book was around when my kids were small!.......2003-07-11

This is a superbly illustrated and cleverly written children's
book for ages 2 to 7! Every page has a "what if" poem about
taking various animals shopping, to the movies, to the beach,
etc. The pictures enhance the story line and make a child
(and adult) anxious for the next page! I bought one book
for my favorite 3 year old and then went back and bought
2 more for my nephews! I hope this author and illustrator
will keep working together to produce more like this book!

Nature's Predators: Life and Survival in the Wild Snakes ¥ Birds or Prey ¥ Crocodiles ¥ Sharks (The Illustrated Wildlife Encyclopedia)

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Nature's Predators: Life and Survival in the Wild Snakes ¥ Birds or Prey ¥ Crocodiles ¥ Sharks (The Illustrated Wildlife Encyclopedia)
Barbara Taylor , Robin Kerrod , and Michael Bright
Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Zoology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Children's | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books

Veterinary | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1842151886

Snakes Of The Southeast (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book)

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Gibbons a Winner Again
Exactly what you're looking for!
Definitely One of the Better of Its Kind
Style AND Substance
The best of its kind

Snakes Of The Southeast (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book)
Whit Gibbons , Michael E. Dorcas , and J. Whitfield Gibbons
Manufacturer: University of Georgia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

Ecology | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0820326526

Customer Reviews:

Gibbons a Winner Again.......2006-07-21

A worthy successor to Snakes of Georgia & South Carolina, also co-authored by Whit Gibbons. This earlier volume, now out of print, was superb as well...though brief and exorbitantly priced.

The current work is logically organized, user-friendly yet comprehensive. The color photos are tack-sharp. For the amateur naturalist, teacher or student alike, or for the common sojourner this is the perfect reference--liberally illustrated but detailed as well. Plus--the price is right.

Exactly what you're looking for!.......2005-10-27

This book has everything a child and/or adult needs to know about the snakes that can be found in any given area of the Southeast. Even down to the parish/county you may live in. It gives you hints that let you know which snake is which (enormously helpful for venomous ones). It also shows a way, with only 1 exception (the coral snake), to determine if a snake is venomous by looking at it's shed skin. Now how many times have you or your child come across a snake skin and wondered if it could have been a harmful snake? I bought this book for my 6 year old son who, like his mother, has an interest in snakes and curiosity. I recently noticed my hubby perusing through it & he despises them. Matter of fact, my neighbor has already borrowed it for identification. He then decided to read through it the rest of the way...it's just that insightful!

Definitely One of the Better of Its Kind.......2005-08-24

As many Herp books as I have read through, this book covers all the information provided by most other field guides on snakes in this region, and then some! It has great photos of all the snakes throughout this region and the info on each species is organized in a descriptive, yet reader-friendly fashion. The other contents in this book are very informative and covers everything from the biology of snakes to their predators and defenses, and everything in-between. The final section on "People and Snakes" is AWESOME!! It is important that people will be better informed about snakes and see that they do not live up to their unwarrented reputation. This section of the book does a great job in communicating this message to the reader and also how benificial snakes are to our ecosystems. At the least, this book is a fascinating read and should be accessible to anyone living in this region. The Southeast region is one of the best places, in my opinion, for finding some of the most unique and beautiful snakes in the country. If anything, there is much more to learn from this book than there is from "People" magazine by a long shot!! The only snakes you'll see in those magazines is their skins formed into purses and clothes :( If only idividuals of that sort were not so ignorant. Its a Great Book!!

Style AND Substance.......2005-08-16

You might want two copies of this wonderfully practical guide - one for the field and one for the coffee table.

The wealth of practical information, photos and identifying characteristics make this the perfect field guide. It also is an extremely effective tool for preservation at a time when the first instinct for too many people is to immediately destroy a snake that ventures into their yard, even if it presents no harm. With snakes of the Southeast, a quick check will provide the answer.

The book's smart design, photography and production also will make it at home with the showpiece volumes on your coffee table - at a fraction of the price.

Great stuff!

The best of its kind.......2005-05-23

I received this book two days ago and have finished reading it the first day. The book is extremely well organized with facts and features that you won't, but always want to, find in other books such as:

general identifying characterists set out in a box for each species for easy location
identification of the young
what will be the effect of the bite each species of venomous snake
very good glossory and index (which includes both common and scientific names)

I have needed a book like this for a long time for a quick reference with MANY photos to easily identify the specie in questions. If you live in the southeast and want to know more about local snakes or just need a VERY good reference book for quick use, this is a must have.

A Field Guide to Texas Snakes (Texas Monthly Field Guides)

Average customer rating:

Great book, check used prices
Detailed and Example Pictures
Don't kill 'em all !!
Excellent field guide great pictures & information!
Too bad I can't give this one 6 stars.

A Field Guide to Texas Snakes (Texas Monthly Field Guides)
Alan Tennant , Joseph E. Forks , and Gerard T. Salmon
Manufacturer: Gulf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0877192774

Book Description

This field guide deftly describes the 105 species of snakes in Texas, the state with the largest number of different species in the nation. Learn facts about the biology and behavior of these creatures, plus the latest findings on abundance, reproduction, prey, sizes, and habitat. Includes amazingly detailed color photos.

Customer Reviews:

Great book, check used prices.......2006-09-19

I came to this site to buy this book, but after seeing the prices I called a local non-discount book store (the one with Star Bucks in it) and bought it new for $24.95. What's with the inflated prices for a used paperback? Makes no sense to me.

Detailed and Example Pictures.......2005-08-03

Very thorough research, orderly referenced example pictures, and easy to use.

Don't kill 'em all !!.......2005-07-07

We have snakes. Lots of them. But rather than "kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out", as my husband prefers, I take this book with me during ourdoor activities and literally look up the snake I'm looking at. The photos are extremely helpful, limited only by my own perceptual problems---for example, Texas brown snakes look like rat snakes look like copperheads to me, even in the pictures. But the majority of the snakes in Texas and in the book do NOT deserve to die...life imprisonment, maybe...this is a very comforting book to own.

Excellent field guide great pictures & information!.......2003-11-15

This field guide on snakes is excellent. The pictures of each snake are clear and you can identify them easily when you see them in the wild (or in you're house). The organization of this book splits up into two sections venomous and nonvenomous which allows a very quick way to tell if you should be anywhere near the snake. The infromation on each type is plentiful and everything you need to know is included. There are maps of where to find each type and whether they are endangered or protected in the state of Texas. A system is given in the beginning of the book for how to easily determine a snake and also what to do if you happen to be bit by a venomous type. The only thing I would like to see in the next revision is the striking distance of each snake which isn't given in this book.

Too bad I can't give this one 6 stars........2002-03-01

A great book. A fantastic book. It's slightly larger than what one might expect for a field guide, but the difference is put to good use. Not only are the excellent photographs printed at such high resolution that you expect to see these scaled beauties slithering off the pages, but the accompanying text is so easy to read that you might find it to be a page-turner that ranks with some pretty good novels. This book is crammed with really useful or, at the very least, interesting info -- like the relative potencies of venoms from different snakes. (You might be surprised...) A detailed discussion of the mechanisms associated with different snake venoms and what might be done to counter them is really fascinating. The text for each species is accompanied by a distribution map; that text includes information on whether the snake in question is venomous, its behavior, reproduction, abundance, size, etc. I can't say enough good stuff about this book. If you live in a state adjacent to Texas and Mr. Tennant hasn't written a book about your snake population, it would well be worth getting this one. He also wrote the "Field Guide to Snakes of Florida," so you guys in Florida are lucky, too! This book made me want to head out at night to the local megapuddles that form near my house south of Houston to see what might be after those little frogs that seem to appear out of nowhere in the spring. Now, that might seem to be a little strange, but if you've read this book, you probably know what I mean.
Come to think of it, I'd like to give this one 7 stars...

A Field Guide to Snakes of California (Gulf's Field Guide)

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A Field Guide to Snakes of California (Gulf's Field Guide)
Philip Brown
Manufacturer: Gulf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

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A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Peterson Field Guides(R))

ASIN: 0877193088

Book Description

In this book you will find all the facts for current conservation issues and laws, sensible precautions to follow while in the wild, a listing of California's heroetological societies, and a comprehensive glossary. This guide is a must have for any herper from amateur to expert.

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First attempt on describing boas
First attempt on describing boas

Living Boas
Jerry G. Walls
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reptiles & Amphibians | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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Captive Husbandry and Propagation of the Boa Constrictors and Related Boas

ASIN: 0793804701

Customer Reviews:

First attempt on describing boas.......2000-02-06

This book is the first one in trying to describe the living boas. The author tells in a bright way the differences between the species. Also there is a clear way of telling general things like names of scales, scalecounting, describing the habitat and so forth. I've read the book with lots of pleasure and I 've used it several times to look after some deatils about BOAS.

Jan Ramaker, Simonshaven, The Netherlands

First attempt on describing boas.......2000-02-06

Jan Ramaker, Simonshaven, The Netherlands

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