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 essential guide to safety in the field features 90 venomous animals and more than 250 poisonous plants and fungi. The 340 line drawings make identification fast and simple; 160 species are also illustrated with color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Quickly Received in Great Condition.......2007-05-20

Product arrived as guaranteed, and the book delivered everything promised. Wish there were more color pictures of the actual plants; but overall, it's a GREAT field guide for someone just starting out in learning about what to avoid while hiking, camping, or just walking through the woods.

Don't harm snake on cover !!.......2007-05-16

My little brother just gave me this field guide. I was shocked to see a picture of a completely harmless Scarlet Kingsnake on the cover of a field guide to Venemous Animals.

I like the field guide, but please people, if you see the snake on the cover - understand it is a Kingsnake and completely harmless, not a Coral snake which is probably what they intended to have on the cover.

Coral snakes do not have red bands between two black bands, and the type of bands they have are quite different.

If you see a Coral snake, please don't kill it either - leave it alone, but especially do not kill a harmless Scarlet Kingsnake thinking it was a Coral snake. Hopefully the next edition will fix this embarrasing mistake.

Great field guide.......2005-09-13

perterson field guides are the best Ive found. I appreciate the easy to use guides and the content is excellent.

Essential to Everyone Outdoors.......2001-11-03

"Peterson's Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants" is the first thing to be packed in one's backpack.It is essential to every hiker, camper, naturalist, hunter, bird watcher and nature lover. There are a hell of alot less hazards than benign plants and animals (although this varies somewhat according to region. The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US has it easy compared to the Southwest) and while most people could identify a few, it doesnt make sense not to learn the 2-3 dozen major ones to avoid.

The book is up to Peterson's usual high standards in a field guide. It covers mammals followed by poisonous plants, shrubs/trees, vines, ferns and fungi. There are color photographs but the black and white drawings are the way to go for IDing. Most people will not read the entire book unless they're a hardcore naturalist or really, really bored in front of a campfire. I recommend checking out the hazards in your partiualr area icluding AT LEAST the following: 1. All poisonous snakes and their look-a-likes 2. Black Widow and Brown Recluse spider 3. Tics and Scorpions 4. Bees, Wasps, Fire Ants 5. Poisonous Plants including the Big 3: Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac 6. Poisonous Mushrooms (not so you can learn which you can eat, but to understand the severity of eating just one wrong one)

There's alot that won't apply to you(save those for a rainy day) and some hazards are less hazardous than others. For example, the short-tail shrew is listed, but most people need not live in fear of "killer shrews". But knowing that their bite has some bite to it, maybe you'll avoid juggling those cute furry creatures. Also, large mammals aren't included, though bears and mountain lions can seem pretty hazardous to me in some situations.I recommend supplementing your reading with "Bear Aware" by Bill Schneider and "Mountain Lion Alert" by Steven Torres. In addition, I wouldn't trust this book solely to gather a gourmet wild mushroom feast, either. I've seen some books topping 1,000 pages on edible shrooms and they still might not be complete. Its best to leave the shrooms alone!
Finally, there are a few diseases found outdoors worth researching: Giardia, hantavirus, rabies, and lyme disease among others.

Also recommended: "Peterson's Wild Edible Plants" and "Medicinal Plants".

Before you know what's edible, know what'll kill you!.......2000-08-18

Before you dash out into the woods and pick some plants you think are edible, you might want to get this book and know definitely what will kill you, or really mess up your body. Excellent info, bright color pictures, and written for an easy understanding, this book should be in any nature enthusiast's library, right next to Newcomb's Wildflower Guide, possibly the best plant identification guide around.

Average customer rating:

Venomous Animals of the World
Roger A. Caras
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium

Average customer rating:

The Classical Book on Venomous Herpetoculture
Full and complete descriptions of 171 difference species

Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium
Ludwig Trutnau
Manufacturer: Krieger Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1575241382

Book Description

Finally available in English, this completely revised and expanded edition contains full descriptions of 171 different species and utilizes 129 color pictures. The behavior and care in captivity of venomous snakes from the families Elapidae (cobras, kraits, and coral snakes), Viperidae (adders and vipers), and Crotalidae (pitvipers), are comprehensively discussed. Subspecies and color variations are carefully detailed. It is an essential reference for all veterinary clinics; zookeepers; and herptoculturists.

Customer Reviews:

The Classical Book on Venomous Herpetoculture.......2005-12-31

Ludwig Trutnau's "Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium" has been considered the classical work on venomous snake husbandry in German-speaking countries for years, and is now finally available in English. Translated by Donald Stremme, the original format and plates were all maintained in the English version, with the exception of some of the legality aspects. In fact, several taxonomic updates were undertaken in the English version that had since become outdated in the German version.

The book is written specifically for herpetoculturists, and therefore focuses on captive husbandry techniques and propagation data for each of the species. The species accounts also include relevant information on the behavior and demeanor of the given taxa. In these aspects, the book offers more valuable information than probably any other work of herpetological literature available.

The book does not offer any taxonomic keys and contains generally little taxonomic information. Basic descriptions are provided in the beginning of each species account, including appearance and distribution, but is kept rather basic in accordance with its goal and intented target audience. There is hardly any information on the biology of the discussed taxa.

Bottom line: This book is an absolute must for herpetoculturists, zoo keepers and herpetologists who maintain live specimens in their labs, as it contains more useful husbandry and captive propagation info than any other available book. On the other hand, herpetology students and anyone with a more academic interest in the subject is not likely to benefit very much from this book.

Full and complete descriptions of 171 difference species.......2004-10-10

Venomous Snakes: Snakes In The Terrarium by Ludwig Trutnau is finally available for an American readership having been competently translated into English by veterinarian Donald W. Stremme. Providing full and complete descriptions of 171 difference species, Venomous Snakes is beautifully enhanced with 126 color photographs. The highly accessible text describes the behavior and care in captivity of venomous snakes from the Elapidae family (cobras, kraits, coral snakes); Viperidae family (adders, vipers); and Crotalidae family (pitvipers). Subspecies and color variations are expertly detailed as well. Informed and informative, Venomous Snakes is a critically important and basic addition to the professional reference library and supplemental reading lists of zookeepers, herptoculturists, veterinary clinics, and academic library collections.

Pisces Guide to Venomous & Toxic Marine Life of the World

Average customer rating:

Pisces Guide to Venomous & Toxic Marine Life of the World
Patricia Cunningham , and Paul Goetz
Manufacturer: Gulf Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

Physiology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1559920882

Tread Lightly: Venomous and Poisonous Animals of the Southwest

Average customer rating:

Strongly recommended to hikers, campers, sightseers and vacationers in these areas

Tread Lightly: Venomous and Poisonous Animals of the Southwest
Rich Wagner , and Margie Wagner
Manufacturer: Rio Nuevo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Arizona/New Mexico (NG Field Guide to Birds)

ASIN: 1887896767

Book Description

It may be strikingly beautiful—but does it also strike? And if it does, what should you do?

Potentially dangerous creatures crawl, scurry, and slither along the desert floor. Learn about their habitats, reproduction cycles, feeding habits, and hiding spots. The Wagners tell you what to do if you are bitten, stung, or harmed by one of these potentially deadly creatures. Spectacularly illustrated and entertaining to read, Tread Lightly also provides information about venomous or poisonous animals, including rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters, tarantulas, and black widow and brown recluse spiders. 70 color photos.

Customer Reviews:

Strongly recommended to hikers, campers, sightseers and vacationers in these areas .......2006-05-03

Expertly co-authored by Rich Wagner (Emergency Room Physician with a Ph. D in pharmacology and professional wildlife photographer) and Marie Wagner (an accomplished photographer and Registered Nurse), Tread Lightly: Venomous And Poisonous Animals Of The Southwest is a superbly illustrated and informative guide to identifying, avoiding, and surviving the venomous and poisonous wildlife in the American southwest. Tread Lightly provides the reader with an extensive understanding of each featured animal's range and habitat, physical characteristics, diet, behavior, reproduction and life cycles. Tread Lightly's thoroughly "reader friendly" text is enhanced with the inclusion of 55 full-color photographs of the animals to avoid (as well as harmless ones often encountered in the same region) for a more informed approach to identifying dangerous wildlife. An invaluable reference for avoidance of bites and an accurate aide of what to do in the case of an attack, Tread Lightly is very strongly recommended to hikers, campers, sightseers and vacationers in these areas inhabited by poisonous or venomous animals.

Venomous and Poisonous Animals: A Handbook for Biologists, Toxicologists and Toxinologists, Physicians and Pharmacists

Average customer rating:

Venomous and Poisonous Animals: A Handbook for Biologists, Toxicologists and Toxinologists, Physicians and Pharmacists
Dietrich Mebs
Manufacturer: CRC Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Emergency Medicine | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0849312647

Book Description

How threatening are bites, stings, and poisons? What is the chemical composition of animal venom? How do the poisons work? What is the appropriate first aid or treatment? The author of Venomous and Poisonous Animals, a toxicologist at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Frankfurt, provides answers for everyone, from toxicologists to travelers. This book gives an introduction to the world of venomous and poisonous animals and how they use their venoms and poisons. It presents first aid measures and general rules for treating cases of envenoming or poisoning and offers recommendations to travelers, snorklers, and SCUBA divers for avoiding dangerous encounters with poisonous marine and land animals. Each chapter in Venomous and Poisonous Animals describes one representative animal, family or genus, covering its biology, venom apparatus, chemistry and mode of action of the toxic substances, symptoms of envenoming and poisoning, prevention and therapy.

Venomus Snakes: ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND SNAKEBITE (SYMPOSIA OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON)

Average customer rating:

Professional collection of scientific publications

Venomus Snakes: ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND SNAKEBITE (SYMPOSIA OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON)
R.S., ED. THORPE
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Outdoors & Nature | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0198549865

Book Description

This is the first book to present a multidisciplinary approach to venomous snake research. As well as focusing on the medical aspects of snake venoms and the effects of snakebites, the book examines the evolution and ecology of venomous snakes, which are so crucial in the search for snakebite antidotes. The book has been written to be accessible to an audience of varied scientific backgrounds. Due to the wide range of information, it will be of great interest to scientists and students involved in any aspect of venomous snake research, whilst also appealing to the growing band of amateur enthusiasts.

Customer Reviews:

Professional collection of scientific publications.......2004-04-15

This book gathers scientific publications, both on ecological, biochemical or biological fields of herpetology. It is written for professional consumers. Anyone who works with snakes at professed level will enjoy that book as I do.

Venomous Creatures of Australia: A Field Guide with Notes on First Aid

Average customer rating:

Venomous Creatures of Australia: A Field Guide with Notes on First Aid
Struan Sutherland , and John Sutherland
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0195553306

Average customer rating:

Venomous Reptiles
Sherman A. Minton
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reptiles & Amphibians | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0684166267

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books