Snakes of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Snakes of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
Author: Philippe Geniez
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2018-05-08
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0691172390

This is a fully up-to-date and comprehensive photographic field guide to the snakes of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Lavishly illustrated with 387 color photographs, it includes coverage of all 122 snake species found in these regions. The guide's detailed introduction discusses snake anatomy, biology, habitats and taxonomy. It also explores the health of snakes in captivity and conservation measures, and provides a succinct explanation of the chemical composition, physical effects and cultural uses of snake venom. Species accounts are arranged taxonomically and provide identification features, a description of the species' habitat and behavior and information about whether a snake is venomous. Abundant distribution maps describe each species' geographic variation and usual habitats. Clear photos aid identification and are supplemented with illustrations highlighting key anatomical features. A table of all species, country by country, is included at the back of the book. The first dedicated field guide on snakes to appear in many years, Snakes of Europe, North Africaand the Middle East will be indispensable for anyone interested in learning more about these unique reptiles. Highlights all 122 snake species found in the region Features 387 excellent photos supplemented with diagrams Reflects most recent classification and scientific research Provides each species' identification details, habitat, behavior and much more Includes distribution maps for all species

Amphibians of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Amphibians of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
Author: Christophe Dufresnes
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2019-01-10
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 147294139X

Packed with outstanding photographs, this practical, compact yet comprehensive reference is the definitive guide to all 139 amphibian species found in the Western Palearctic and adjacent regions. From familiar frogs and toads to striking salamanders and newts, the detailed text describes each species' appearance, habitat and behaviour, and includes useful information on their classifications, ecology and life cycles. Grouped by families for ease of use, every account includes an accurate distribution map and colour photographs annotated with crucial details to help swiftly identify species in the field. Written by field biologist Christophe Dufresnes, this is the ultimate photographic guide for amateurs and expert herpetologists alike.

Snakes of the Eastern United States

Snakes of the Eastern United States
Author: Whit Gibbons
Publisher: University of Georgia Press
Total Pages: 426
Release: 2017-04-15
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0820349704

More than sixty species of snakes are found in the eastern United States, the region of highest biodiversity of all reptiles and amphibians in North America. In this brand new guide, stunning photographs, colorful geographic range maps, and comprehensive written accounts provide essential information about each species—including detailed identification characteristics, general ecology and behavior, and conservation status. Carefully researched and written by an expert herpetologist, the guide is directed toward a general audience interested in natural history. Additional information supports the already fact-filled snake species profiles. A chapter on urban and suburban snake ecology focuses on species most commonly found in some of the country’s largest cities and residential settings. A chapter on snake conservation includes information on threats faced by native species in many regions of the eastern United States. Another chapter provides the latest updates on the status of invasive species of pythons and boa constrictors that have now become naturalized permanent residents in certain areas of the country. This is the most accessible and informative guide to snakes of the eastern United States available anywhere. Covers snakes in these states (plus Washington, DC): Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Features: More than 385 stunning color photographsColorful geographic range mapsSpecies accounts that cover identification, general ecology and behavior, and conservation statusExtra information on snakes in urban and suburban areasStrong conservation message, with a focus on environmental threats to native speciesCoverage of invasive snakes

The Book of Snakes

The Book of Snakes
Author: Mark O'Shea
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 658
Release: 2024-01-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0226832864

Updated to reflect the most recent species classifications, a second edition of the beautifully illustrated and beloved guide to 600 members of the suborder Serpentes. For millennia, humans have regarded snakes with an exceptional combination of fascination and revulsion. Some people recoil in fear at the very suggestion of these creatures, while others happily keep them as pets. Snakes can convey both beauty and menace in a single tongue flick, and so these creatures have held a special place in our cultures. Yet, for as many meanings as we attribute to snakes—from fertility and birth to sin and death—the real-life species represent an even wider array of wonders. Now in a new edition, reflecting the most recent species classifications, The Book of Snakes presents 600 species of snakes from around the world, covering roughly one in seven of all snake species. It will bring greater understanding of a group of reptiles that have existed for more than 160 million years and that now inhabit every continent except Antarctica, as well as two of the great oceans. This volume pairs spectacular photos with easy-to-digest text. It is the first book on these creatures that combines a broad, worldwide sample with full-color, life-size accounts. Entries include close-ups of the snake’s head and a section of the snake at actual size. The detailed images allow readers to examine the intricate scale patterns and rainbow of colors as well as special features like a cobra’s hood or a rattlesnake’s rattle. The text is written for laypeople and includes a glossary of frequently used terms. Herpetologists and herpetoculturists alike will delight in this collection, and even those with a more cautious stance on snakes will find themselves drawn in by the wild diversity of the suborder Serpentes.

A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa

A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa
Author: Johan Marais
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Total Pages: 1026
Release: 2022-09-08
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1775847489

This long-awaited third edition of A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded. New information based on scientific research relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms has been included in the species accounts. Features of this book: Covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour; species descriptions are accompanied by full-colour photographs and distribution maps; simple icons make essential information available at a glance; a separate ‘key features’ box assists in quickly identifying species in the field; chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. Sales points: A guide to all snakes, dangerous and harmless, in southern Africa; practical first-aid advice for snakebite; packed with full-colour images; icons, maps and concise text make identification simple.

Handbook of Amphibians and Reptiles of North-east Africa

Handbook of Amphibians and Reptiles of North-east Africa
Author: Stephen Spawls
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 1667
Release: 2023-07-20
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1472991435

This handbook is the first complete guide to the herpetofauna of northeast Africa, covering seven countries – Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. The seven countries of north-east Africa – Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia – share a remarkably diverse landscape, and the region is home to a vast array of herpetofauna, from the Variable Green Toad to the Congo Hinged Terrapin, the Nubian Pigmy Gecko and the Pasteur's Desert Racer. This handbook is the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference to all 114 species of amphibian and 458 species of reptile known from the region, including caecilians, frogs, turtles and tortoises, lizards, crocodiles and snakes. Featuring more than 950 photos, Handbook of Amphibians and Reptiles of North-east Africa includes information on identification, habitat and distribution, behaviour, and best locations to see species, as well as up-to-date species maps. Supporting chapters cover the region's habitats, conservation, and safety when observing and handling amphibians and reptiles. This is an essential resource for anyone interested in the unique and extraordinarily diverse herpetofauna of north-east Africa.

Field Guide to Snakes of the Middle East

Field Guide to Snakes of the Middle East
Author: Damien Egan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2022-07-21
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1472987330

Arabia and the Middle East have an unusually rich herpetofauna, and this is exemplified by the region's snakes. There are almost 190 species, and this new field guide offers a way to identify them. Written by expert Damien Egan and illustrated with his brilliant digital imagery, the book consists of 87 plates, each containing two or three species, with the snakes illustrated along with comparison species and diagnostic features in detail, such as head and keel scales. A concise species text accompanies each plate, highlighting ID, ecology, habitat and prey, along with notes on venom. Introductory text covers the snakes of the region more widely, with a discussion on how and where to find them and how to study them safely. Ambitious in scope, this book will be of great interest to all herpetophiles living in or visiting this broad and diverse region.

The Dangerous Snakes of Africa

The Dangerous Snakes of Africa
Author: Steve Spawls
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 602
Release: 2020-04-16
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1472960270

The definitive reference guide to all of Africa's venomous snakes, written by two internationally acclaimed herpetologists. Africa is a true hotspot for snake diversity, with several hundred species. Unfortunately, a scared snake or one that is trodden on may bite, and some species have venom that can prove fatal. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa is an indispensable guide to these reptiles. It covers all 137 dangerous snake species in Africa, along with another 70 species that are easily confused with them. All are described, with each account looking in detail at their identification, habitat and distribution, behaviour and venom, as well as how to treat bites and a selection of photographs, accompanied by an accurate range map. Introductory sections cover the major snake groups, their venom characteristics, how to avoid snake bites and first-aid advice. This comprehensive book is an essential tool for all naturalists, conservationists, educators, field workers and medical personnel throughout Africa.