A FIELD GUIDE TO THE SNAKES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA 13802
R200.00
Southern Africa’s 145 snake species and important sub-species form a group of the greatest interest and beauty. This book offers a comprehensive guide to identification and a fascinating introduction to the understanding of reptiles and their way of life.
Coverage: Of the species and important subspecies of southern African serpents, 70 are found only here, 10 extend northwards, 54 are intruders from the north, 3 are widespread throughout Africa, and 1 the Black and Yellow Sea Snake is occasionally washed up on the eastern and southern shores. Some 65 are non-venomous, 45 are mildly poisonous and 35 are extremely so, but most are useful to man though persecuted through ignorance and fear.
Description: Every snake is fully described, with its English, Afrikaans and scientific names, its shape and length, scale pattern, colouring and distribution within the region. There are notes on all aspects of its frequency, habits or habitats relevant to identification or of particular interest, and in the case of venomous species notes on the type and strength of poison, aggressiveness and method of attack. There is also a concise introduction to snakes and a guide to the different types of snake venom, their effect and the do’s and don’ts in the different cases of snake bite.
Identification: On pages 39 to 64 there is a full Key based on colour groupings: yellow, green, grey, brown, black, banded, barred, spotted, speckled or striped.
Illustration: The 56 most conspicuous species have been beautifully painted in colour by A.H. Barrett and 38 others are illustrated in photographs.
Out of stock
Description
Authored by V.F.M. Fitzsimons and published by Collins of London in 1980. Hard cover bound, this Second Edition, Third Impression copy is in Fine condition, covered in plastic, with an illustrated cover. The size of the book is 197x131x20mm, with 221 pages including an index and bibliography. ISBN 0002193272. Illustrated with black and white, colour photos, and line drawings. Clean and well bound. No inscriptions, markings or annotations.