Description
This title is intended as a companion volume to "A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa". It features the 516 reptile species for the subregion (27 tortoises, 337 lizards, 151 snakes and one crocodile) that are currently described in the scientific literature.The introductory section covers the following: how to use this book; distribution patterns of southern African reptiles; the diversity of reptiles; the Biology of reptiles; behaviour; finding and observing reptiles; and snakebite.
Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors introduce the book with a discussion of reptile identification, diversity, biology, distribution patterns, and where to find and observe them, as well as unraveling the facts and fallacies of snakebites.Written in a lively and accessible way, the subsequent chapters offer insight into: .Identification to group level, with an inclusive list of related species.A detailed description of appearance, together with colorful images.Biology and behavior of each group.Conservation status of species.Reproduction details.DistributionInformative panels provide key information at a glance, with a distribution map and clear icons giving typical habitat and period of activity. A wealth of full-color photographs throughout brings the subject matter vividly to life. This book will appeal to all wildlife enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, and will prove to be a valuable guide in the field.
About the Author
Graham Alexander is an associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand, where he lectures courses in physiology, environmental physiology, evolution, and biogeography. He supervises several postgraduate students working on herpetological research and has published more than 30 scientific papers and book chapters. His research on snake biology has been the subject of many documentaries that have appeared on National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel and the SABC. He was editor of African Journal of Herpetology and an associate editor for African Zoology from 2000-2006. Alexander has previously worked as a curator at FitzSimons' Snake Park and as curator of herpetology at the State Museum in Windhoek Johan Marais is an entrepreneur, naturalist and photographer, who has contributed significantly toward the conservation of reptiles in the past three decades. He has lectured widely on the topic, is past chairman of the Herpetological Association of Africa, serves as a member of the Crocodile Specialist Group (Species Survival Commission) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is the chairperson of the South African Reptile Conservation Assessment.. Marais has authored a range of books (including the popular A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa), technical papers and popular articles, both locally and abroad. He spends a great deal of time researching reptiles in southern Africa (particularly in Namibia and Mozambique), as well as working on reptile surveys in Malawi and Mozambique. Marais is currently registered for a Masters' Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Book Information
ISBN 9781770073869
Author Graham Alexander
Format Paperback
Page Count 408
Imprint Struik Publishers
Publisher Penguin Random House South Africa
Drawing on the latest scientific research, the authors introduce the book with a discussion of reptile identification, diversity, biology, distribution patterns, and where to find and observe them, as well as unraveling the facts and fallacies of snakebites.Written in a lively and accessible way, the subsequent chapters offer insight into: .Identification to group level, with an inclusive list of related species.A detailed description of appearance, together with colorful images.Biology and behavior of each group.Conservation status of species.Reproduction details.DistributionInformative panels provide key information at a glance, with a distribution map and clear icons giving typical habitat and period of activity. A wealth of full-color photographs throughout brings the subject matter vividly to life. This book will appeal to all wildlife enthusiasts, both professional and amateur, and will prove to be a valuable guide in the field.
About the Author
Graham Alexander is an associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand, where he lectures courses in physiology, environmental physiology, evolution, and biogeography. He supervises several postgraduate students working on herpetological research and has published more than 30 scientific papers and book chapters. His research on snake biology has been the subject of many documentaries that have appeared on National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel and the SABC. He was editor of African Journal of Herpetology and an associate editor for African Zoology from 2000-2006. Alexander has previously worked as a curator at FitzSimons' Snake Park and as curator of herpetology at the State Museum in Windhoek Johan Marais is an entrepreneur, naturalist and photographer, who has contributed significantly toward the conservation of reptiles in the past three decades. He has lectured widely on the topic, is past chairman of the Herpetological Association of Africa, serves as a member of the Crocodile Specialist Group (Species Survival Commission) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is the chairperson of the South African Reptile Conservation Assessment.. Marais has authored a range of books (including the popular A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa), technical papers and popular articles, both locally and abroad. He spends a great deal of time researching reptiles in southern Africa (particularly in Namibia and Mozambique), as well as working on reptile surveys in Malawi and Mozambique. Marais is currently registered for a Masters' Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Book Information
ISBN 9781770073869
Author Graham Alexander
Format Paperback
Page Count 408
Imprint Struik Publishers
Publisher Penguin Random House South Africa
