Product 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Outstanding!
Though this book is heavy and hard to carry around it makes up for in the information, and photography. However, this book could have some adjustments. I would love if they updated the book to include new species. What is great about it is that it tells reference for other bookssuch as those by Klauber, Boulenger, and Lamar. It also has scale counts, diets, and distributions including type localities. In conclusion, this book is the best for Herpetologists, and serious readers interested in snakes. Add this magnificent book to your collection.

Great resource for venomous reptile species
This is a must have for anyone involved with venomous reptiles species, whether it be in the private or professional areas of herpetology.Despite the high price, it is well worth it.This 2 volume set will be a great resource for me in my profession.

venomous reptiles of the western hemesphere
Very informative. A must for herp students/amateur and pro keepers

One of the best, most comprehensive books regarding New World venomous reptiles!
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
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Much fun with the written word
This book is worth reading for the story, but even if it weren't, it would be worth reading for Snicket's explanations of "dramatic irony" and "hackneyed" as well as his denouncement of the phrase, "meanwhile back at the ranch" preceding his continued use of said phrase.

Same old, same old, but with a twist.
Though this is only the second book, it feels like the same method has been overused. I mean seriously, you know that the orphans go to new guardians, and encounter Count Olaf over and over, but in different ways. So what is to look forward to in this book? Well not much, but if you really want to know, then its the drama, and well...the small time of happiness the Baudelaires experienced with Uncle Monty (I actually enjoyed that). I will split this into several parts to make it easier to understand, also I will show my opinion of Olaf and how he got into the Baudelaires world.

Drama: This was the first book in the series, to have a murder of a Guardian. This death was actually expected, in my opinion. This is because, we already know what Count Olaf would do to get these miserable orphans fortune, so why not expect him to kill as well?

OLAF AND HIS DISGUISES: I personally got a kick out of his disguise in this book. It was simple, yet the fact he had convinced everyone he was "Gunther" made the whole disguise even funnier. It actually was funny, when the Baudelaires found him out the second they saw him. I mean I find it ironic, that no one recognized him, and the only people who did recognize him where the Baudelaires.

HIS PLAN: I think that his plan to gain the Baudelaire fortune, was stupid. I mean seriously, he tried to frame Uncle Monty's vast collection of snakes, on Monty's death. He left so much evidence around Uncle Monty, that only an idiot would miss it. Apparently everyone in this series are actually idiots and show ignorance, except the Baudelaires, if you haven't noticed. Well back to the plan, then Olaf was going to take the orphans to Peru, which was the trip Monty was going to take them on. Olaf would have full control over the orphans if Monty had died, and according to his plan, they would leave before any police or any official awareness.

Plot Development: No plot development at all. Actually there is no plot development until the fifth book.

Characters: (Old/reoccurring: Sunny, Violet, Klaus Baudelaire. Mr Poe. Count Olaf and his troup.)(New: Uncle Monty, Gustav.)


Final Review:3/5

Verdict: This book did not contribute to the story growth. Therefore I call this a filler chapter, and is a part of Act 1 of the story. Good book at times, but same old. Boring, might entertain some.

I'm 20 and still love these books
i read book one and Jr. high and loved it. this one is going to be good as well

Ehhh.. it was alright
I am one of those that enjoys some type of closure or happy ending. The author constantly alludes to the fact that nothing good with happen in the Baudelaire's lives and if the reader believes something good may come of a situation then they are in for disappointment. The book is well written and the only problem I had with the book was the overall lack of hope that was in the theme that these books have.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
After already having seen the movie, I decided to invest in reading the books. Bk #1, THE BAD BEGINNING, only took me an hour to finish, and it was an enjoyable--if dark--read.

The Baudelaire children--Violet, Klaus, and Sunny--are left orphaned after a mysterious fire destroys their home and kills their parents. Taken into custody by Mr. Poe, the executor of their parent's estate, they learn that their parent's will states that they must be cared for by a relative. The closest relative, unbeknownest to the children, is Count Olaf, an actor and leader of a theatre troupe who lives in a dilapitated house on the other side of town.

Things, of course, only go from bad to worse after the children move into Count Olaf's home, which is strangely covered inside and out with drawings and representations of a strange-looking eye. Count Olaf even has a tattoo of the same image on his ankle. As the Count hatches a scheme to gain control of the Baudelaire fortune, which the children are not privy to until Violet comes of age, the children are alternately scared of their new "parent" and determined to find a way out of their dreadful situation.

I enjoyed this walk on the dark side, and plan on reading Book #2 in the series later today. That said, however, I think it depends on your child and his or her maturity as to whether this would be a good read for them or not. Although the reading material is suitable for around 8 years old and up, the book IS dark-natured, and might scare some children. If they've already seen the movie, they might be prepared for its darkness--if the movie depiction scared them, then hold off on the book for awhile.

Reviewed by:Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius" ... Read more

Product Description

What are reptile scales made of? Do reptiles eat meat or plants? Slither through the pages of this book to learn all about reptiles.

... Read more

Product Description
An excellent pocket-size reference and field identification of 180 species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles and turtles of Borneo. Over 180 full-color photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
Florida contains more exotic amphibians and reptiles than any other U.S. state.Illustrated species accounts detail the history and nature of each, the mode of dispersal, natural history, and present-day habitat and geographic distribution in the state. The impact of these animals is measured by their presence in natural systems of Florida and predator-prey interactions with native and other exotic species. The authors update the list of the documented exotic species in Florida and provide a progress report on new and published natural history information for each established species.An afterword examines the role people have played in the success of these species. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Invaluable
Although this book really wasn't designed as a field guide (i.e. field use), its functional role in reptile and amphibian literature pertaining to the exotics of Florida is just that.In other words, it beats everything else currently out there on the subject and should be carried in the field.The pictures are decent (though not great) and there are very helpful county maps for each species, along with species descriptions, similar species comparisons, histories of introductions, habitat and habits details (very useful), diet information, known predators, and reproduction data, if available.I would have been completely lost on a recent herping trip to Florida if I didn't have this book with me to identify the non-natives I encountered.Although other Florida exotic publications exist, this one is the most current and I'd say the best. Beware that most field guides include only a small portion of the species this book encompasses.This is a must-have for anyone herping in Florida.

A great Book for any Herper!!!
Meshaka, Butterfield, and Hauge accurately and comprehensively described the many species of introduced herpetofauna that have found there way into the Florida ecosystem.A great supplement to any field guide, this book answers many of those "Why isn't this thing in Petersons?" questions that have plagued many a herper traveling through Florida. Complete with maps outlining known localities of specific species, some fine photography, as well as historical perspectives on these introduced species, this book has not only found its way into the field with me, but has also made its way to my coffee table.I hope this spark causes a wildfire ofdescriptive field guides which begin to accurately identify and bring attention to the growing concern of introduced species throughout the United States. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is the only field guide that provides full-color photos of all 177 species and subspecies of reptiles and amphibians in Florida. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the Best field guides to Florida's Herps
This is a completely new reptile/amphibian field guide to Florida (its about time!) by one of our favorite author teams: R.D. Bartlett andPatricia P. Bartlett. This book covers all the amphibians, lizards,turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, and alligators. It complements AlanTennant's authoritative Field Guide to Snakes of Florida (by the samepublisher). Dick Bartlett's photography is superb! Highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Superb Book on Herps
This is not only the best book written on Wisconsin reptiles and amphibians, I believe it is the best written for any state or region in the country. I am a lifelong lover of reptiles and amphibians and grew up reading this book over and over again. It is well-written, well-researched, and the author knew his subject with a thoroughness that few naturalists achieve. I have read it more than 30 times. I also have read or own herp fauna books for the Great Lakes, Arkansas, Virginia, Minnesota, Missouri, and this one is by far the most thorough and accurate. Many of the other books for nearby states have simply paraphrased Vogt's accounts. The photos are excellent, too.

If you live in the Midwest, particularly Wisconsin or Upper Michigan, this is the reptile and amphibian book to get, period.

Excellent Research Material
Richard Vogt has written a winner here.This book describes, in detail, amphibians, reptiles, and snakes most commonly found in Wisconsin.He follows their history and leads us right into their everyday lifestyles andmannerisms.His personal insight into the individual species of the bookhad me smiling more than once.I recommend this book to any student,teacher, or writer looking for factual, entertaining reading. ... Read more

Product Description
From the gentle giant tortoise to the voracious saltwater crocodile and the deadly spitting cobra -- this enthralling guide to the world's reptiles is packed with full-color photographs, diagrams, and maps. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Completely revised 3rd edition of Branch's exceptional and bestselling field guide to the reptiles of southern Africa including the countries of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana, as well as South Africa. The text has been completely reworked and includes taxonomic changes and updates, new information on biology, breeding, subspecies and habitats. All distribution maps have been updated. 16 new color plates have been added to the 96 existing plates, presenting over 600 color photos. Comprehensive glossary, and index to common names. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Reptiles for the people
Generally field guides serve one purpose; to identify animals in the field. However it is a rare occurrence when one finds a field guide that is as useful to identify species as it is to educate. Bill Branch has writtensuch a book about the reptiles of southern Africa. The author has providedinformative sections on identifying and collecting reptiles, and on thevegetative habitats of southern Africa which determine the distributions ofmany species. In addition the book briefly covers the evolution andbreeding biology of reptiles. The photographic plates are separate to thetext and allow one to quickly scan the pages to identify the species ofinterest. The text section of each species covers distribution, breedingbiology, taxonomy and interesting facts of relevance. Whether you arevisiting southern Africa or a resident, this book will spur your interestin herpetology and allow you to identify reptiles with confidence. ... Read more

Product Description
With descriptions, color photographs, and eight identification keys (including egg and larval stages), this comprehensive field guide allows both the layperson and the professional to confidently identify Montana's 32 species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide for the herp photographer addresses equipment and techniques and offers insight into the behaviour of snakes, frogs, turtles, lizards, toads and salamanders. ... Read more

Product Description
This series of volumes represents a comprehensive and integrated treatment of reproduction in vertebrates from fishes of all sorts through mammals. It is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in each group of vertebrates as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and our understanding of reproductive events. Whereas each chapter and each volume is intended to stand alone as a review of that topic or vertebrate group, respectively, the volumes are prepared so as to provide a thorough topical treatment across the vertebrates. Terminology has been standardized across the volumes to reduce confusion where multiple names exist in the literature, and a comprehensive glossary of these terms and their alternative names is provided.

* A complete, essential and up to date reference for research scientists working on vertebrate hormones and reproduction - and on animlals as models in human reproductive research.
* Covers the endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behaviour and anatomy of vertebrate reproduction.
* Structured coverage of the major themes for all five vertebrate groups allows a consistent treatment for all.
* Special chapters elaborate on features specific to individual vertebrate groups and to comparative aspects, similarities and differences between them.


... Read more

Product Description
This superb detailed field guide covers the identification of all snakes, lizards, crocodilians and chelonians (turtles and tortoises) found in the east African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. With species accounts describing appearance, habitat, distribution and natural history, with distribution maps and many colour photos, this is a complete reference book for anyone with an interest in the reptiles of this area. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Maximum
This is the most perfect book for any snake or reptile fan.

More an Encyclopedia than a Field Guide
This book is amazingly detailed, giving in-depth information on ALL species of reptile known to occur in the five countries covered.
The photographs are of excellent quality (though where none was available, drawings would have been better than nothing) and the keys very user-friendly.
It is an absolute must for anyone interested in the herpetofauna of this region.
A word of warning though: despite the title this book is much too bulky and heavy to carry around on the field!
More likely, you will want to keep it at home (or in your car?) as a reference.

Wow!
This is a remarkable collection of information on a sorely needed region of herpetology. Not just for advanced hobbyists either...this book has WONDERFUL photographs and is a MUST have for any level of reptile enthusiast.

REFERENCE for east african herpetology !
A great book, with descriptions and photos of al known east african reptiles, including distribution maps.
Which i must say could have a little bet bigger and easier to read(country references).

If you are interested in finding the reptiles in the field or keeping them in captivity, you must own this book !

Excellent Reptile Resource and Field Guide
The long-awaited field guide to the diverse reptile populations of East Africa. This book was everything I expected it to be and more.Comprehensive listings, excellent photography and detailed information on habitat/distribution, natural history, conservation status etc.I can't say enough good things about this book, the list of authors should speak for themselves!;-)

No serious herper's library is complete without this book... ... Read more

Product Description
This two-volume second edition was enhanced by the addition of new information, more than 1,850 color photos and 180 radiographs. Drs. Alex R bel and Walter Kuoni contributed their expert knowledge in the chapter on radiography and imaging. Dr. Douglas R. Mader authored the chapter on antibiotic therapy which covers the relevance of metabolic scaling of antibiotic dosages. Other chapters include an introduction to herpetology, captive husbandry, a guide to nutrition, infectious diseases, conditions related to the captive environment, hematology, nonhemic parasitology, ophthalmic disorders, reproductive disorders, developmental anomalies, anesthesiology, surgery, comparative histology, euthanasia, necropsy techniques, and pathologic conditions. References and further reading are given at the end of each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The first and the best!
A basic guide for vets and vet's students, in wich you can find everything you need to know about reptile medicine.Absolutely to buy if you're interested in it!

the one and only book for reptiles veterinarian
This is the most complete book for reptile medicine. You must have this book if you want to work with reptiles, it shows so many helpful pictures of Surgery, Hematology, Reproduction, Ophtalmology, etc..

Extensive 2 vol text of reptile husbandry & veterinary care
Dr Frye, a pioneer in reptile medicine and surgery, has provided a lavish 2 volume updated text on veterinary care and husbandry of reptiles. This publication is an essential text for veterinarians or keen herpetologists concerned with reptile care and management. With hundreds of colour plates and many tables and diagrams, a wealth of information is provided. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an easy-to-use field guide to identifying the 80 reptile species currently known to occur in the Murray catchment area of New South Wales.

Illustrated with high quality color photographs, the book describes the key distinguishing features of each reptile and includes details on habitats and conservation status. Uniquely, it has a detailed chapter on how to conserve reptiles and manage key habitats, providing landholders and natural resource agencies with the knowledge to help conserve reptiles in agricultural farming landscapes. The up-to-date distribution maps are based on 10 years of extensive surveys and research on reptiles in the Murray catchment. The final chapter includes a section on similar looking species to further enable readers to accurately and quickly identify difficult species.

Reptiles of the NSW Murray Catchment promotes a broad appreciation of reptiles in the region, and is a must-have for natural history enthusiasts.

Key features
• A complete account of all reptile species known to occur in the Murray catchment
• New information on how to identify each species, where they occur in the Murray catchment and what habitats they use
• Up-to-date distribution maps for each species ... Read more