Mark O'Shea is best known in the UK for his 13-part Channel 4 series 'Mark O'Shea's Dangerous Reptiles', and known throughout the world for his natural history adventure films on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. His previous books include DK's Handbook to Reptiles and Amphibians.
Herpetologist and popular television reptile hunter O'Shea has produced a compendium of more than 170 venomous snakes, along with their markings, geographical distribution, maximum length, venom, prey, and similar species. But instead of opting for the traditional taxonomic arrangement, he lists these snakes geographically by continent (a final chapter on sea snakes is also included). Introductory material describes the worldwide range of poisonous snakes, the occurrence and effects of snakebites on humans, and conservation efforts (many snakes are routinely killed by rural people who understandably fear them). While this book is not a checklist of all the poisonous snakes in the world, it includes a representative from many different families and geographical areas and describes any unusual or noteworthy habits and behaviors. Throughout, large-type quotations describe near-misses and other adventures with venomous snakes that-although unattributed-are likely the author's personal narratives. This is a large book with more than 150 quality full-color photographs, some of which may frighten the serpent-phobic. Recommended for school and public libraries.-Alvin Hutchinson, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, DC Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
