Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa: All the Reptiles of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Robert C. Drewes, & James Ashe Cloth | 2001 | This edition is out of print | ISBN13: 978-0-12-656470-9 543 pp. | 500 color illus.
This book breaks new ground: it is the first complete listing and guide to all the known reptiles of the five East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi.) Written by expert East African herpetologists, it incorporates virtually all known information on the East African reptile fauna. Nearly 500 high-quality color photographs illustrate most of the species involved, many of which have never been illustrated in color before. Keys and introductory essays are included for all orders, families, genera, and species, giving clear introductions for every group. There is an individual account for each species, describing its appearance, habits, and habitat, accompanied by a map showing its known distribution within East Africa and notes indicating its Africa-wide distribution as well. Hence this book will be useful not only in East Africa, but in the surrounding countries as well, for which no reptile guides exist. In addition, the descriptions of dangerous snakes include a section on their venom. A comprehensive appendix discusses aspects of snakebite risk and treatment in East Africa and the do's and don'ts of first aid.
Key Features:
Illustrates nearly all of the c. 420 species found in East Africa Contains keys and full descriptions to aid identification Contains a distribution map for every species Provides information on snakebite and effective first aid
Table of Contents:
About the Authors 6 INTRODUCTORY ESSAYS List of Maps and Line Drawings 7 Preface 8 Sources and Acknowledgements 9 Further Reading on East African Reptiles 11 How to Use this Book 13 Reptiles in East African Environment 14 The Zoogeography of the East African Reptile Fauna 16 Observing and Collecting Reptiles 20 Reptile Conservation, the Role of National Parks and Museums 23 Identifying Reptiles 25 Common Names 27 Photographing Reptiles 28 Notes on the Husbandry of East African Reptiles 29 SPECIES ACCOUNTS CHELONIANS 34 LIZARDS 66 WORM LIZARDS 256 CROCODILES 268 SNAKES 278 Reptile Biology Illustrations 497 Reptile Habitat Illustrations 500 APPENDICES Notes on Snakebite 504 Local Names 512 Gazetteer 515 Glossay 528 References 534 Scientific Index 535 Common Name Index 539
