Feared, revered, and often misunderstood, venomous snakes have been a source of legend and nightmare since time immemorial. In this comprehensive volume, author Mark O'Shea has combined expertly written, in-depth descriptions of the world's common and exotic venomous snakes, highlighted by previously unpublished gripping accounts of his adventures with snakes, including personal observations and several serious snakebite episodes.

The book begins with a description of the anatomies of venomous snakes, along with their diversity and distribution. Also included is a unique in-depth look at the various types of snake venom and the ways that each type attacks the body. A section on anti-venom, including thoughts on the looming anti-venom crisis, is also presented. Information on the adaptations of ocean-dwelling snakes and issues of snake conservation as well as an examination of venomous lizards follow.

From bamboo pitvipers to deep-diving seasnakes, and from adders and asps to terciopelos and the massasaugas, this book takes an original approach to examining these enthralling creatures. Rather than the typical taxonomic categorization, the snakes are grouped by geographic location: the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, Tropical Asia, Australasia, and the Oceans. Each section is illustrated with stunning and rare pictures, many of which were taken by the author himself.

Suitable for professional snake handlers and armchair herpetologists alike, this extremely accessible book is an enthusiastic celebration of the diversity and beauty of venomous snakes worldwide.

• Explores the secret world of venomous snakes, revealing their habitats, characteristics, and hunting and feeding behaviors
• Contains thrilling details of O'Shea's own encounters with snakes
• Provides detailed information on venomous snake diversity, venom types, and conservation
• Includes a world map illustrating venomous snake distribution and detailed accounts of more than 170 species
• Features over 150 full-color photographs, many of them of extremely rare species

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Feared, revered, and often misunderstood, venomous snakes have been a source of legend and nightmare since time immemorial. In this comprehensive volume, reptile expert Mark O'Shea brings to life the world of green pitvipers and deadly seasnakes, adders, asps, and black mambas, and all other major venomous snakes--from the parks and gardens of northern Europe to the seas and oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, and everywhere in between.

An amazing variety of venomous snakes exists, and they kill with several different types of venom. Unlike other books on the subject, Venomous Snakes of the World categorizes them by region rather than taxonomy. Chapters on the different continents and regions--the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, tropical Asia, Australasia, and the oceans--showcase the distribution of individual species, which are illustrated with many stunning and rare pictures. The book describes the anatomy of venomous snakes, their diversity, and their venom. Adaptations of ocean-dwelling snakes and issues of snake conservation are also discussed. O'Shea's encyclopedic knowledge of and clear enthusiasm for the subject is apparent on every page.

Key Features:Explores the secret world of venomous snakes, revealing their habitats, characteristics, and hunting and feeding behaviors Contains thrilling details of O'Shea's own encounters with snakes Provides detailed information on venomous snake diversity, venom types, and conservation Includes a world map illustrating venomous snake distribution and detailed accounts of more than 170 species Features over 150 full-color photographs, many of them of extremely rarespecies

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

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.