Tab Article
The Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa was published a decade ago as a comprehensive guide to the region's 397 reptile species. Since then herpetological studies in southern Africa have undergone a renaissance and in the last 10 years more than 83 new reptile species have been discovered - at a phenomenal rate of a new species every 44 days.
The text has been completely reworked and includes taxonomic changes and updates, and new information on biology, breeding, subspecies and habitats; all the distribution maps have been updated to include the latest range extensions; 16 new colour plates have been added to the 96 existing plates, together presenting more than 600 full-colour photographs; explanatory notes and a comprehensive glossary make the subject accessible to even the beginner herpetologist; and, for the first time, the index to common names is presented in the form of a checklist, allowing naturalists to compile a life list.