Southern Africa is home to a diverse reptile fauna of more than 600 species. Of these, nearly 70% are endemic to the region, being found nowhere else. This compact guide features 276 of the more colourful and conspicuous species, as well as those unique to or endangered in the region. This up-to-date guide makes an ideal travelling companion on trips to the wildlife areas of southern Africa. It features: authoritative text describing key identification features and symbols depicting endangered and venomous species; full-colour photographs of the featured species; distribution maps showing the range of each species; thumbnail outlines of each family group, enabling quick identification.

First published 1993 as A photographic guide to snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa.

The herpetological studies in southern Africa have undergone a renaissance sine the original Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa was published more than a decade ago. 83 new species have been discovered in that time, a rate of one every 44 days.

This detailed and comprehensive guide to the 151 snakes indigenous to southern Africa covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour. Now in its second edition, A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded to include at least 11 newly discovered and 30 re-classified species and sub-species. New information based on international scientific research has been included in the species accounts relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms. Species descriptions are now accompanied by full-colour photographs. Simple icons make essential information available at a glance. A separate 'look out for' box assists in quickly identifying species in the field. Chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the prevention and treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. This readable and user-friendly guide will be invaluable to herpetologists, snake collectors, hikers, gardeners, campers and householders, or anyone who may encounter or want to know more about these fascinating and widely misunderstood reptiles.

Southern Africa is home to a remarkably diverse and rich reptile fauna, which is presented in this book in a lively and accessible way. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa introduces the 517 species currently described in the region and presents interesting insight on reptile identification and diversity, distribution patterns, and biology and behaviour. It also offers tips on finding and observing reptiles, as well as unravelling the facts and fallacies of snakebite. Southern African reptiles fall into three main groups (orders): snakes and lizards, crocodiles and shelled reptiles, and each group comprises in turn a number of related families and sub-groups, which form the basic structure of the book. The reptiles are discussed within their relevant groups according to appearance, biology, reproduction, distribution and conservation status. Informative panels with simple icons provide key information on distribution, typical habitat and period of activity, and a wealth of full-colour photographs brings the subject matter vividly to life.

This edition supplements the 397 South African reptiles originally represented in this field guide by 64 new species. Some of these are new discoveries in the region, others are reclassifications. Author Bill Branch has also adapted the original text, modifying distributions and biology to reflect the most up-to-date research on the subject.

Snakes, lizards and tortoises are fascinating creatures, particularly to inquisitive young minds. This book introduces 56 reptiles found in southern Africa and gives visual information about their size, the food they eat and where you are likely to find them. Simple text, written by a reptile expert, offers brief insight into behaviour and habits. My First Book of Southern African Snakes and other Reptiles is designed to appeal to young readers and pre-readers but will also help learners of all ages to improve their knowledge of local languages.