Product Description

This superb detailed field guide covers the identification of all snakes, lizards, crocodilians and chelonians (turtles and tortoises) found in the east African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. With species accounts describing appearance, habitat, distribution and natural history, with distribution maps and many colour photos, this is a complete reference book for anyone with an interest in the reptiles of this area.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #211466 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 544 pages

About the Author
All authors are herpetologists. SS is author of 3 African reptile guides, KH is a zoology professor in Tanzania, RD is a biology professor in San Francisco, and JA runs the BIO-KEN snake farm in Kenya.

Customer Reviews

A milestone in East African Herpetology
Having visited East Africa primarily to experience its fantastic and diverse herpetofauna, a frustrating experience was in not being able to identify certain species. At long last this eagerly awaited volume enables the visiting herpetologist to identify the 420 or so reptile species of this region. Clearly written identification keys are included with each separate genus, rather than being lumped together at the end of the book. Distribution maps are given for each species. Habitats are clearly described, most impressive being the natural history notes reflecting the authors personal experience and wealth of knowledge. Most of the plates are excellent, many species being depicted for the first time. Written in a style which will appeal to the general naturalist as well as the most experienced herpetologist, this milestone book is highly recommended as an essential addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in African reptiles. I have eagerly looked forward to the release of this book, its quality has more than exceeded my expectations. Beautifully produced and exceptionally good value.
David Buttle, UK

More an Encyclopedia than a Field Guide
This book is amazingly detailed, giving in-depth information on ALL species of reptile known to occur in the five countries covered.
The photographs are of excellent quality (though where none was available, drawings would have been better than nothing) and the keys very user-friendly.
It is an absolute must for anyone interested in the herpetofauna of this region. A word of warning though: despite the title this book is much too bulky and heavy to carry around on the field! More likely, you will want to keep it at home (or in your car?) as a reference.

More an Encyclopedia than a Field Guide
This book is amazingly detailed, giving in-depth information on ALL species of reptile known to occur in the five countries covered.
The photographs are of excellent quality (though where none was available, drawings would have been better than nothing) and the keys very user-friendly.
It is an absolute must for anyone interested in the herpetofauna of this region. A word of warning though: despite the title this book is much too bulky and heavy to carry around on the field! More likely, you will want to keep it at home (or in your car?) as a reference.