Field Guide

[Hobbes]

What is the recommended field guide for South African reptiles? What do you use?

Jeff

[Bushbaby]

I recommend Bill Branch's "Reptiles of Southern Africa". It's has all or most species in which occur throughout Southern Africa. It includes snakes, lizards, geckos, monitors and tortoises. Defenitly worth it.

[froot]

Yes that's the reptile bible for me. I also keep a copy of Johan Marais 'Snakes of Southern Africa' close by.

[Snakes Incorporated]

What is the recommended field guide for South African reptiles? What do you use?

Jeff

A book is a guide but it is experience that is the teacher.

[Moreliahunter]

Yeh, its people that dont read that get into trouble with their animals and then wonder why! I also have 20 years of experience, I also spent about R12000 last year on books from all over the world. Not TFH books. Proper books by proper scientists. You can neverknow everything from just experience. I will PM you mate. Ill tell you everything you want to know about where to go and who to talk to.

[Hobbes]

A book is a guide but it is experience that is the teacher.

Well sure, but when you are a newcomer to an entire continent, a book seems like a logical place to start! Experience can be a hard teacher too- could be too late to learn from the experience if I've just been bitten by a Black Mamba or something! LOL

Jeff

[Bushbaby]

A book is a guide but it is experience that is the teacher.

Well sure, but when you are a newcomer to an entire continent, a book seems like a logical place to start! Experience can be a hard teacher too- could be too late to learn from the experience if I've just been bitten by a Black Mamba or something! LOL

Jeff

mmm.... to snakes inc... no comment. I wont go there.

Hobbes, you have made the right decision in trying to get a field guide first and to learn about the nasties, and the not so nasties.

I still stick to The Field Guide of Southern Africa by Bill Branch. Not sure of the whole name, will check it up tonight and let you know.

[Snakes Incorporated]

People do not get me wrong. Books are very important and yes, I read and collect as much info on the subject as I am able but the fact still remains.

We must use books as a guide as it is someone else’s experience and knowledge. This guide may assist us in our own husbandry but the reader must use discernment and apply it to his or her own circumstances.
A book and experience are not the same as applying that guide will not be the same for everyone.

Use an example. If someone reads a book on catching venomous snakes and then without any practical knowledge goes out and catches mamba?

[Bushbaby]

Use an example. If someone reads a book on catching venomous snakes and then without any practical knowledge goes out and catches mamba?

... then they deserve to be removed from the gene pool!!

[Snakes Incorporated]