Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

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Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby NicholasSR » Mon Jun 01, 2015 10:50 pm

Hey,

Does anyone know any really detailed books on the venomous snakes or reptiles of SA? I would like something that gives visual ID info, behaviour and temperement info, venom toxicity & type, distribution, type of habitat, what they eat in the wild etc and any other in depth info.

I am also looking to learn more about all venomous snakes and reptiles in the future so any other books on the worlds venomous snakes would be appreciated.

Thanks.
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby Van2 » Mon Jun 01, 2015 11:11 pm

Try A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa by Johan Marais.
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby Chopper 1 » Wed Jun 03, 2015 11:56 am

Yes by far the best books are by Johan Marais who has very well presented books!!
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby reptile » Thu Jun 04, 2015 8:55 am

Agree with the other too! The Reptiles of Southern Africa by Johan Marais and Graham Alexander is also good cause its basically the same just you the bonus of also having geckos, lizards, tortoises, crocs included aswell.
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby Westley Price » Fri Jun 05, 2015 9:14 am

Its a tough call as it depends what you are after.

Personally for an amateur herper, I would rather suggest Bill Branch's Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa.

For a layman, Johan's books are excellent, but for a herper it is often a bit general.

However, Bill's book is a bit outdated with the recent description of many new species, whereas Johan's books are more up-to-date.

Make no mistake, I do not question Johan's knowledge/experience, but his books are aimed at a different market IMO.
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby Superciliaris » Fri Jun 05, 2015 10:39 am

I have an excellent but expensive book for sale , Venomus reptiles of the western Hemisphere if you are interested msg me http://www.amazon.com/Venomous-Reptiles ... 0801441412
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Re: Best Books on South Africa's Venomous Snakes?

Postby NicholasSR » Sat Jun 06, 2015 7:11 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought Johan Marais snakes and reptiles of SA books.

I also found one called Venomous Snakes of the World: A Manual for use by U.S Amphibious Forces, which is meant to be very good.
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