Customer Reviews

Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards (Australian Natural History Series)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

focuses almost exclusively on V. rosenbergi studies and little else on other species of varanus. has some good general data on preferred temperature ranges, metabolic rates, and other data related to scientific studies of varanids but misses the mark that most people who purchase these books are herpetoculturists/hobbyists. They want to know data on all species related to diet, humidity, habitat, etc to create a functional environment for their kept species. for that, i give it 3 stars out of 5. it misses the mark for hobbyists.

This is a brief but comprehensive review of up to date knowledge on the biology of the Varanids. This would have to be the best reference, on these interesting and beautiful creatures, you can own. It is informative, succint and very easy and engaging to read. It covers the main aspects of varanid biology within an evolutionary frame of reference. It is set out in such a way that you can find detailed information on each of the major species, sometimes down to sub-species level.

I will state right now that this book is not, IMHO, an easy read, or a particularly fluid read.
However, it is very informative, containing much information about the natural habits and ecology of varanid lizards. My main complaint is that the book seems to use V. rosenbergi as it's archetypal varanid; there are some 9 sub genera and several dozen species, and I wish that more attention had been payed to the some of the other varanids. However, this is still one of the few good monitor books that's actually in print, and is worth your read weather you're an academic herpetologist or a keeper (or for that matter if you are thinking about keeping a monitor). It provides insights that are sorely lacking in most other (in print) books, espically in regards to the thermal biology, water useage, and the diet of these lizards. It's easily worth your effort to read it.
The discussions about taxonomy are also great, and informative in regards to how gene sequencing is being used to establish relationships and derivations between species.

This book introduice in a very simple way the biology of varanid. This study is mainly focus on australian species but biologist can do the link with others species from Asia or Africa. I recommand this book at everybody who have biological basis as student, herpetologist, teacher,...