Customer Reviews

Savannah and Grassland Monitors: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems (The Herpetocultural Library) (Herpetocultural Library, The)

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

 

 

Robert thinks that just because he reads something, he can spit it back out. This book by an "expert" is putrid; the care described would be considered abuse by most varanid enthusiasts. Not to mention there are many mislabeled photos etc.

I am shocked this got published. It really shows how ignorant the general public is about reptiles... they seem to just accept the information because it is published by a PhD.

Reading this, and considering it good is like reading a children's book about a construction company, and trying to builda house with it. Completely wacky info, everything mislabeled, a recipe for disaster. Get Daniel's fantastic Savannah Monitor book instead!

I helped to found the Varanid Conservation Group. The group exists mostly to correct the misinformation spread by books of this nature. I suggest buying this book only as a guideline of what not to do.

I liked this book. For a change there is a book about monitors that is not just about keeping them as pets. I like reading about the lizards in their natral habitats. The price is also good, so I hope the author puts out books about the other kinds of monitors too.

Reading some negative reviews by new-age know-nothings who haven't any other reviews to their credit and, presumably, advocate the abuse of helpless monitor lizards in vain attempts to make family pets out of them, I realized that perhaps a more accurate review was in order. This book, first of all, is a general introduction, not an in-depth how-to book, so the novice who wishes to learn something of the varanid lizards has a scientifically accurate resource. Those wishing a more detailed book on the care and maintenance of particular species should look elsewhere, but this is the logical starting point for anyone not already familiar with monitors in general. I've raised and bred various species of monitors years before there were any "how-to" books on the shelves, and DOCTOR Sprackland's name has always figured largely in the business to those in-the-know (read his bio info: he is, among other things, zoological consultant to the BBC and The History Channel) and I think claims by delusional amateur hobbyists with an axe to grind that this man, who has worked in the field of herpetology for decades, doesn't know what he is saying should be given the utter contempt that they deserve.

This is a good, quick read that cuts to the heart of how monitors live and how to use that information to keep captives. Highly recommended and at a VERY reasonable price.