Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa: All the Reptiles of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi (Hardcover)

~ Stephen Spawls (Author), Kim Howell (Author), Robert C. Drewes (Author), James Ashe (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book breaks new ground: it is the first complete listing and guide to all the known reptiles of the five East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi.) Written by expert East African herpetologists, it incorporates virtually all known information on the East African reptile fauna. Nearly 500 high-quality color photographs illustrate most of the species involved, many of which have never been illustrated in color before. Keys and introductory essays are included for all orders, families, genera, and species, giving clear introductions for every group. There is an individual account for each species, describing its appearance, habits, and habitat, accompanied by a map showing its known distribution within East Africa and notes indicating its Africa-wide distribution as well. Hence this book will be useful not only in East Africa, but in the surrounding countries as well, for which no reptile guides exist. In addition, the descriptions of dangerous snakes include a section on their venom. A comprehensive appendix discusses aspects of snakebite risk and treatment in East Africa and the do's and don'ts of first aid.

Key Features:

• Illustrates nearly all of the c. 420 species found in East Africa
• Contains keys and full descriptions to aid identification
• Contains a distribution map for every species
• Provides information on snakebite and effective first aid

About the Author

Stephen Spawls, Sanford English Community School, Adis Ababa, Ethiopia
Kim Howell, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Robert C. Drewes, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
James Ashe, Bio-Ken Snake Farm and Laboratory, Watamu, Kenya

Product Details

• Hardcover: 543 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press; 1 edition (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0126564701
• ISBN-13: 978-0126564709
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,469,002 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect blend of science and user-friendliness, January 5, 2002

By	Lawrence T Kent "kent648" (Cairo, Egypt) - See all my reviews

I was hoping to be able to buy this book before my trip to Kenya in August 01. Unfortunately, it wasn't yet published at that time. I thought I could pick up a decent field guide in Nairobi, but I was wrong. The best I could find there was a short paperback with fuzzy photos, anecdotes, and very incomplete list of species. Nonetheless, I had a great trip and identified some nice herps.
In December I saw that this Field Guide was out, so I bought it and found it to be outstanding. A nice fat book jam packed with beautiful and useful photos, great descriptions, habitat and range info, and natural history. There is so much precise and credible information in this book it is amazing. So much work must have gone into producing this thing! The species coverage is vast. For example, there is complete info on over thirty species of chameleon. The identification keys are also practical and simple. The writing is straightfoward -- minimal superscientist jargon -- but also precise and complete and consistent. Good sections on how to find herps, how to use the book, dealing with snakebite, etc.
I am very glad I bought this book. The authors have my admiration for this achievement.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reptile Resource and Field Guide, February 16, 2002

By	Kenn Mease-Chamaeleo Research Group "kmease" (Huntsville, Alabama United States) - See all my reviews

The long-awaited field guide to the diverse reptile populations of East Africa. This book was everything I expected it to be and more. Comprehensive listings, excellent photography and detailed information on habitat/distribution, natural history, conservation status etc. I can't say enough good things about this book, the list of authors should speak for themselves! ;-)

No serious herper's library is complete without this book...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REFERENCE for east african herpetology !, March 1, 2004

By	Matt (Rotterdam,Holland.) - See all my reviews

A great book, with descriptions and photos of al known east african reptiles, including distribution maps.
Which i must say could have a little bet bigger and easier to read(country references).

If you are interested in finding the reptiles in the field or keeping them in captivity, you must own this book !