African Snakes: Behaviour and Biology

From bush vipers to burrowing asps

snakes thrive in every habitat on the African continent. Discover how these oft-misunderstood reptiles perceive their world, defend themselves, feed and breed. This user-friendly book includes:

• The evolutionary history of snakes, with profiles of the eight families found in Africa today

• Detailed notes on inner and outer anatomy, explaining why these limbless creatures flourish in every corner of the continent

• In-depth explanations of snake behaviours, such as diverse hunting techniques and defence mechanisms

• Profiles of particularly interesting species, like the highly specialised Egg-eater and aquatic Yellow-bellied Sea Snake

• Answers to dozens of frequently asked questions: Which species is the most dangerous? How do snakes swallow prey that is larger than their head?

• Breakdown of handy diagnostic characteristics to help identify snakes in the wild