<p><b><i>A comprehensive introduction to the biology and natural history of snakes.</i></b></p><p>Authoritative and up-to-date text, abundant full-color photographs and worldwide coverage of species make <b><i>Snakes</i></b> an excellent source of information for all readers. From garter snakes and vipers to boas and pythons, <b><i>Snakes</i></b> describes the biology and natural history of snakes, highlighting the variety and complexity of this group that includes almost 3,000 living species.</p><p><b><i>Snakes</i></b> describes this ecologically important group of animals in easily understood text that covers:</p><ul><li>Anatomy and locomotion</li><li>Senses</li><li>Unusual behaviors</li><li>Lifestyle</li><li>Diet</li><li>Reproduction</li><li>Habitat</li><li>Conservation status. </li></ul><p>The book gives worldwide coverage of snake species, with the use of examples from around the globe, including:</p><ul><li>Primitive burrowing snakes</li><li>Sunbeam snakes</li><li>Boas and pythons</li><li>The Round Island boa</li><li>Dwarf boas</li><li>File snakes</li><li>Burrowing asps</li><li>Rat snakes, racers, garter snakes and relatives</li><li>Cobras, coral snakes, kraits, taipans and sea snakes</li><li>Vipers. </li></ul><p>This stunningly illustrated guide to the snakes of the world shows that they are a vital group of animals that should be valued and admired rather than feared and hated. It is an essential reference that should not be missed.</p>