A Field Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa
Southern Africas 145 snake species and important sub
species form a group of the greatest interest and beauty. This
book offers a comprehensive guide to identification and a
fascinating introduction to the understanding of reptiles and
their way of life.
Coverage. Of the species and important subspecies of
southern African serpents, 70 are found only here, 10 extend
northwards, 54 are intruders from the north, 3 are wide-
spread throughout Africa, and 1, the Black-and-Yellow Sea
Snake, is occasionally washed up on the eastern and
southern shores. Some 65 are non-venomous, 45 are mildly
poisonous and 35 extremely so; but most are useful to man,
though persecuted through ignorance and fear.
Description. Every snake is fully described, with its English,
Afrikaans and scientific names, its shape and length, scale
pattern, colouring and distribution within the region. There
are notes on all aspects of its frequency, habits or habitats
relevant to identification or of particular interest, and in the
case of venomous species notes on the type and strength of
poison, aggressiveness and method of attack.
There is also a concise introduction to snakes and a guide
to the different types of snake venom, their effect and the
dos and donts in the different cases of snake bite.
Identification. On pages 39 to 64 there is a full Key based on
colour groupings: yellow, green, grey, brown, black, banded,
barred, spotted, speckled or striped.
Illustration. The 56 most conspicuous species have been
beautifully painted in colour by A.H. Barrett and 38 others are
illustrated in photographs.
The author. Dr FitzSimons, lately Director of the Transvaal
Museum, is the world authority on the subject.
