A Guide to the Snakes of Uganda

A Guide to the Snakes of Uganda by Charles R. S. Pitman is a landmark herpetological reference, revised and published in 1974 by Wheldon & Wesley of Codicote. This edition spans 290 pages, plus fold-out charts and 32 plates featuring color and monochrome illustrations, enabling detailed species identification. It remains one of the most authoritative and comprehensive guides on Uganda's snake fauna, combining taxonomy, ecology, and cultural context in one well-catered volume.

In the guide, Pitman outlines the geographical distribution of snake species across Uganda, linking distribution data with environmental factors and habitat variability. He presents an up-to-date systematic list of snakes, accompanied by detailed species accounts that include morphology, behavior, venom properties and, importantly, treatment for snakebite. His discussion extends beyond pure biology to include cultural aspects such as snake worship and folklore, providing readers not only with natural history data but also a socio-anthropological perspective on humansnake interactions.

For herpetologists, medical professionals, conservationists and natural-history libraries, A Guide to the Snakes of Ugandais an indispensable resource. Its revised 1974 edition reflects Pitman's deep expertise he served as a warden in East Africa and offers both precision for specialists and readability for serious lay readers. Collectors of African natural history or classic field-guides will particularly appreciate this edition's balance of scientific rigour and cultural insight.