The definitive reference guide to all of Africa's venomous snakes, written by a team of internationally acclaimed herpetologists.
Africa is a true hotspot for snake diversity, with several hundred species. Unfortunately, a scared snake or one that is trodden on may bite, and some have venom that can prove fatal. This book is an indispensable guide to these reptiles, packed with information on the animals along with advice on what to do should the worst happen.
Dangerous Snakes of Africa covers all dangerous snake species in Africa--a total of 136 species, along with 70 species that are easily confused with them. Each species account looks in detail at identification, habitat and distribution, behavior and venom, and how to treat bites, accompanied by a map and a selection of photographs. Introductory sections cover the major snake groups, their distribution and venom characteristics, how to avoid snake bites and first aid advice.
Author(s): Steve Spawls, Bill Branch
Publisher: Bloomsbury Wildlife
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 336
City: London
Cover
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Africa’s Snakes: which ones are dangerous?
Where are the dangerous snakes in Africa?
Using the maps in this book
A note on conservation
Identifying a snake
Dangerous front-fanged snakes
Vipers
Elapids (cobras, mambas and relatives)
African snakes (house snakes and allies: burrowing asps and harlequin snakes)
Dangerous rear-fanged and fangless snakes
Pythons
Colubrid snakes
African snakes
Look-alikes and common species
Snakebite in Africa: the big picture
What needs to be done?
African snake venoms
Avoiding snakebite
Who is at risk, when and where?
What happens when a snake bites, and how bad will it be?
Snakebite first aid: dos and don’ts
Spitting snakes: first aid for venom in the eyes
Treatment of snakebite at a medical centre: initial procedures
Syndromes of envenoming
When will antivenom be used?
Giving antivenom
Use of antivenom by a lay person
Appendix
Current producers of snakebite antivenom useful for Africa
Useful literature
Useful websites and forums
Checklists of dangerous snakes from the regions and countries of Africa
List of medical and snakebite terms
Glossary
Index
