Assesses a wide range of problems presented by poisonous snakes like the Habu and the Brown Treesnake. Topics include behavioral and sensory biology, capture and detection, and biological, ecological, and chemical control. Emphasizes the importance of understanding natural history in formulating management programs. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
This book is the first significant contribution to thoroughly examine the potential hazards associated with snakes of the former family, Colubridae. This family contained >65% of living snake species (approximately 3,000 taxa) and has recently been split into multiple families. Many of these snakes produce oral secretions that contain toxins and other biologically-active substances. A large variety of these snakes figure in the pet industry, yet little documented information or formal study of their potential medical importance has been published. Therefore, although the possible medical importance of many of these species has been subjected to speculation since the mid-nineteenth century, there is a limited amount of useful descriptive information regarding the real hazard (or lack thereof) of snakes belonging to this diverse, artificial family. There is a need for "one-stop shopping" offering information regarding their possible toxicity and clinical relevance as well as recommendations for medical management of their bites. This book is the first synthesis of this information and includes evidence-based risk assessment, hazard rankings and specific recommendations regarding important species, many common in captivity. - Fills a gap in the toxinological, medical and herpetological literature by providing a comprehensive review of this entire assemblage of snakes, with particular attention given to their capacity, real or rumored, to cause harm to humans - A patient-centered, evidence-based approach is applied to analyzing documented case reports of bites inflicted by approximately 100 species - Clinical management of medically significant bites from non-front-fanged colubroids is methodically reviewed, and specific recommendations are provided
This book, while focusing on current preservation challenges posed by the Aga, or Mariana crow, also reflects the larger issues and challenges of biodiversity conservation in all oceanic island ecosystems. It evaluates causes for the continuing decline of the Aga, which exists on only the two southernmost islands in the Mariana archipelago, Guam and Rota, and reviews actions to halt or reverse the decrease. This book reminds us of the importance and challenge of preserving the unique environmental heritage of islands of the Mariana archipelago, the need for increased knowledge to restore and maintain native species and habitats, and the compelling and lasting value of extensive public education to stimulate environmentally informed public policy development.
Winner, 2020 National Outdoor Book Award, Nature and the Environment Snakes inspire extreme reactions. Love or hate these limbless reptiles, almost everyone is fascinated by them. Although snakes are widespread and frequently encountered, they may be more misunderstood than any other group of animals. From giant rattlesnakes to mating dances, there are dozens of myths and misconceptions about snakes. In Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths, wildlife biologist David Steen tackles the most frequently asked questions and clears up prevailing myths. In a conversational style with a bit of humor, Steen presents the relevant biology and natural history of snakes, making the latest scientific research accessible to a general audience. When addressing myths about snakes, he explains how researchers use the scientific method to explain which parts of the myth are biologically plausible and which are not. Steen also takes a close look at conventional wisdom and common advice about snakes. For example, people are told they can distinguish coralsnakes from non-venomous mimics by remembering the rhyme, “red on black, friend of Jack, red on yellow, kill a fellow,” but this tip is only relevant to coralsnakes and two mimics living in the southeastern United States, and it does not always work with other species or in other countries. Enhanced by more than 100 stunning color photographs and three original drawings, Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths encourages readers to learn about the snakes around them and introduces them to how scientists use the scientific method and critical thinking to learn about the natural world. Number Sixty-one: W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series
The report is a study of properties and problems in multilink chains, or snake forms, biological snakes are not considered. The study deals primarily with geometric and kinematic details of movements of snake forms. The problem of general concern is that of placing the head of the snake on a given target. Subproblems arise as various schemes of target acquisition are discussed. Topics considered include minimax (in maximum curvature sense) snakes, sequential control, black box snakes (determining state from error measurements), path constrained target approach, minimum time target approach, binary (two position angle) snakes and adaptive target approach. It is found that the minimax convex snake with equal link lengths has the appearance of a piecewise linear approximation to an arc of a circle plus a straight line segment. Also, a sequential control scheme is developed that will carry the head to the target with a finite number of angle changes. (Author).
In this newly updated edition, veterinary and herpetocultural experts provide answers to the frequently asked question, what's wrong with my snake? This fact-filled book addresses the wide range of physical and behavioural problems that can occur during a snake's life, such as parasite infestation, respiratory infection, loss of appetite, and aggression. Both beginning and advanced snake owners will benefit from the comprehensive coverage and appealing format, which includes easy-to-read medicinal charts and instructive colour photos. Above all, this up-to-date manual offers crucial advice on how to prevent problems or keep them from becoming more serious. All snake keepers will be glad to have this vital information source in their libraries.
Revised and updated with the latest scientific research and updated case studies, the business classic that offers a revealing look at psychopaths in the workplace—how to spot their destructive behavior and stop them from creating chaos in the modern corporate organization. Over the past decade, Snakes in Suits has become the definitive book on how to discover and defend yourself against psychopaths in the office. Now, Dr. Paul Babiak and Dr. Robert D. Hare return with a revised and updated edition of their essential guide. All of us at some point have—or will—come into contact with psychopathic individuals. The danger they present may not be readily apparent because of their ability to charm, deceive, and manipulate. Although not necessarily criminal, their self-serving nature frequently is destructive to the organizations that employ them. So how can we protect ourselves and our organizations in a business climate that offers the perfect conditions for psychopaths to thrive? In Snakes in Suits, Hare, an expert on the scientific study of psychopathy, and Babiak, an industrial and organizational psychologist and a leading authority on the corporate psychopath, examine the role of psychopaths in modern corporations and provide the tools employers can use to avoid and deal with them. Together, they have developed the B-Scan 360, a research tool designed specifically for business professionals. Dr. Babiak and Dr. Hare reveal the secret lives of psychopaths, explain the ways in which they manipulate and deceive, and help you to see through their games. The rapid pace of today’s corporate environment provides the perfect breeding ground for these "snakes in suits" and this newly revised and updated classic gives you the insight, information, and power to protect yourself and your company before it’s too late.
Can you tell if a snake is venomous by its colour? What is the real chance of being bitten by a snake? Can you really die in 30 seconds? Many of us have an instinctive fear of snakes and other reptiles. Over the last 200 years, we have built up a strong negative image of them, especially snakes. It is an image that has been reinforced by many fallacies and misconceptions. Living with Snakes and Other Reptiles provides a layperson’s account of why these creatures behave the way they do and what makes people get into trouble. The book sheds new light on snakes, lizards and crocodiles, helps you to identify them and dispels some common myths and fallacies. In revealing the fascinating world of reptiles, the book provides the reader with the knowledge to better cope with them at home and in the workplace.
In the first book on snakes written with a focus on conservation, editors Stephen J. Mullin and Richard A. Seigel bring together leading herpetologists to review and synthesize the ecology, conservation, and management of snakes worldwide.
Originally published in 1962, and fully updated and colorized by Scott Shupe, Poisonous Snakes of the World is the perfect practical guide to not only snake bite survival, but to understand and identifying every venomous snake on the planet. Even if no life hangs in the balance, this manual is a great reference guide for the outdoors enthusiast, the reptile lover, or anyone with a thirst for pragmatic, how-to knowledge. With this comprehensive edition, you will be armed with one of the most thorough volumes available for dealing with these incredible reptiles, including definitive advice on: Precautions to avoid snake bites. Identifying the symptoms and signs of snake venom poisoning. First-Aid and medical treatments. Recognizing poisonous snakes. Indigenous species to various regions around the world. Sources of Antivenin. Snakes can be among some of the most deadly creatures on the planet. They are also extremely fascinating, and by taking the proper precautions, can be enjoyed and appreciated. From the Monocle Cobra to the Gaboon Viper, learn to fear and respect these incredible reptiles.