This book is the monograph of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake by D. Bruce Means. Its publication is a culmination of over 40 years of long-term, in-depth study of the world's largest rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus. In the preface Means writes, "The limited biological knowledge available for this species is all the more amazing when one considers the economic impact of Crotalus adamanteus. Because of its large size and highly toxic venom, it is arguably the most dangerous venomous snake in the United States and Canada, accounting for more human mortality than any other species (Klauber 1972; Parrish 1980). Its ecological importance may be even more significant, however. The eastern diamondback is a major predator of the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), a significant crop pest that is probably the most abundant rodent in the southeastern United States (Lowery 1974). Moreover, the eastern diamondback, which weighs up to about thirteen pounds (5.9 kilograms), is the largest cold-blooded terrestrial vertebrate living in the temperate zones of the earth (Means 1985)."
Provides a wealth of basic information about this poisonous pit viper, including its physical characeteristics, habitat, food habits and defense mechanisms.
Danny Diamondback is a young rattlesnake who slithers into the world on his own and tries to make some friends. But two jackrabbits, a family of sparrows, and a whole town of prairie dogs run from the mere sight of him. You see, Danny's ma and pa never told him he was a deadly poisonous snake! But when one fearless little prairie dog discovers that Danny's tail provides just the beat his band is missing, Danny is invited to join the Hoppin' Jalapeños. Danny has finally found some friends—at least until his disguise goes flying and the audience runs away in fear! Will anyone ever see beyond Danny's rattles, or will he be a lonely snake forever?
A century and a half ago, just before the Cherokee people were driven at bayonet-point from their ancestral Great Smokies home to the Oklahoma reservation, they hid their gold mines. Four thousand died on that infamous Trail of Tears, and their secrets died with them. Now, solitary prospector Moses Kyle discovers one of the ancient lost mines. And disappears. Among those looking for Moses are pilot John Hardin and Cherokee biker Kitty Birdsong. But also on the hunt in the misty folds of the Blue Ridge is a murderous family clan rooted in the worst kind of evil, along with a group of cult members led by a fanatical snake-handling preacher. When naked greed erupts into violence, John and Kitty must fight for their lives. "A beautifully written high-octane thriller." -Ridley Pearson. NY Times best-selling author.
A fascinating look at the diamond-backed terrapin—an important, iconic, and imperiled American reptile. The diamond-backed terrapin is not only a uniquely evolved and beautiful turtle, it also has a long history as a vital American food source. Once so numerous that people reportedly grew tired of eating them, diamond-backed terrapins are greatly reduced in numbers today and have become an icon of salt marsh conservation. Considerably diminished in some areas and struggling to survive, this distinctive brackish water turtle is the focus of intense conservation efforts. In Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin, leading terrapin researcher Willem M. Roosenburg and experienced science editor Victor S. Kennedy have brought together a group of expert scientists to summarize our current understanding of terrapin biology, physiology, behavior, and conservation efforts. Over the course of 19 comprehensive chapters, contributors • review the latest information on this charismatic species • provide a detailed summary of the terrapin's natural history • explain the threats to terrapin population stability throughout their range • examine ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the reptile's survival • present convincing arguments for the value of the diamond-backed terrapin as an estuarine indicator organism • use the terrapin as a model for studying the consequences of exploitation and environmental degradation on long-lived species This exceptional book provides pivotal information for estuarine and turtle biologists, terrapin enthusiasts, natural historians, educators, conservationists, resource managers, and students. Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin is the definitive volume on this important American reptile. Contributors: Benjamin K. Atkinson, Harold W. Avery, Patrick J. Baker, Ralph E.J. Boerner, Russell L. Burke, Joseph A. Butler, Randolph M. Chambers, Paul E. Converse, Brian A. Crawford, Rusty D. Day, Dana J. Ehret, J. Whitfield Gibbons, Kathryn M. Greene, Leigh Anne Harden, Andrew S. Harrison, Kristen M. Hart, George L. Heinrich, Dawn K. Holliday, Victor S. Kennedy, Shawn R. Kuchta, Lori A. Lester, Jeffrey E. Lovich, John C. Maerz, David Owens, Allen R. Place, Taylor Roberge, Willem M. Roosenburg, Richard A. Seigel, Amanda Southwood Williard, Edward A. Standora, Anton D. Tucker, Diane C. Tulipani, Timothy J. Walsh, Thane Wibbels, Will Williams, Roger C. Wood
The Pathfinder is a novel in which West Point graduate Lincoln Davis comes to realize that Vietnamese orphaned girls were not being captured by enemy forces as assumed; rather, they were being forced into an international human trafficking scheme. With the assistance of a friend and fellow West Pointer, Lincoln Davis arranges for two Vietnamese sisters to testify against those who took the girls into captivity under the cover of war. In The Pathfinder, Lincoln Davis becomes a soldier at war with the known enemy in the jungles of Vietnam. The battles of an infantry unit in Vietnam present a variety of life-threatening challenges. However, the battle of the unknown enemy in a human trafficking scheme reveals that war comes in a variety of settings. Bringing the bad guys into court and providing a loving family for young displaced heroes doesn't guarantee that the battle is over in the end.
Canada is a world leader in biological control research. Reporting the status of biocontrol agents released in Canada over the last decade, this book presents case studies by target pest that evaluate the impact of biocontrol and recommend future priorities. In addition to a new chapter on future targets and an appendix listing established agents, this edition contains information of interest to a global audience, and chapters that address effects of invasive species and climate change.
