Provides warnings about potentially life-threatening species, suggests precautions to avoid envenomation, and outlines procedures in the event of envenomation, plus information on appearance, behavior and ecological roles.

A guide to help people, both experienced and novices, identify reptiles and amphibians in Arizona

Venom research and technology has advanced greatly, rapidly transforming our knowledge of reptile venoms. Research advances, like the development of molecular systematics, provide the framework necessary to reconstruct the evolutionary history of glands and fangs. Such research developments have expanded our understanding of venom's evolution and its usefulness in therapeutic development. The results of this punctuated toxin molecular evolutionary expansion include protein neofunctionalization. While these changes may impact antivenom efficacy, this molecular diversity also facilitates their usefulness in the development of novel drug therapies. Venomous Reptiles And Their Toxins brings together the world's leading toxinologists in this comprehensive study of the entire scope of reptile venoms, from clinical effects to evolution to drug design and development. The book contains detailed applied chapters on clinical care of the envenomed patient, ineffective traditional or modern remedies, occupational considerations involved in the maintenance of institutional venomous reptile collections, veterinary care for venomous reptiles and research methods used in venom research. This book also devotes a chapter to each toxin class found in reptile venoms, detailing the full trajectory of research on the peptide or protein in question. These chapters discuss each toxin's respective role in the envenomation process through to how each has been explored for their biomedical potential. This book is a unique resource for anyone working with venomous reptiles.

Snakes of Southeast Arizona: This fact-filled identification guide is an excellent resource for all outdoor and nature enthusiasts. It describes 38 species of snakes found in southeastern Arizona (south of the Gila River and east of the Baboquivari Mountains to the Mexican and New Mexico borders) including all 10 species of venomous snakes that inhabit the area. The guide also features color photos that make it ideal for field use. Common and scientific names, average adult size, habitat, diet, and behavior are described. Tips on field identification and safety instructions are also presented. The 12 panels of this laminated and waterproof guide fold up into a handy pocket-size, making it sturdy enough to withstand repeated use in the field.

The first volume contains species accounts of the venomous lizards and elapid and viperid snakes found north of Mexico's twenty-fifth parallel. Volume two covers the twenty-one species of rattlesnakes found in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.

Rattlesnake? Copperhead? Cottonmouth? When to stay and when to run from nature s coolest...

"This is the first comprehensive treatment of the biology of the Monstersauria in nearly 50 years, during which time our knowledge has increased dramatically. It gives the reader an unprecedented opportunity to understand the evolution, ecology, and behavior of gila monsters and beaded lizards, as well as insights into folklore, venom, and threats to the existence of these fabled animals."--William Cooper, Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne "Beck is the foremost authority on these animals and has published extensively on them. He provides a highly readable and fascinating summary of their biology."--Jonathan Campbell, author of Venomous Reptiles of Latin America