Introduces the spitting cobra, which in spite of its common name spreads its venom by spraying, and describes its habitat, appearance, and habits.

Introduces the spitting cobra, which in spite of its common name spreads its venom by spraying, and describes its habitat, appearance, and habits.

Describes the physical characteristics, diet, and life cycle of cobras and discusses their relationship with humans.

The Spitting Cobra is the first in a new series of four books set in ancient Egypt. Each book is a fantastically atmospheric evocation of Egyptian life encased in an exciting adventure story. The boy and girl characters, Hopi and Isis, feature in each book and readers will be intrigued to follow their struggles for existence and adventure in Egypt circa 1150 BC. The Spitting Cobra opens the series with a gripping adventure of royal proportions as Hopi and Isis, orphaned when crocodiles kill their parents, are due to perform for the Pharoah's tomb builders near the legendary Valley of the Kings. But the villagers fall under suspicion when the heavily guarded royal tombs are broken into. Can Isis and Hopi discover the truth about the robberies - in time?

Tracks and Shadows is both an absorbing autobiography of a celebrated field biologist and a celebration of beauty in nature. Harry W. Greene, award-winning author of Snakes, delves into the poetry of field biology, showing how nature eases our existential quandaries. More than a memoir, the book is about the wonder of snakes, the beauty of studying and understanding natural history, and the importance of sharing the love of nature with humanity. Illustrations.

Presents animals that have strange and unique characteristics or behaviors that help them survive.

"Engaging images accompany information about spitting cobras. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 2 through 7."--

The definitive reference guide to all of Africa's venomous snakes, written by two 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 species have venom that can prove fatal. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa is an indispensable guide to these reptiles. It covers all 137 dangerous snake species in Africa, along with another 70 species that are easily confused with them. All are described, with each account looking in detail at their identification, habitat and distribution, behaviour and venom, as well as how to treat bites and a selection of photographs, accompanied by an accurate range map. Introductory sections cover the major snake groups, their venom characteristics, how to avoid snake bites and first-aid advice. This comprehensive book is an essential tool for all naturalists, conservationists, educators, field workers and medical personnel throughout Africa.

Note that there is a companion website for this book and it can be seen at: http://secretsofthesnakecharmer.blogspot.com/ Humans and snakes have an intimate and ancient relationship that often revolves around either love or hate. Snakes can be seen as gods, spiritual messengers, symbols of fertility, and guardians of resources in virtually all cultures. But to those that fear them, snakes are seen as venomous creatures that cannot be trusted. In Secrets of the Snake Charmer, John Murphy, a research associate of the Division of Amphibians and Reptiles in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, provides an in-depth, twenty-first century look at snakes utilizing the published research of other herpetologists as well as his own personal experiences and speculations. Murphy covers a wide range of topics such as the adaptability of snakes, the ways in which evolution has tinkered with snakes during the last 160 million years, and the impact snakes have on the ecological communities they live in. While sharing ideas about the origin of snakes, rattlesnake rattles, and spitting in cobras, Murphy presents an innovative portrayal of snakes that proves they co-evolve with their prey, predators, and parasites in order to fulfill a significant and novel role in the web of life.

This long-awaited third edition of A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded. New information based on scientific research relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms has been included in the species accounts. Features of this book: Covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour; species descriptions are accompanied by full-colour photographs and distribution maps; simple icons make essential information available at a glance; a separate ‘key features’ box assists in quickly identifying species in the field; chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. Sales points: A guide to all snakes, dangerous and harmless, in southern Africa; practical first-aid advice for snakebite; packed with full-colour images; icons, maps and concise text make identification simple.