Few reptiles command more respect than the mighty boas and pythons.
Prized for their size, relative docility, and spectacular coloration and
patterning, they are the most dramatic snakes in the world. But the same
snakes that many consider gentle giants--the Green Anaconda can exceed
twelve yards in length--are also finely tuned killing machines. In Boas
and Pythons of the World, renowned snake expert Mark O'Shea takes
readers on an exciting continent-by-continent journey to look at these
snakes in their native habitats. Stunning color photographs and
intriguing stories from O'Shea's encounters with these snakes in the
wild bring these reptiles to life.
There is a tremendous variety of boas and pythons. While the largest are
measured in yards, the smallest, the Javelin Sand Boa, is no longer than
thirty-two inches. And they inhabit a vast range of habitats on five
continents, from stony desert to lush tropical forest. In more than one
hundred detailed species accounts, Boas and Pythons of the World
examines snakes as different as the cryptically patterned Madagascan
Ground Boa and Australasia's beautiful Green Tree Python.
Although some of these snakes are capable of attacking and killing
humans, boas and pythons are much more likely to be man's victims.
Across the world, these snakes are retreating in the face of habitat
destruction, hunting, and climate change. Addressing the dire risks they
face, O'Shea discusses what can be done to help save what are among our
most fascinating reptiles.
- Snake expert Mark O'Shea's tour of the fascinating world of boas,
pythons, and basal snakes--from primitive blindsnakes to the mighty
anaconda
- Dramatic accounts of O'Shea's personal encounters with these great
snakes in their natural habitats--on five continents
- Detailed information about the snakes' habitats and behaviors
- Over 150 superb color photographs that capture the diverse beauty of
more than 100 species, including rarely seen and endangered species
- Two world maps showing the distribution of the various families of
boas, pythons, and basal snakes
