From the legendary, fear-inspiring Western Diamondback rattlesnake to the tiny, harmless Plains blind snake, Texas has a greater diversity of snake species than any other state in the country. Recognizing the public's need for a complete guide to identifying and understanding Texas' snakes, two of the state's most respected herpetologists have joined forces to create this definitive reference to all 109 species and sub-species of Texas snakes. Well-written species accounts describe each snake's appearance, lookalikes, size, habitat, behavior, feeding, and reproduction. The authors also include color photos and finely detailed line drawings to aid field identification, along with accurate range maps, a checklist of Texas snakes, a key to the species, and a brief discussion of classification and taxonomy. The authors round out this volume with essays on snake myths and misinformation, snakebite and its prevention, conservation, Texas biotic provinces, and a brief history of Texas herpetology.

"Field guide to all snake species in Texas with a color photo, range map, and information on identifying characteristics and behavior for each snake"--Provided by publisher.

The State of Texas not only boasts the largest snakes in North America, but also the largest number of species—105. This guide describes in detail each and every one of them, from the benign Texas long-nosed snake, to the venomous Western Cottonmouth. Facts on the biology and behavior are given, plus the latest findings on abundance, reproduction, prey, sizes, and habitat. In addition, introductory chapters describe the physiology and diet of snakes, and an all-important section on "Venom and Evenomation" debunks the many myths surrounding what to do when bit by a venomous snake. 128 color plates of species and subspecies aid in identification.

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.

In clear, engaging prose, "Snakes" provides an up-to-date summary of every facet of the natural history of snakes--their diversity, evolution, and conservation--and, at the same time, makes a personal statement about why these animals are so compelling. 215 color photos. 3 tables.

As a longtime Austin resident and writer for the Texas Historical Commission, Andy Rhodes knows the best ways to experience the Lone Star State. In keeping with the "everything is bigger in Texas” motif the state is famous for, Rhodes covers a colossal amount of sights and activities, including catching up-and-coming indie bands at Austin's South by Southwest music festival and exploring the rugged landscape of Big Bend National Park. Rhodes also offers unique trip strategies that help travelers plan trips according to their interests, such as Texas Food—an exploration of Southern cooking and Tex-Mex—and Overlooked Natural Wonders. With detailed information on everything from surfing and fishing the Gulf Coast to checking out museums in Dallas, Moon Texas gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

This benchmark volume documents in comprehensive detail a major environmental crisis: rapidly declining amphibian populations and the disturbing developmental problems that are increasingly prevalent within many amphibian species. Horror stories on this topic have been featured in the scientific and popular press over the past fifteen years, invariably asking what amphibian declines are telling us about the state of the environment. Are declines harbingers of devastated ecosystems or simply weird reflections of a peculiar amphibian world? This compendium—presenting new data, reviews of current literature, and comprehensive species accounts—reinforces what scientists have begun to suspect, that amphibians are a lens through which the state of the environment can be viewed more clearly. And, that the view is alarming and presages serious concerns for all life, including that of our own species. The first part of this work consists of more than fifty essays covering topics from the causes of declines to conservation, surveys and monitoring, and education. The second part consists of species accounts describing the life history and natural history of every known amphibian species in the United States.

A summary of the natural history and maintenance in captivity of all species of snakes found in the United States and Canada. It is intended to provide a reference source for North American libraries, veterinary clinics treating North American snakes, zookeepers and herpetoculturalists.

Easy-to-use, comprehensive reference covering the less common species encountered in general veterinary practice Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine provides easy-to-access, detailed information on a wide variety of exotic species that can be encountered in general veterinary practice. Offering excellent coverage of topics such as basic techniques, preventative health measures, and a formulary for each species, each chapter uses the same easy-to-follow format so that users can find information quickly while working in the clinic. Presented in full colour, with over 400 photographs, the book gives small animal practitioners the confidence to handle and treat more familiar pets such as budgerigars, African grey parrots, bearded dragons, corn snakes, tortoises, pygmy hedgehogs, hamsters and rats. Other species that may be presented less frequently including skunks, marmosets, sugar gliders, koi carp, chameleons and terrapins are also covered in detail to enable clinicians to quickly access relevant information. Provides comprehensive coverage of many exotic pet species that veterinarians may encounter in general practice situations Presents evidence-based discussions of topics including biological parameters, husbandry, clinical evaluation, hospitalization requirements, common medical and surgical conditions, radiographic imaging, and more The Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine is an ideal one-stop reference for the busy general practitioner seeing the occasional exotic animal, veterinary surgeons with an established exotic animal caseload, veterinary students and veterinary nurses wishing to further their knowledge.