So Many Snakes, So Little Time : Uncovering the Secret Lives of Australia’s Serpents

"Snakes are creatures of mystery, arousing fear in many people but fascination in a few. Recent research has transformed our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of these animals, revealed their important roles in diverse ecosystems, and discovered new and effective ways to conserve their populations and to promote coexistence between snakes and people. One of the leading contributors to that scientific revolution has been Prof Rick Shine. Based in Australia, whose snake fauna is diverse and often dangerous, his experiences and anecdotes will inspire a new generation of serpent scientists. Spellbinding stories highlight the challenges, frustrations, and joys of discovery, and give the reader a greater appreciation of these often-slandered slithering reptiles. Key Features Documents the important role played by a preeminent herpetologist. Focuses on research conducted in Australia, especially on snakes. Summarizes highly influential conservation studies. Explores the ways in which research has deepened our understanding of snakes. Related Titles Wallach, V. et al. Snakes of the World: A Catalogue of Living and Extinct Species (ISBN 978-1-1380-3400-6). Boundy, J. Snakes of the World: A Supplement (ISBN 978-1-1386-1813-8). Aldridge, R. D. & D. M. Sever, eds. Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes (ISBN 978-1-5780-8701-3). Caldwell, M. W. The Origin of Snakes: Morphology and the Fossil Record (ISBN 978-1-0321-7769-4). Menez, A. The Subtle Beast: Snakes, from Myth to Medicine (ISBN 978-0-4152-8498-1)"-- Provided by publisher Snakes are creatures of mystery, arousing fear in many people but fascination in a few. Recent research has transformed our understanding of the behaviour and ecology of these animals, revealed their important roles in diverse ecosystems, and discovered new and effective ways to conserve their populations and to promote coexistence between snakes and people. One of the leading contributors to that scientific revolution has been Prof Rick Shine. Based in Australia, whose snake fauna is diverse and often dangerous, his experiences and anecdotes will inspire a new generation of serpent scientists. Spellbinding stories highlight the challenges, frustrations, and joys of discovery, and give the reader a greater appreciation of these often-slandered slithering reptiles. Key Features Documents the important role played by a preeminent herpetologist. Focuses on research conducted in Australia, especially on snakes. Summarizes highly influential conservation studies. Explores the ways in which research has deepened our understanding of snakes. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Preface 8 About the Author 10 Chapter 1 Boyhood and Adolescence 12 Chapter 2 Serpents in the Sheep Paddock 30 Chapter 3 Peering into the Love Lives of Blacksnakes 62 Chapter 4 Long-Dead Snakes at the Museum 92 Chapter 5 A Plethora of Pythons 112 Chapter 6 Between a Rock and a Hard Place 138 Chapter 7 Snakes in Need of a Defamation Lawyer 162 Chapter 8 Rough Characters in the Billabong 184 Chapter 9 Snakes, Rats, and Rainfall 214 Chapter 10 Science on the Floodplain 238 Chapter 11 Our Evolving Relationship with Serpents 258 Acknowledgments 268 Bibliography 270 Index 284 snakes;,herpetology;,conservation;,pythons;,serpents;,poisonous,animals snakes,herpetology,conservation,pythons,serpents,poisonous animals