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BOOKS BY OUR
MEMBERS.
Many of our members are authors on the subject of herpetology.
Buying their books helps fund their incredible work.
Courtney Hundermark.
A Guide to the Reptiles of Prince Albert & the Swartberg Pass
Publishing date: November 2024
Pages: 114
Synopsis: The Karoo is home to an array of unique and diverse biota, both flora and fauna. This basic field guide aims to promote interest and appreciation for some of the region's lesser-known and often maligned inhabitants - the reptiles. Fully illustrated, this publication introduces the reader to over 70 reptile species known to occur from Prince Albert to the Swartberg. Diagnostic photographs accompany physical descriptions and field notes for each species, as well as including a brief overview of snake venoms and envenomation by snakebite.
Publishing date: November 2024
Pages: 114
Synopsis: The Karoo is home to an array of unique and diverse biota, both flora and fauna. This basic field guide aims to promote interest and appreciation for some of the region's lesser-known and often maligned inhabitants - the reptiles. Fully illustrated, this publication introduces the reader to over 70 reptile species known to occur from Prince Albert to the Swartberg. Diagnostic photographs accompany physical descriptions and field notes for each species, as well as including a brief overview of snake venoms and envenomation by snakebite.
Ruan Stander.
The REPTILES of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
Publish date: September 2023
Pages: 367
Synopsis: Worm or lizard? Legless skink or snake – actually, what’s a skink? Reptiles come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colours. The Kruger National Park is home to 125 of South Africa’s 434 species. All except six of these living gems also occur in the Limpopo Province, from which a staggering total of 204 species are known. The region boasts the highest reptile diversity in South Africa – half of the country’s herpetofauna occurs here and more than 40 species are endemic. Several are newly described and have never been pictured in a popular field guide, while many have undergone significant taxonomic revision. This volume is packed with first-hand information and brings the region’s 210 species and their habitats to life with more than 600 photographs. This book is an indispensable resource for any serious African herpetologist, ecologist, nature guide, game ranger and hunter. Nevertheless, it is purposefully crafted to offer a gateway into the fascinating world of reptiles for enthusiasts, budding naturalists and the youth. It includes a foreword by Johan Marais, a detailed overview of the region's biogeography and provides common names in the Sepedi, Xitsonga, Tshivenda and Afrikaans languages.
Publish date: September 2023
Pages: 367
Synopsis: Worm or lizard? Legless skink or snake – actually, what’s a skink? Reptiles come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colours. The Kruger National Park is home to 125 of South Africa’s 434 species. All except six of these living gems also occur in the Limpopo Province, from which a staggering total of 204 species are known. The region boasts the highest reptile diversity in South Africa – half of the country’s herpetofauna occurs here and more than 40 species are endemic. Several are newly described and have never been pictured in a popular field guide, while many have undergone significant taxonomic revision. This volume is packed with first-hand information and brings the region’s 210 species and their habitats to life with more than 600 photographs. This book is an indispensable resource for any serious African herpetologist, ecologist, nature guide, game ranger and hunter. Nevertheless, it is purposefully crafted to offer a gateway into the fascinating world of reptiles for enthusiasts, budding naturalists and the youth. It includes a foreword by Johan Marais, a detailed overview of the region's biogeography and provides common names in the Sepedi, Xitsonga, Tshivenda and Afrikaans languages.
Blouberg Nature Reserve - A Visitor's Guide
Publish date: February 2024
Pages: 98
Synopsis: This Ebook provides a basic overview of the rich endemism, biodiversity, geology and tourist attractions & amenities of the Blouberg Nature Reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It also features checklists of various organisms recorded from within the reserve such as butterflies, mammals, trees, reptiles, birds and more.
Publish date: February 2024
Pages: 98
Synopsis: This Ebook provides a basic overview of the rich endemism, biodiversity, geology and tourist attractions & amenities of the Blouberg Nature Reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It also features checklists of various organisms recorded from within the reserve such as butterflies, mammals, trees, reptiles, birds and more.
Rupert Wilkey.
Field Guide to the Snakes of Eswatini offers a complete account of all 63 snake species recorded in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, over 300 images in all. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits and diet. Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Eswatini’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
The authors each bring nearly 50 years of fieldwork and research experience together in this groundbreaking guide. It will appeal to the experienced herpetologist as well as amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists.
Bibliographic Information 20 November 2025
208 pages
350 colour photos
605 g
9781784275457
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Eswatini’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
The authors each bring nearly 50 years of fieldwork and research experience together in this groundbreaking guide. It will appeal to the experienced herpetologist as well as amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists.
Bibliographic Information 20 November 2025
208 pages
350 colour photos
605 g
9781784275457
Field Guide to the Snakes of Malawi provides a complete account of all 67 snake species recorded in Malawi. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, over 200 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits and diet.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Malawi’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
This book brings together over 40 years of personal research by the authors – gathered from almost 6,000 individual specimens collected, catalogued and released – as well as previously unseen data from the 1960s on some of Malawi’s rarest species. It is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Malawi.
Bibliographic Information
21 July 2026
288 pages
200 colour photos
500 g
9781784276676
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Malawi’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
This book brings together over 40 years of personal research by the authors – gathered from almost 6,000 individual specimens collected, catalogued and released – as well as previously unseen data from the 1960s on some of Malawi’s rarest species. It is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Malawi.
Bibliographic Information
21 July 2026
288 pages
200 colour photos
500 g
9781784276676
Field Guide to the Snakes of Zimbabwe provides a complete account of all 87 snake species recorded in Zimbabwe. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, almost 300 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits, diet and local name.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Zimbabwe’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Zimbabwe’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Zimbabwe.
Bibliographic Information
13 July 2027
308 pages
300 colour photos
500 g
9781784276706
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Zimbabwe’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Zimbabwe’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Zimbabwe.
Bibliographic Information
13 July 2027
308 pages
300 colour photos
500 g
9781784276706
Field Guide to the Snakes of Botswana provides a complete account of all 71 snake species recorded in Botswana. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, almost 300 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits, diet and local name.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Botswana’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Botswana’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Botswana.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Botswana’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Botswana’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Botswana.
Pocket Guide to the Snakes of Eswatini
187 species images + 13 additional images.
This pocket guide describes all 63 recorded snake species found in Eswatini.
Of those 63 species, only 7 are capable of inflicting a fatal bite on humans. Despite this, many of the remaining species are needlessly killed, either due to misidentification or fear.
This book hopes to provide a quick and easy-to-use identification guide for anyone visiting Eswatini.
Pages: 191
Published by Hermit Books (SA)
187 species images + 13 additional images.
This pocket guide describes all 63 recorded snake species found in Eswatini.
Of those 63 species, only 7 are capable of inflicting a fatal bite on humans. Despite this, many of the remaining species are needlessly killed, either due to misidentification or fear.
This book hopes to provide a quick and easy-to-use identification guide for anyone visiting Eswatini.
Pages: 191
Published by Hermit Books (SA)
Sarah Nann.
Field Guide to the Snakes of Eswatini offers a complete account of all 63 snake species recorded in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, over 300 images in all. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits and diet. Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Eswatini’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
The authors each bring nearly 50 years of fieldwork and research experience together in this groundbreaking guide. It will appeal to the experienced herpetologist as well as amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists.
Bibliographic Information 20 November 2025
208 pages
350 colour photos
605 g
9781784275457
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Eswatini’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
The authors each bring nearly 50 years of fieldwork and research experience together in this groundbreaking guide. It will appeal to the experienced herpetologist as well as amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists.
Bibliographic Information 20 November 2025
208 pages
350 colour photos
605 g
9781784275457
Field Guide to the Snakes of Malawi provides a complete account of all 67 snake species recorded in Malawi. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, over 200 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits and diet.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Malawi’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
This book brings together over 40 years of personal research by the authors – gathered from almost 6,000 individual specimens collected, catalogued and released – as well as previously unseen data from the 1960s on some of Malawi’s rarest species. It is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Malawi.
Bibliographic Information
21 July 2026
288 pages
200 colour photos
500 g
9781784276676
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Malawi’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
This book brings together over 40 years of personal research by the authors – gathered from almost 6,000 individual specimens collected, catalogued and released – as well as previously unseen data from the 1960s on some of Malawi’s rarest species. It is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Malawi.
Bibliographic Information
21 July 2026
288 pages
200 colour photos
500 g
9781784276676
Field Guide to the Snakes of Zimbabwe provides a complete account of all 87 snake species recorded in Zimbabwe. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, almost 300 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits, diet and local name.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Zimbabwe’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Zimbabwe’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Zimbabwe.
Bibliographic Information
13 July 2027
308 pages
300 colour photos
500 g
9781784276706
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Zimbabwe’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Zimbabwe’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Zimbabwe.
Bibliographic Information
13 July 2027
308 pages
300 colour photos
500 g
9781784276706
Field Guide to the Snakes of Botswana provides a complete account of all 71 snake species recorded in Botswana. Each species is illustrated with stunning photographs, almost 300 images in all, as well as up-to-date distribution maps. The species are described in detail, including size, colouration, habits, diet and local name.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Botswana’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Botswana’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Botswana.
Species are presented in colour-coded groups based on the severity of their bite and venom: highly venomous, venomous, venomous but not dangerous, and non-venomous. This system enables the reader to quickly assess the treatment required following a bite and to seek appropriate first aid.
Each species is contained in a double-page spread, making it easy for the reader to see all information on that particular snake, and also facilitating easy comparison by flicking between species. Dedicated sections also consider similar-looking species side by side, while there is also a wide-ranging discussion of snake behaviour, Botswana’s habitats and a host of other fascinating and useful information.
Superseding all previous publications on Botswana’s snakes, this book is an essential reference for the experienced herpetologist as well as a useful guide for amateur naturalists, hikers and tourists visiting Botswana.
Pocket Guide to the Snakes of Eswatini
187 species images + 13 additional images.
This pocket guide describes all 63 recorded snake species found in Eswatini.
Of those 63 species, only 7 are capable of inflicting a fatal bite on humans. Despite this, many of the remaining species are needlessly killed, either due to misidentification or fear.
This book hopes to provide a quick and easy-to-use identification guide for anyone visiting Eswatini.
Pages: 191
Published by Hermit Books (SA)
187 species images + 13 additional images.
This pocket guide describes all 63 recorded snake species found in Eswatini.
Of those 63 species, only 7 are capable of inflicting a fatal bite on humans. Despite this, many of the remaining species are needlessly killed, either due to misidentification or fear.
This book hopes to provide a quick and easy-to-use identification guide for anyone visiting Eswatini.
Pages: 191
Published by Hermit Books (SA)
Tyrone Ping.
A first of its kind for the region, extensively covering the snakes and reptiles of KwaZulu-Natal. Beautifully laid out across 280 pages, 300 colour photographs, concisely written species accounts and species maps of close to 170 species of snakes and reptiles found in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Author: Tyrone Ping
ISBN: 978-0-620-93177-9
Format: Soft Cover
Release Date: 2022
Publisher: Pachydactylus Press Written and Printed In South Africa
Pages: 280
All books are signed upon shipping
Author: Tyrone Ping
ISBN: 978-0-620-93177-9
Format: Soft Cover
Release Date: 2022
Publisher: Pachydactylus Press Written and Printed In South Africa
Pages: 280
All books are signed upon shipping
In this guide, Tyrone showcases these species in detail, with over 450 colour photographs, concisely written accounts and NEW distribution maps of each species that have been recorded in the region.
The Western Cape is a diverce region with an abundance of unique fauna and flora.
With over 150 species of reptiles, some of the most iconic venomous snakes call the Western Cape home, from the Cape Cobra, Puff Adder and the Boomslang.
Some of the most recently described reptiles have been found in the Western Cape.
Author: Tyrone Ping
ISBN: 978-0-620-98814-5
Format: Soft Cover
Release Date: 2023
Publisher: Pachydactylus Press Written and Printed In South Africa
Pages: 300
All books are signed upon shipping.
The Western Cape is a diverce region with an abundance of unique fauna and flora.
With over 150 species of reptiles, some of the most iconic venomous snakes call the Western Cape home, from the Cape Cobra, Puff Adder and the Boomslang.
Some of the most recently described reptiles have been found in the Western Cape.
Author: Tyrone Ping
ISBN: 978-0-620-98814-5
Format: Soft Cover
Release Date: 2023
Publisher: Pachydactylus Press Written and Printed In South Africa
Pages: 300
All books are signed upon shipping.
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