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Since the publication of The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America by Cornell University Press in 1989, scientific discoveries and taxonomic changes have resulted in the addition of many taxa and species to the herpetological fauna of the Western Hemisphere. This updated, heavily rewritten, and greatly expanded version of that book now includes accounts of all 192 species of venomous snakes and lizards found in the Western Hemisphere. This two-volume set is illustrated with stunning colour photographs, including portraits of venomous reptiles (many of which are unique in showing newly discovered species and views of male, female, and juvenile individuals); images of snakebites, an important tool for diagnosis and treatment; colour vegetation and topographic maps; black-and-white photographs; line figures; and completely revised distribution maps.
Volume I includes a list of tables, preface, introduction, and regional/country accounts with related bilingual identification keys and vegetation and topographic maps. Genus and species accounts in this volume treat the lizards, coralsnakes, seasnakes, and all the pitvipers except rattlesnakes; these accounts are accompanied by colour photographs of each species. Volume I also contains a complete index to both volumes.
Volume II includes descriptions of all known species of rattlesnakes. It also features four chapters by experts on mimicry, evolution, and snakebite treatment in tropical and temperate America. A glossary, literature-cited section, and index serve both volumes. Color photographs portray rattlesnakes, mimics, and the damage done by snakebite.
The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere, Volumes I and II is an essential reference for all naturalists interested in herpetology – amateurs impressed by the beauty and complexity of venomous reptiles as well as professional herpetologists and their students conducting research in the classroom, at the zoo, and in the field.
Jonathan A. Campbell is Professor and Chair of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington and the author of several books. William W. Lamar is Adjunct Professor of Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Campbell and Lamar are coauthors of The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America.
"The discussion of envenomation identification, grading, and treatment is fascinating and clinically valuable. I was very impressed with the organization and readability of the text. I nearly forgot to mention the wonderful color photographs [...] The amount of information packed into these two volumes is truly mindboggling. This is a 'must have' reference for anyone interested in these creatures."
– The Forked Tongue, The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society
"The information available is overwhelming, yet it is presented in scholarly and clearly understandable fashion, utilizing every available form of still documentation [...] The two volumes are indeed a masterful compilation and overview of the venomous reptiles in this geographic region. The volumes are well-produced and published, with sturdy binding, easily readable font size and style, and excellent quality printing of illustrations, colored figures, and the abundant colored photographic plates [...] The chapter on 'Venom Poisoning by North American Reptiles' and the following contribution entitled 'Snake Bites in Central and South America: Epidemiology Clinical Features and Clinical Management' offers abundant experiences, observations, and recommendations that often support those currently used by toxicologists and emergency room physicians in North America, yet are diverse enough to highlight some of the controversies and continuing debates on what is most appropriate when and how! [...] One could easily spend many hours reviewing the clinical recommendations made and observing the excellent documented color photographs of effects and the good-and-bad results from various management procedures [...] Just to skim through the illustrations and accompanying text for elaboration opens up a new world for students, herpetologists, zoologists, and veterinary and human toxicologists conducting research in the field or at the zoo, or managing envenomated patients."
– Veterinary and Human Toxicology
"Campbell and Lamar provide an authoritative perspective on the remarkable diversity of venomous reptiles. As the global loss of species and habitats continues at an astonishing rate, books like this constitute our most powerful arsenal in the fight against extinction [...] These volumes should change the mind of anyone who sees snakes as hostile tubes of varying colors with a mouthful of fangs. Documenting the impressive taxonomic and ecological diversity of venomous reptiles in the New World, Campbell and Lamar establish venomous reptiles as a significant component of global biodiversity. Ignorance is no longer an excuse for fear of venomous reptiles, whereas knowledge and respect are certainly in order."
– Laurie J. Vitt, University of Oklahoma, Science Vol. 305, 9 July 2004
"Some books are publishing triumphs, the 'must-have' books, tomes that eclipse all previous publications on their subject and stand out as milestones, the baseline for future publications. This is one such book, or rather two such books [...] Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere is one of the most essential purchases for anybody interested in venomous snakes or American herpetology. It is a feast, a banquet, you will be thumbing through these volumes for hours."
– Mark O'Shea, The Herptile
"The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere is a spectacular accomplishment. Jonathan A. Campbell and William W. Lamar have assembled remarkably thorough accounts of the systematics and natural history of almost two hundred species, as well as a phenomenal set of color illustrations, and their collaborators have provided scholarly overviews of snakebite, mimicry, and evolution. This wonderful set will be an instant herpetological classic and a must for anyone with a serious interest in venomous reptiles."
– Harry W. Greene, Professor and Curator, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University
"There is so much information collected in these two up to date volumes that these books are a must read and reference material you will want in your library [...] The chart on venom yields was very helpful for research in this area and there is so much in this book that it is a definite must read for medical personnel who work in this field."
– Linda Boyko, President of the Northern California Herpetological Society 10/24/04
"This two-volume set grew out of the authors' 1989 Venomous Reptiles of Latin America and is more than double its size [...] Enhanced by 1500 full-color photos, drawings, and maps, this is a unique, comprehensive reference."
– Library Journal, August 2004
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