Field Guide to the Snakes of Zimbabwe

The most up-to-date book describing all the snake species recorded in Zimbabwe.
Hundreds of stunning colour species images to enable easy identification.
87 precise distribution maps based on location records from the past fifty years.

Subject: herpetology-amphibians-reptiles zoology wildlife-travel natural-history Series: pelagic-identification-guides

Tags:

field guide
herpetofauna
herpetology
identification
reptiles
snakes
taxonomy
Zimbabwe

Description

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.

DOI: 10.53061/DIXO2179

About the Author

Rupert Wilkey grew up in Kenya and Malawi and caught his first snake at the age of twelve. Since then, he has spent the past fifty years studying the reptiles and amphibians of Africa. In 1996, Rupert was made a Founder Fellow of the Zoological Society of London, and in 1998, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He has been part of numerous expeditions in Africa and recently worked with the University of Marrakech Cadi Ayyad, collecting DNA samples from reptile species in the Atlas Mountains. In 2020, he won the Cambridge University Student Led Teaching Award for Inclusive Practice. As an accomplished author, he has written extensively on reptiles and African history. He is a member of both the Royal Society of Literature and the Society of Authors.

Sarah Nann moved to Africa when she was six years old, first to Zambia, then Malawi and Kenya. She obtained an Honours degree in Zoology from Edinburgh University. Since arriving in Eswatini thirty years ago, she has been actively involved in snake rescue and relocation. Research for her Master’s degree in psychology led to the publication of a paper about snakebites in rural communities. Sarah is a member of The Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA) and in 2024 was made a Paul Harris Fellow for her educational work with reptiles.