Review by Phil Wolf
The quintessential field guide – what makes a great field guide? Anyone who practices herpetoculture or actively field herps, has one, if not multiple field guides in their arsenal of knowledge. Whether it be laminated, trifold brochures, or legitimate books of field research, field guides show us the wonders of the land be it near or far.
My name is Phil Wolf, and I’m a Herper. And throughout the years of my herpetological journey, I’ve accumulated quite a few field guides. When I was younger, a simple laminated card from the local bookstore showing frogs and toads of the local wetlands would captivate me, and induce a thirst for adventure. As I matured, those guides became more and more in depth. More species added, more maps to memorize, and more ecological facts than I can shake a stick at.
Despite living in North America, I found myself procuring guides representing species from far away lands. Snakes of Zimbabwe, Snakes of Papua New Guinea, and Reptiles of Australia, to name a few. And although the majority of my living collection hails from Africa, Australian species have always fascinated me. Aptly so, I’ve accumulated quite a few field guides on Australian species. None of which, shy of Harold and Cogger’s bible, have thrilled me like Scott and Ty’s “Snakes of Australia.”
A great field guide needs to be pragmatic and use articulate information, delivered in a concise way. All of which can be found in this book. When I first received my copy in the mail, all the way from the land down under, I was shocked at its size. A relatively small book when compared to all of the references I’ve purchased before. And that’s when it occurred to me, this is a field guide. A book of knowledge meant to be taken with you into the field. No one wants to lug a giant text book on a three-day hike.
Author’s Scott & Ty are truly a dynamic duo. This married power couple has contributed countless papers, journals, and photography to science. Together, with their business, Nature 4 You, and their extensive herpetological resumes, they’ve tag-teamed to produce, yet again!
The full name of the book, “A Naturalist’s Guide To The Snakes Of Australia,” describes it perfectly. Approximately five, by seven inches in size, and roughly half an inch thick, this guide is the perfect size to be thrown in a backpack, or even slid in a cargo pants pocket. And what it lacks in overall size, it astounds with information relative to Australian snake species, their habits and their habitats. Each page is printed on high glossy paper, rigid and durable, with beautiful color picture plates of each species and race.
The introduction of the book is well orchestrated with tips and general facts about Australian snakes. As well as first aid and bite protocol for many of Australia’s venomous species. There are several pages on different habitats found throughout the continent. With captioned pictures of each ecosystem. And while most readers of this book will be well-versed in herpetological nomenclature, the glossary of this book is precise, even for a novice.
The main content of the book is broken down by types of snake. Pythons, front-fanged Venomous and blind snakes, to name a few. With each species profile giving information about the species’ description, distribution, and potential danger level to humans. Spoiler alert, most of the book is Front-Fanged elapids.
The final section of the book is a checklist of all Australian snakes, their scientific names, and what states and territories they’re found in. If you’re looking for an overwhelming reference, this book isn’t it. If you’re looking for the perfect pint-sized travel guide, this is 176 pages of perfection.
Grab a copy ->
