Of Vipers and Men - Françoise Serre Collet - Éditions Quae

Of Vipers and Men

Name: Des vipères et des hommes
Brand: Éditions Quae
SKU: 9782759239221
Price: 26.5 EUR
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 978-2-7592-3922-1

by Françoise Serre Collet (writer), Ivan Ineich (preface), Fourmy Rudy (preface)

Collection: Beaux livres

september 2024

Hardback book

250 x 285 format 136 pages In stock

26,50 €

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Summary

More than other snakes, vipers are associated with symbols of evil and fear. Fascinating, they arouse the passion of collectors or inspire destructive hatred.

Found in Europe, Asia, Africa and America, viperids, a group that includes viperines, crotalines and azemiopines, have in common the possession of venom and injector fangs known as solenoglyphs. Captured for the properties of their venom or killed for fear of being bitten, they have always been hunted down, as have rattlesnakes, the victims of roundups and massacres organised every year in several North American states. In contrast to these practices, researchers, associations and zoos are mobilising programmes to safeguard endangered species and maintain the balance of nature.

This book looks at the contrasting relationships between these animals and humans. As an antidote to fear and misunderstanding, Françoise Serre Collet advocates disseminating knowledge and passing on her experience so that naturalist observation does as little harm as possible to these snakes. More than 200 photos show the beauty of their species and the diversity of their habitats.

Introduction

People and vipers

Introduction to the species

An evolving classification

Hated or revered animals

Why the fear?

Myths and religious beliefs

Seeing viperids in the wild

When can they be seen?

Where and how can they be seen?

In deserts and semi-deserts

In tropical forests

In the mountains

In the countryside

In aquatic environments and wetlands

Why look for viperids?

Carry out inventories

Take photographs

Venom that kills, venom that heals

A highly sophisticated venomous system

A complex cocktail with varied properties

The defensive and nutritional role of venom

The different sensory organs involved

Various techniques for hunting prey

Biting and envenomation

Human envenomations

What to do if bitten

Snakes as pets

Research into venom

Man, destroyer or protector

Rattlesnake raids

Viper hunters, a trade that was once widespread

The study of species and their conservation

From captivity to return to the wild

Action in favour of vipers

Questionable practices of terrarium hobbyists

Disseminating knowledge,

a passionate transmission

Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Iconographic credits

Press

AFAS - Le 14/10/2024
Ce livre est "un plaidoyer pour le respect de la nature, et en particulier pour l’espèce la plus mal aimée du règne animal. D’un très bon niveau scientifique, il peut être lu par toute personne intéressée par les sciences de la vie et de la nature. "
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Large public

Scientists and professionals