So Many Snakes, So Little Time: Uncovering the Secret Lives of Australia's Serpents

ISBN-13: 9781032232928 / Angielski / Miękka / 2022 / 282 str.

Rick Shine

Opis

Snakes are fascinating creatures and herpetologists and amateur snake fanciers devote immense time and energy to their study. No one has focused more obsessively on research and discovery than Prof Rick Shine. Spellbinding stories highlight the challenges and joys of discovery and give the reader a greater appreciation of these reptiles.

Recenzje

“… a good balance between personal and professional aspects: there is fascinating science, a fair presentation of colleagues (even the not-so-easy-to-tolerate aspects of personalities are presented in good spirit), warmth, wit, and humor, and the photos are informative and good. The first great generation of conservation scientists is about to disappear, and several of them have recently published their autobiographies. Shine’s is the best one I have read so far. I risk to declare the appearance of a classic. It is recommended to all scientists and laypersons with an interest in natural history, evolution, ecology, or (Australian) natural history. Read it and enjoy.”

Gabor Lovei

Senior Scientist Emeritus, Professor, Member of Academia Europea

Book Review Editor, Conservation Biology

“The stories of the snakes explored in this book transition effortlessly from descriptions of their natural history to how ground-breaking research generating new ways to think about ecology and evolutionary biology emerged. The book celebrates the importance of big thinking and long-term approaches in research, but it also highlights the critical role that observation, description and a passion for nature play in shaping the world views of ecologists.”

Dieter F. Hochuli

Book Review Editor, Austral Ecology

Spis treści

1. Boyhood and Adolescence. 2. Serpents in the Sheep Paddock. 3. Peering into the Love Lives of Blacksnakes. 4. Long-Dead Snakes at the Museum. 5. A Plethora of Pythons. 6. Between a Rock and a Hard Place. 7. Snakes in Need of a Defamation Lawyer. 8. Rough Characters in the Billabong. 9. Snakes, Rats, and Rainfall. 10. Science on the Floodplain. 11. Our Evolving Relationship with Serpents.

O autorze

Rick Shine has conducted pioneering research on the ecology and conservation of snakes. He has studied many types of snakes in many types of ecosystems, and has revolutionized our understanding and appreciation of these mysterious creatures. His work has resulted in more than a thousand scientific publications, and has attracted numerous national and international awards.