Victoria’s reptiles are not often encountered by urban dwellers, with many species now threatened. You may have glimpsed a skink darting into the undergrowth, a snake slithering along a walking path or a blue-tongued lizard sunning itself near your garden shed. Yet the turtles, skinks, geckos, goannas, snakes and other reptiles that call Victoria home are fascinating and important members of urban and rural ecosystems.
Reptiles of Victoria is the first regional guide to all reptiles known to occur in Victoria. It contains keys and illustrated descriptions to allow identification of the 123 native, introduced and vagrant reptile species and describes their biology, ecology, distributions and the habitats in which they live. It also indicates the level of risk that the venomous snakes pose to humans and includes a brief section on first aid for snake bites. Natural history enthusiasts and professional and amateur herpetologists will find this an essential guide.
Recipient, 2019 Whitley Awards Certificate of Commendation: Natural History
Inhoudsopgave
Introduction
Biology of reptiles
Biogeography, Victorian habitats and distribution
Classification
The reptile fauna of Victoria
Testudines – Turtles and Tortoises
Sea turtles
Freshwater turtles
Squamata – Lizards and Snakes
LIZARDS
Geckos
Legless Lizards
Skinks
Dragons
Goannas
SNAKES
Blind snakes
Pythons
Venomous snakes
Other Species Possibly Occurring in Victoria
First Aid for Snake Bite
Victorian Wildlife Regulations
Glossary
Selected Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index of common names and general terms
Index of scientific names and terms