Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Vertebrates > Reptiles
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Remarkable reptiles of South Africa (Paperback, illustrated edition)
Loot Price: R568
Discovery Miles 5 680
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Remarkable reptiles of South Africa (Paperback, illustrated edition)
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Loot Price R568
Discovery Miles 5 680
Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days
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South Africa has an inordinate wealth of plants and animals. It is
a country of superlatives with an entire floral kingdom occurring
within its borders. With a land surface area of only 2 per cent of
the global landmass, it contains 10 per cent of the world's plants
and between 6 and 7 per cent of the world's mammals, birds and
reptiles. Not only does South Africa boast the greatest number of
species of land tortoises of any place on Earth, it ranks fifth in
the world with regard to overall number of reptile species. Such an
array of reptiles, which at last count numbered 363 species, with
more being described annually, shows an incredible range of
adaptations enabling these remarkable creatures to live in extremes
of climate from the high mountains to desert, from coast to coast
and some even adapting to an urban environment. Despite this, the
daily lives of most reptile species remain a closed book. Many
species are cryptic, preferring not to be seen, while others
display amongst the brightest colours in the animal kingdom. They
range from very small species weighing less than a gram to the
giant Nile crocodile, which may achieve a mass of 1 000 kg, and
include some of the most poisonous species on the planet. It is
indeed a treasure house. Remarkable Reptiles offers a glimpse into
the fascinating world of snakes, lizards, chameleons, tortoises,
terrapins and crocodiles and hopes to provide a greater insight
into the behaviour of these often maligned animals. Many reptiles,
especially snakes, receive unjust treatment because of attacks on
humans, while anthropogenic causes, which are far more lethal, tend
to be less emphasised. Hopefully this book will contribute to, and
instil respect and interest in the remarkable diversity of reptiles
with which South Africa has been blessed.
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