From bush vipers to burrowing asps - snakes thrive in every habitat on the African continent. Discover how these oft-misunderstood reptiles perceive their world, defend themselves, feed and breed. This user-friendly book includes: • The evolutionary history of snakes, with profiles of the eight families found in Africa today • Detailed notes on inner and outer anatomy, explaining why these limbless creatures flourish in every corner of the continent • In-depth explanations of snake behaviours, such as diverse hunting techniques and defence mechanisms • Profiles of particularly interesting species, like the highly specialised Egg-eater and aquatic Yellow-bellied Sea Snake • Answers to dozens of frequently asked questions: Which species is the most dangerous? How do snakes swallow prey that is larger than their head? • Breakdown of handy diagnostic characteristics to help identify snakes in the wild

Marcel van Driel is a master herpetologist and a snakebite expert living in Zambia. He provides training in snake safety and venomous snake handling, and trains doctors in effective and safe snakebite management. He is the author of the book Snakes and First Aid in Snakebite in Zambia and compiled Zambia's national guidelines for the management of snakebite.