Revised 9/21/2004

Author(s)

Henderson Robert W.

Previous

Up

Next

Treeboas ($ICorallus$I) occur over much of the neotropical mainland and on a number of islands.  They are often conspicuous members of neotropical snake fauna, and are known for their irascible temperaments and, in some species, their highly variable color patterns. The $ICorallus hortulanus$I complex of treeboas comprises four species: 1) $IC. cookii$I on St. Vincent;  2) $IC. grenadensis$I on the Grenada Bank; 3) $IC. hortulanus$I in Amazonia, the Guianas, and Brazil's Atlantic forest; and 4) $IC. ruschenbergerii$I from southern Central America and northern South America.  This book summarizes what is currently known about the natural history of each of the four species, with strong emphasis on $IC. grenadensis$I.  Topics covered include color and pattern; habitat and habitat use; activity; food and foraging; predators and defensive behavior; populations; ecological relationships with other boids; and the connection between treeboas and humans.  This hardcover book includes 27 graphs, 24 tables, 9 maps, and 9 black and white photos, plus 32 color photographs.

$I"…informative, fascinating detailed study…A scholarly and exhaustively researched book…very highly recommended for anyone with a serious interest in herpetology."$I--$IThe Bookwatch$I, July 2002

$I"This is a fine book and I highly recommend it to every herpetologist, especially those interested in snakes.  Serious herpetoculturists will also find this book interesting and valuable."$I--David L. Hardy, Sr., $ISonoran Herpetologist$I, 15 (10) 2002

$I"Dr. Henderson uses a very entertaining and lite-hearted writing style to present massive amounts of data and details about $ICorallus hortulanus$I. This book also includes an impressive bibliography of about twenty pages. As Henderson has pointed out, very little is known about neotropical snake populations.  This book is an excellent start and describes a fascinating and highly variable species.  This book can be used as an instruction manual for future field herpetologists; it also provides us with much data, which could be used to improve the captive husbandry and breeding of this group.  I would consider it essential to any animal library.$I--Ken Naugher, $IAnimal Keepers' Forum$I, December 2002

"$IThis is certainly a valuable addition to Neotropical zoology; it likely will make the genus $ICorallus$I one of the better-known snakes within the Neotropics."$I--K.L. Williams, emeritus, Northwestern State University, $IChoice$I, December 2002

"$IThis book was a welcome relief in as much as it was written by someone who has actually researched the species…The book is written well and is easily read, having all the necessary information presented but not being 'too heavy'.  Maps and graphs are well laid out and easily understood…Throughout the book, the individual species are discussed separately. I found this a very useful point which excluded the need for cross reference and constantly dodging back and forth within the chapters…all of the photographs are excellent…this is a very useful addition to the library of anyone with an interest in boids of any type but especially in treeboas.$I"--Alan H. Wilkie, $The Herptile$I, Vol. 27 No. 4

$I"…a magnificent book…richly illustrated…It would be hard to find another publication with so much information about this group of snakes, and the author's knowledge of field biology is evident.  Although the book is rigorously scientific it is also a pleasure to read."$I--Javier Valverde, $IReptilia$I, No. 28, June 2003

$I"This book was written by a scientist for scientists.  But, it includes refreshing narratives that should spark amateur and professional herpetologists into a strong appreciation for this species complex."$I--Scott Boback, $The Quarterly Review of Biology$I, Volume 79 Number 1, March 2004

Toll Free Order Line 1-800-724-0025 U.S. or E-mail!

Subject Category Listing Page

Books Page

Homepage

Return to Natural Science Page