Reptiles of Victoria. A Guide to
Identification and Ecology.
Peter Robertson and A. John Coventry.
This book is destined to become a mainstay for anyone
interested in field herping in the garden state. It is
comprehensive enough to serve as a sole identification
and field guide, and yet remains quite
compact since it is focussed wholly on
the reptiles of Victoria (for the record, a
total of 117 indigenous species, plus 5
vagrant marine species and one exotic
turtle that has become naturalised).
A Good
Book.
A brief discussion of the types of
habitats to be found within the state,
together with their location, is followed
by some notes on classification and a
list of the various reptile species, along-
side the respective page numbers that
coincide with detailed descriptions. It is
at this stage that simple dichotomous
keys are introduced. These are high-
lighted throughout the book, and use
just two alternatives in each instance to
zero in on a positive identification. They
are often accompanied by helpful
figures or images. This is a particularly
useful inclusion, and is beautifully easy
to use (designing such a key, however,
with only ever two alternatives, cannot
have been easy at all).
The bulk of the book is obviously
devoted to species descriptions, and
these include a level of detail not found
in many field guides, including notes on
habitat, biology and ecology, and other
information. The distribution maps form
a clear and quick visual reference, and I
also like how the most pertinent points
in the descriptions have been printed in
bold - making it quick and easy to use in
a field setting.
At the conclusion of the book, there are
short sections dealing with other species
that may possibly occur in Victoria, first
aid for snake bite and an overview of
the Victorian Wildlife Regulations, as
well as a glossary.
This volume includes many colour photographs and has
been thoughtfully and attractively designed. It is
informative and easy to navigate, and probably long
overdue as far as many field herpers are concerned! No
doubt similar publications would be welcomed for other
states. At $49.99, it is also very reasonably priced.
Reviewed by John McGrath.
CSIRO Publishing
ISBN 9780643093935
RRP $49.99
Paperback, 332pp
Format: 245 x 170mm.