My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles, by Bill Branch and Sally MacLarty

My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles, by Bill Branch and Sally MacLarty

My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles, by Bill Branch and Sally MacLarty

Bill Branch writes: My own sons accompanied me on many field trips, even when very young. Like all children, they have grown and taken their own paths in Life.

Bill Branch  

I can bask in their subsequent achievements but, in truth, the latter growth of their minds has many causes, not least their own desire for knowledge. I can take pride, however, that their love of and interest in wildlife reflects my own. That is my legacy to them, and this empathy with wildlife is one that all parents can, and must, instil in their children if the very real threats to our environment are to be faced.

Reptiles, particularly snakes, are often a source of unnecessary fear and phobia for many people, particularly children, who instinctively mirror the actions and comments of adults around them. It is my hope that this small book will educate and enthral young minds, helping them to develop a more balanced appreciation for these interesting animals. May all the species illustrated here, and living in our beautiful country, still be around for our grandchildren to enjoy.

My thanks go to Louise Topping and Gill Gordon for design and editorial skills, to Pippa Parker for thinking that I could write for a different, and difficult, audience, and to the translators, Jan Moodie, Temba Mapini and Lindelwa Mahonga. Sally MacLarty's aesthetic and accurate artwork is wonderful, getting the right feel for all the animals in such 'simple' detail. If this book works, it is because of my children and, particularly, grandchildren. The wonder in their eyes never stops teaching me of Life's beauty.


Introduction to My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles:

There are more than 500 types of reptile in southern Africa. This book will help you to recognise some of them. You may see them on walks in nature areas or parks, perhaps even in your garden. There are three main reptile groups:

1. Snakes and lizards

2. Shelled reptiles: Tortoises, terrapins and turtles all have bodies that are covered in a hard shell. They pull their head and legs into their shell when danger threatens.

3. Crocodile: This is a very large creature with a heavy tail and a big mouth. The Nile crocodile is the only crocodile found in southern Africa.


Examples: Snouted Cobra

English: A stout cobra with an upturned snout and a broad hood. It often eats lizards and other snakes, particularly Puff Adders.

Afrikaans: Wipneuskobra 'n Lywige kobra met 'n wipneus en bree bakkop. Dit eet dikwels akkedisse en ander slange, veral pofadders.

Zulu: Imfezi Enekhala Imfezi ekhuluphele enekhala elibheke phezulu nekhanda elibanzi. Ivame ukudia izibankwa nezinye izinyoka, ikokhulukazi amabululu.

Xhosa: IsiKhotsholo Iphimpi elikhulu elinempumlo ejonge phezulu nen+loko ebanzi phezu kwamehlo. Lidia ngokutya amacilikishe nezinye iinyoka, ingakumbi amaRharnba.


This is an extract from the book: My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles, by Bill Branch and Sally MacLarty.

Book title: My first book of Southern African snakes and other reptiles
Authors: Bill Branch; Sally MacLarty
Struik Publishers
ISBN 9781770075429
Cape Town, South Africa 2007
Softcover, 21x28 cm, 64 pages, throughout illustrated, English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa

Branch, Bill im Namibiana-Buchangebot

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