The Snakes of Laos

Description:

This book deals with the 125 snake species known to inhabit Laos as of 2023. It is largely based on the literature, but also on the results of many field trips in Laos and investigations of specimens deposited in world-wide collections. A wealth of new and unpublished data are made available for the snakes of this still poorly-known country. Each species and subspecies account includes the systematics, nomenclature, extensive information about the synonyms and the taxonomic history, detailed morphological descriptions, distribution, both general and within Laos, biology, legal protection, snakebites, where relevant, and bibliographical references. Species, families and genera are also discussed. For genera, the systematics, synonyms, diagnoses are provided. Distribution maps are provided for all species. An extensive introduction covers all aspects of the geography, climate, ecoregions, habitats, and history of herpetology in Laos. A key to Laotian families and species is provided. Also included is an extensive bibliography. Although this book mainly focuses on Laotian snakes, it will undoubtedly be useful to herpetologists of adjacent countries, and, therefore, it will serve as a reference and baseline for herpetological researches not only in Laos but in the whole Oriental Region.