Venomous Animals of the World
Anyone fearful of death by bite, sting, or simple contact with nature in the wild should prepare to be a great deal more fearful. Biologist Steve Backshall introduces us to venomous creatures great and small, familiar or little known, common or rare, in mag-nificent photographs in glowing color and distinctive detail. Backshall presents his charming friends by species and per conti-nent—it’s a relief to learn that North America has the fewest venomous species. Properly dressed and armed against stingrays and the Gila monster, most American can risk stepping outside…though a bark scorpion may be lurking on the trunk upon which a southerner places an unsuspecting hand.
The book is genuinely disturbing in that most of us do not know (and therefore would not recognize) venomous wildlife. The average American has never met a bearded newt nor the average Briton a weeverfish—but any meeting could leave painful memories. Asia, with its dangerously attractive, squirrel-like slow loris, and Australasia, with the splendid hooded pitohui bird, win the glamour prizes.
Backshall provides useful sections on the effects of various venoms, lethal dose levels, and mortality statistics (surprisingly low), plus the medicinal value of certain venoms. Wear shoes in tropical waters, don’t poke spiders, and stay away from snakes still hold true.
Reviewed by
Peter Skinner
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
