Biology of the Vipers

ISBN:0-97-20154-0-X

“This volume had its genesis in a remarkable conference, Biology of the Vipers, held in Sweden, May 2000. As participants of that meeting demonstrated, the extraordinary adaptations of vipers have attracted a diverse array of biologists, and have engendered questions that are best addressed through study of evolutionary extremes. This expansive book presents a panoramic view of viper biology as seen through the eyes of its most current and innovative students. From systematics and morphology to ecology and conservation, the contributors present a rich sampler of viper research and provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the current state-of-the-discipline. A fitting successor to the well-received Biology of the Pitvipers (1992), it is even more comprehensive in its taxonomic coverage and disciplinary breadth. Biology of the Vipers will appeal not only to herpetologists but to any biologist who appreciates detailed organismal studies.”

Alan H. Savitzky — Associate Professor of Biology
Old Dominion University
Past President of the “American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists”

“It is often said that there are two kinds of biologists: those who study a particular group of organisms and those who study a particular concept. Biology of the Vipers should satisfy the pickiest biologists of both sorts. At once an exhaustive compendium of current knowledge about viperid snakes and an important contribution in the areas of vertebrate systematics, behavior, physiology, ecology and evolution, this outstanding volume has something for everyone. Gordon Schuett and his fellow editors have brought together a star-studded cast of herpetological luminaries and coaxed out of them an exceptional set of contributions. Biology of the Vipers is a landmark in the literature on vertebrate biology and it deserves to be widely read.”    

Kurt Schwenk — Professor
of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Connecticut
Editor of “Feeding: Form, Function and Evolution In Tetrapod Vertebrates”

“Vipers and pitvipers display a bewildering diversity of forms, colors, ecological preferences, and behavior. These charismatic animals hold a great attraction for professional biologists as well as for the general public, and that charisma has stimulated a recent surge in research activity on these remarkable snakes. This impressive volume presents the results of much of that work, across a diverse range of disciplines. Snakes are rapidly achieving the status of “model organisms” in ecological research, and this book makes it clear why their popularity has soared. Our knowledge of viper biology is expanding faster than ever before, and Biology of the Vipers style=’font-style:normal’> not only offers a timely synopsis of much that is new, but identifies approaches and directions that will become increasingly important in future studies.”Richard Shine — Professor in Evolutionary Biology
The University of Sydney
Author of “Australian Snakes: A Natural History”   

“From the perspective of a clinician, Biology of the Vipers reveals exciting new information about one of the world’s most medically important animals. In particular, studies on venom release and strike mechanics have implications relevant to the medical field. I believe that the insights provided by the authors into the lives of these fascinating creatures will lead to better treatment by physicians of patients with viper bites.”Sean P. Bush — Staff Emergency Physician & Envenomation Specialist
and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Loma Linda University Medical Center & School of Medicine

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