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Anaconda tells the unexpected story of the world's largest snake. Written by Jes�s Rivas, the undisputed expert on the biology of anacondas, this is the first authoritative book on the biology of the green anaconda. In this book, Rivas describes his experiences over a quarter of a century, exploring the secret life of these fantastic snakes, including: their diet, movement patterns, life and tribulations, survival, behavior, and fascinating reproductive life. More than just presenting facts about anacondas, Rivas tells his story about studying them in the field. Anaconda presents a comprehensive treatment of the natural history of the elusive green anacondas. Drawing on twenty-five years of research on this reptile in the wild and in captivity, Rivas delves into the biology, behavior, demography, reproductive habits, and diet of the anaconda, as well as issues relating to its conservation. Rivas uses an ecological and evolutionary framework to present his research and supplements hard data with descriptions of his research methods, including how he tracked down the anaconda for observation and study in wild. The resulting book is a complete and engaging examination of the world's largest snake. The rich photographs provided, paired with Rivas' storytelling, makes this the perfect book for anyone looking to learn (or even learn more ) about this mysterious snake.
List of contents
- Acknowledgments
- Foreword by Gordon Burghardt
- Chapter 1: Science, love, and anaconda research
- Chapter 2: The anaconda challenge: learning how to learn
- Chapter 3: What is a good real state for an anaconda?
- Chapter 4: Anaconda's tales: Sickness and health, birth and death in the life of a giant snake
- Chapter 5: How much is supper?: Predator diet and prey retaliation
- Chapter 6: The largest of motherhood: Fecundity and female reproductive strategy
- Chapter 7: How big can a giant be?
- Chapter 8: Hey, it's me, it's me!: Courtship and confusion in the male reproductive strategy
- Chapter 9: The origin of the mystery: Adapting to life in a big dam
- Chapter 10: Conservation of anacondas and beyond: the interface of biology, politics and economics
- Chapter 11: Epilogue: A different approach
- Literature Cited
- Index
About the author
Jesús A. Rivas is a herpetologist and tropical ecologist and Professor of Biology at New Mexico Highlands University.
Summary
This book reveals the natural history of the green anaconda, one of the most elusive of snakes.
Additional text
This fascinating book gives us deep glimpses into how these animals live in nature. It combines detailed studies of the behavioral ecology and ethology of anacondas with the personal story of how Jesús developed as a scientist and field biologist along with his often-provocative ethical and political views on research and conservation. This book is a rare treasure for anyone interested in the lives of large potentially dangerous animals and the scientists who study them.
