Whether loathed, feared, admired or worshipped, snakes evoke stronger human reactions than almost any other animal. Moving gracefully without limbs, swallowing meals often several times larger than their own heads, and with many having venomous bites, they never fail to fascinate. From garter snakes and vipers to boas and pythons, Snakes describes the biology and natural history of this ecologically important group of animals. Natural History Museum expert David Gower together with Katherine Garrett, have updated Peter Stafford's original text, highlighting the variety and complexity of this group that includes almost 3,000 living species. Information on habitat, conservation status, and unusual behaviour is also included. Stunningly illustrated throughout and with the use of examples from around the globe, this comprehensive introduction to the snakes of the world shows that they are an important group of animals that should be valued and admired rather than feared and hated.