Book Review - The Lives of Snakes: A Natural History of the World's Snakes - Princeton University Press

 

     I think it is safe to say that snakes do not rank high on the roster of most people's favourite animals. The fact that they slither probably has something to do with it; a talking snake in a mythical Garden of Eden foretelling eternal retribution probably doesn't help either.

     But the truth is, they are fascinating animals, widespread and breathtaking in their diversity, and a functional component of healthy ecosystems. Some snakes, such as Brown House Snake, are welcomed into houses and outbuildings due to their unrivalled skill in dispatching rodents. A capable snake can be a friend indeed.

     This book, yet another in the superb "Lives of" series, provides a complete and comprehensive overview of snakes and their world, and will almost certainly go a long way in convincing even the most diehard skeptic that snakes too have merit.

     As with all modern natural history books the illustrations are superb.

     The world population of snakes settles in at around 4,100 species, with most occurring in tropical or subtropical regions of the world. Some are venomous in varying degrees, but more are not, and relatively few species pack enough poison to kill a human. Even then the odds are uneven. To inflict harm to you, a snake has to come within striking distance - you can fire a gun, set upon it with a flame thrower, toss a grenade, run over it with your vehicle - when all it wishes is to be left in peace.

     Yes, given the will to do so, we really can coexist with snakes. In fact most of us do so unwittingly, since most people never see a snake.

     The book covers every aspect of serpentine life, including form and function, dealing with the environment, reproduction, diet and feeding, enemies and defence, and - the elephant in every room in the 21st Century - snakes and humans. Many species are profiled.

     Ironically, snakes are quite often kept as pets, until they become too big to handle. The occupation of The Florida Everglades by Burmese Pythons reveals the tragedy of alien snakes released into a perfect environment, absent normal predatory checks. There are now in excess of 100,000 of these huge  snakes, breeding prolifically, and destroying resident wildlife. Once the genie is out of the bottle it's impossible to put it back.

     The inadvertent introduction of the Brown Tree Snake on Guam has resulted in the near elimination of birds on the island, with three endemic species now extinct. 

     Snakes, including sea snakes, are affected like every other organism on Earth, sentient and otherwise, by climate change. Their habitat is being destroyed and degraded, rising ambient temperatures are lethal to ectothermic creatures, ocean salinity is changing, prey is diminishing, chemical imbalances are occurring, breeding spaces are disappearing - and so it goes.

     These ancient creatures, that have probably been on the Earth for around 150 million years, are now on the precipice - as are we.

     Chris Mattison has written an important book, worthy of study, perhaps serving as a prod to all of us that all life is precious, and that we are ultimately bound together in the same fate.

     I recommend the book to all who care about nature.

The Lives of Snakes: A Natural History of the World of Snakes - Princeton University Press

Chris Mattison

Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691250601

288 pages - 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.75 x 23.75 cm)

150+ colour illustrations

Publication date: 25 March, 2025