Reptiles abound in West Africa, mainly because of the warm climate which suits them so well; bt very few of us could name more than half a dozen of the commonest kinds we see around us. Fewer still can distinguish the poisonous reptiles accurately on sight. This book describes clearly the appearance and habits of a large number of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and turtles. There are a number of drawings to assist identification, and the author has added a useful section on the treatment of a snake bite. Scientific names and works of references are listed in the appendix.

This is not intended to be a scientific manual, but is designed for the general reader and the amateur naturalist. much remains to be discovered, especially about the distribution and breeding habits of several West Africa reptiles. Local observers could help considerably by keeping careful record of the reptiles they see. It is to be hoped that this book will stimulate interest in, and curiosity about, our natural history.