Artikelname: Collins Field Guide ? REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE [New edition]
Artikelbeschreibung: A new edition of this popular guide to every species found in Britain and mainland Europe, including salamanders, newts, frogs, toads, geckos and snakes. Each species is described in detail, with notes on its range, size, markings, habitat and behaviour. Illustrated with colour plates and distribution maps.

Artikelname: 101 Uses for Stinging Nettles
Artikelbeschreibung: Stinging nettles are, for many of us, nothing more than persistent weeds with a painful sting. But apart from having an important role in the web of life, nettles are an incredibly useful plant to mankind. They have been put to myriad uses by our ancestors, and many of these are still valid today. Already stinging nettle products are growing in popularity in the field of alternative medicine, as their wide range of health benefits becomes better known. This unique book explores the diverse uses of this fascinating plant - in the garden and the kitchen, for their medical and fibrous properties and so on. It is packed with practical suggestions, as well as a guide to the botany of stinging nettles, and how to collect and store them. For example, you will discover how to use nettles to: make a liquid plant fertiliser brew an unusual beer make a dandruff treatment protect beehives flavour an omelette make friendship bracelets repel flies naturally make green or yellow fabric dyes keep yourself warm in the winter and much more ...The many health benefits of taking nettles in various forms include relief from: hay fever and other allergies; acne and other skin conditions; arthritis and rheumatism; asthma; stress; high blood pressure; depression; enlarged prostate gland. The book also features Digital Nettle Art!

Artikelname: A Natural History of Nettles
Artikelbeschreibung: The first book ever on the much maligned nettles of the world presents a story of these followers of mankind and his cattle throughout history. This study centres on the most abundant and sub-cosmopolitan common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), but also deals with other nettles throughout the world. Tropical tormentors rich in species include the notorious nettle trees with their formidable stings which fascinated the Europeans after their discovery by botanists on the round-the-world trips of exploration in the 17-19th centuries. Many people on their travels will have met the nettle trees of the Indo-Malay region and other stinging nettles in North and South America, India, etc., which sting and have beautiful flowers but are called nettles; these are also dealt with. The first microscopists and their descriptions of the beautiful stinging hair; the uncovering of the mechanism of its action and the more recent elucidation of the toxins causing the characteristic symptoms is a fascinating one and takes up 3 chapters. The book includes the 100 major scientific works published on the common stinging nettle and never brought to the notice of the general public before. The author spent six years studying the ecology of the nettle patch, its invertebrate herbivores (mainly insects) and vertebrate herbivores (cattle, deer, etc.,) and their interactions with other plants: its secret life is recorded in line drawings and photographs (1000+ individual items). It was not possible to publish these in colour but they are in full colour on a CD-ROM (300 dpi) at the back of the book. Covered also are nettle folklore, fibre use in World War I & II, as a food, fodder, herbal medicine, growth as a competitor plant, habitats, sex (unique exploding stamens), breeding systems, variation, evolution etc.!! Some the world's most beautiful butterflies would not exist without nettles.

Artikelname: A Wood in Ascam,a Study in Wetland Conservation
Artikelbeschreibung: This book sets out to commemorate the publication one hundred years ago of a series of articles on Askham Bog. They appeared in a magazine called The Natural History Journal which was 'conducted by the Societies in Friends' [Quaker] Schools' throughout Britain. Subsequently they were collected and printed together, thereby forming one of the first accounts ever produced of a single habitat from the point of view of its geology, geomorphology, climate, conchology, lepidoptera, birds, flowers and ferns, and beetles. Each article was written by an acknowledged expert in his own field, as an encouragement for pupils at the York Quaker School to study the natural history of such a famous and much-visited site within easy reach of York.

Artikelname: AIDGAP GUIDE: Soil Types, a field identification guide
Artikelbeschreibung: This guide is intended for use in the field throughout Britain. It should be of use to beginners and more experienced students alike. A key to soil horizons is followed by a further two keys: an introductory key which is designed to enable beginners to identify major soil groups; then, a more advanced key to subdivisions of soil types. Soil formation processes are described and reviewed and notes for teachers are included, together with suggestions for field studies with students.

Artikelname: Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden
Artikelbeschreibung: Our gardens have become an important nature conservation area for animals, insects and plants, especially as many natural habitats are being destroyed. With the help of this practical book, you can create not only a fascinating mini nature reserve but also a vibrant and attractive garden. Projects and special features include: creating a wildflower meadow; looking after injured, baby and hibernating hedgehogs; making a bat roost or bat box and siting it; developing a wildlife pond; planting a butterfly garden; and filming and photographing wildlife in your garden.

Artikelname: Britain's Reptiles and Amphibians: A Field Guide, Covering Britain, Ireland and Channel Islands
Artikelbeschreibung: This detailed guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands has been produced with the aim of inspiring an increased level of interest in these exciting and fascinating animals. It is designed to help anyone who finds a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, terrapin, frog, toad or newt to identify it with confidence.

THE BOOK FEATURES:
•Stunning photography
•An easy-to-use approach to identification.
•Superbly illustrated introductory sections on the biology and conservation, taxonomy, life-cycle
and behaviour of each species group.
•Profiles of the 16 native reptiles and amphibians that breed in Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands and the 5 marine turtles that visit our seas.
•Profiles of 7 established non-native species and information on a further 8 with a history of release or escape.
•Distribution maps based on the latest available information.
•Hints and tips on where, when and how to watch reptiles and amphibians.

I use my own copy of this book here on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales to find Reptiles and Amphibians so can highly recomend the book from personal experience. It really is a superb easy to use guide in the field.

Artikelname: British Native Trees: Their Past and Present Uses
Artikelbeschreibung: This unique book explores the past and present uses of products (wood, bark, fruit, sap etc) of the 35 species of British native trees.

Contents Include

A genus by genus break down of past and present uses of native tree products

A guide to Coppicing

The history and practice of Charcoal Production Firewood - including an exploration of the environmental issues involved in burning wood in the home, sources of firewood, which wood to burn, seasoning and storing firewood, kindling and a foolproof guide to building the one-match-fire!

Which tree saps can be used to make wine?

Which was the best wood for making longbows?

Oil from the bark of which tree is an effective insect repellent?

Which tree's bark contains chemical compounds that can selectively kill human cancer cells with no side effects?

What is a faggot?

What do bodgers do?

Which berry was used as a coffee substitute?

What wood is the panelling in the House of Commons made of?

Which tree's wood has the right acoustic qualities for making electric guitars?

Which tree's wood made charcoal taken to cure flatulence?

...and many more fascinating facts!

This book is for smallholders, wood owners, tree surgeons, gardeners and anyone who loves trees!

Artikelname: Creating a Garden Wildlife Pond
Artikelbeschreibung: A pond is the hub of a wildlife garden, attracting a fascinating range of creatures, and this book will show you how to turn your garden into a refuge that will attract and sustain wild creatures all year round. Whether you have an existing pond that you want to make more wildlife-friendly, or if you intend to build a new pond from scratch, all the information you need is contained in this colourful, handy guide. Creating a Garden Wildlife Pond shows you, step by step, how to plan, build and maintain a successful garden pond. Author Dave Bevan, a well-known nature photographer and conservationist, explains what you need to know to attract and keep a wide variety of pond-loving wildlife, from dragonflies and toads, to birds and a host of wild plants and flowers.

Artikelname: Creating Small Habitats for Wildlife in Your Garden
Artikelbeschreibung: Everyone can play a part in conservation and enjoy the delights of a garden which attracts wildlife. With today's concerns about pollution and habitat loss, ever more gardeners are using organic methods of cultivation, eschewing chemicals and actively encouraging wildflowers and creatures to colonize their gardens. In a well-planned garden there is room for people and wildlife.Josie Briggs shows how to successfully create and maintain garden habitats, covering woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and rocklands in depth. She explains how the smallest patios and balconies can support wildlife. It is even possible to create all habitat types in containers, and Josie devotes a chapter to the particular concerns of these.

Areas covered include: . organic gardening and conservation issues . buying and propagating trees and shrubs . creating ponds and bog gardens . building dry stone walls and rockeries . tailoring garden plans . garden care and maintenance

Artikelname: Dead Wood Matters
Artikelbeschreibung: The proceedings of a British Ecological Society meeting held at Dunham Massey Park to consider the ecology and conservation of saproxylic invertebrates in Britain, and if you didn't know the first paper tells you what a saproxylic invertebrate is - dependent on wood, usually dead, for a part of their life-cycle.

NOW OUT OF PRINT CHECK AVAILABILITY BEFORE BUYING

Artikelname: Flora Celtica - Plants & People in Scotland
Artikelbeschreibung: This beautifully produced and exciting new work on the history, folklore, traditions and uses of the wild flowers of Scotland. Written by leading ethnobotanist, William Milliken, together with Sam Bridgewater of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, this book offers new insights into the relationship between man and plants in Scotland.

Artikelname: Food For Free (Gem edition)
Artikelbeschreibung: Fans of Food for Free will be delighted at this new format -- ideal for carrying in a rucksack or pocket. Over 100 edible plants are featured together with recipes and other interesting culinary information. With details on how to pick, when to pick and regulations on picking. This new format of a best-selling title provides a portable guide for all those who enjoy what the countryside has to offer. Over 100 plants are listed, fully illustrated and described, together with recipes and other fascinating information about their use throughout the ages. The recipes are listed so that you can plan your foray with a feast in mind. This is the ideal book for both nature-lovers and cooks. Particularly with today's emphasis on the freshest and most natural of foods. There is also practical advice on how to pick plus the countryside laws and regulations on picking wild plants.

Artikelname: Food for Free:New revised and updated edition
Artikelbeschreibung: A guide to over 200 types of food that can be gathered in the wild in Britain, this book explores the history and folklore of the foods as well as explaining how we identify them and the best ways to cook and eat them.

This reissue of Mabeys classic work contains new recipes and arranges the foods by seasons.

Artikelname: Garden Pondlopaedia
Artikelbeschreibung: This book is packed with advice and information on every aspect of garden pond construction and maintenance, presented in a straightforward, easily accessible format. There is expert advice about choosing a pond to suit your own style of garden, and the time, money and effort required building it. Every aspect of maintenance is covered, including water filtration, algae control, and cleaning, and the author provides expert advice about choosing fish and attracting other pond creatures. With detailed information about coping with fish diseases and other pond-related problems, this is a truly comprehensive reference guide for all garden pond enthusiasts.

Artikelname: How to Make a Wildlife Garden
Artikelbeschreibung: Chris Baines shows the reader how to transform his or her garden into a rich wildlife haven. He sets the wildlife garden within the context of the broader concerns of regional ecology and reveals how we can each do our bit to safeguard the habitats of important indigenous flora and fauna. A wide range of natural habitats is discussed in detail, including hedgerows, shrubberies, meadows and ponds, with lists of native wildflowers and practical tips.

Artikelname: Life: An Unauthorized Biography
Artikelbeschreibung: guide to the Earth from the very earliest signs of life on the rims of volcanoes, to the first appearance of man. The book ranges across many scientific disciplines, analyzing their arguments and findings, and showing readers whose the discoveries have been and whose the arguments.

Artikelname: Llanferres Naturally – a natural history of a Welsh parish
Artikelbeschreibung: A guidebook for walkers through the natural beauty of the parish of Llanferres in north-east Wales. Situated on the edge of the Clwydian Range, Llanferres is bounded on one side by the Loggerheads Country Park and Moel Fammau, the highest point in the region. This book suggests a number of walks along public rights of way which are suitable for walkers of all ages and levels of fitness, guiding them through the rich flora and fauna of the area.

Artikelname: Maggots, Murder and Men; memories and reflections of a forensic entomologist
Artikelbeschreibung: In this absorbing book, the author examines in some detail the way in which this fascinating and sometimes macabre profession is practised, based on his own particular study of the life-histories of Diptera ? especially blowflies: the nature of the evidence to be looked for and how it should be evaluated, and the sources of material for examination. The author cites many high-profile cases, some of them notorious crimes, both from the present day and also from the historical (and even the prehistoric and mythical) past, and considers the motivation which leads to murder, comparing his own approach with that of one of his fictional forerunners whom he much admires ? Sherlock Holmes. The book is as gripping and readable as a good thriller but also highlights the author?s disquiet at the present standing of forensic science in this country.

Artikelname: Melanism: Evolution in Action
Artikelbeschreibung: Melanism: Evolution in Action describes investigations into a ubiquitous biological phenomenon, the existence of dark, or melanic, forms of many species of mammals, insects, and some plants. Melanism is a particularly exciting phenomenon in terms of our understanding of evolution. Unlike many other polymorphisms, the rise of a melanic population within a species is a visible alteration. Not only this, but melanism may sometimes occur dramatically quickly compared to other evolutionary change. Examples of melanism include one of the most famous illustrations of Darwinian natural selection, the peppered moth. This book, the first written on melanism since 1973, gives a lucid and up-to-date appraisal of the subject. The book is divided into ten chapters. The first four chapters place melanism into its historical and scientific context, with illustrations of its occurrence, and physical and genetic properties. Chapters 5-9 look in more detail at melanism in moths and ladybirds, explaining the diversity of evolutionary reasons for melanism, and the complexities underlying this apparently simple phenomenon. The final chapter shows how the study of melanism has contibuted to our understanding of biological evolution as a whole. Written in an engaging and readable style, by an author whose enthusiasm and depth of knowledge is apparent throughout, this book will be welcomed by all students and researchers in the fields of evolution, ecology, entomology, and genetics. It will also be of relevance to professional and amateur entomologists and lepidopterists alike.

Artikelname: New Naturalist : Seashore (Softback)
Artikelbeschreibung:

SOLD OUT

Artikelname: New Naturalist:Northumberland (Hardback)
Artikelbeschreibung:

SOLD OUT

Artikelname: Nick Baker's British Wildlife :A Month by Month Guide
Artikelbeschreibung: Popular TV naturalist Nick Baker's energetic and lively style colours this guide to Britain's wildlife through the seasons. Richly illustrated, the book explains what is happening in nature in each month of the year and provides advice on finding a wide variety of wildlife - often in the most unexpected places. In back gardens or city centres, on the Dorset heaths or in the Scottish Highlands, each season paints a fresh pattern on nature - there is always something new to discover for town oand city dwellers or those who live by the sea or in the wilds of the countryside.

Artikelname: Night Sky
Artikelbeschreibung: Portable and easy-to-use, this pocket-sized guide is perfect for quick reference. Detailing all 88 constellations and planets of the galaxy, with high-resolution photography and illustrations, you'll find a history of each as well as what can be seen with amateur equipment.

• Ideal for home-reference or to be used in the field
• Features an accessible, clear format and in-depth approach
• A stargazers dream come true – the night sky in your pocket!

Artikelname: Parasites, People,and Places:Essays on Field Parasitology
Artikelbeschreibung: Professor Gerald W. Esch is one of the world?s leading ecological parasitologists. Here, he presents a series of essays on classic examples of field parasitology. The essays focus on the significance of the work and its contribution to the field but also on the people and particularly the sites at which the work took place. Taken together, the essays represent a beautifully written account of the development of an entire field of scientific endeavour spanning a period of 50 years or more. The essays are not meant to be academic in a scientific sense, but there is a great deal of science in them. The book will be of great value to all parasitologists and ecologists, but also to anyone interested in how biological field work is carried out and how it contributes to greater understanding of the natural world.

Also available in card covers at £20.00

Artikelname: Reptiles and Amphibians (DK)
Artikelbeschreibung:

Artikelname: Rocky Shore Name Trail
Artikelbeschreibung: An illustrated key to common seashore animals and plants in the form of a flow chart, covering seaweeds, lichens, sponges, sea anemones, sea mats, bristle worms, molluscs, crustaceans, starfish, sea urchins, sea squirts and shore fishes. This guide also describes the major environmental factors which influence rocky shore habitats such as tides, exposure and zonation.

Artikelname: Sanctuary
Artikelbeschreibung: This book is about finding a new relationship with the land. The authors are all passionate about nature, wildlife, the countryside and the very spirit of the land. Based on their collective experience, they demonstrate how anyone can turn land into a sanctuary where the balance of nature can be re-established. Whether you are starting with worn-out agricultural land, an established woodland or the smallest garden, this book will show you how to listen to the land, rediscover its natural biodiversity and protect it for future generations. Here are all the tools we need to become true guardians of our natural heritage. This book also offers advice to those of us who don't personally own any land but who wish to adopt a special place or park nearby. This is a powerfully spiritual book, yet at the same time it offers a wealth of practical information and has an amazingly comprehensive resource section covering useful books, magazines, organisations, building societies and banks.

Artikelname: Seaweeds
Artikelbeschreibung: From the microscopic 60-metre long Pacific kelp, and from the simple filamentous strings of cells to those species made up from complex issues, seaweeds are very diverse. They are found all over the world from the inter-tidal beaches to the deep ocean, from the poles to the equator. David Thomas brings the life of seaweeds to the amateur, exploring what they are, where they are found, and how they manage to survive such hostile conditions as fluctuating temperatures, salinity and dessication. He looks at how they employ anti-grazing strategies, from tough leather fronds to cells full of sulphuric acid as a deterrent. In places such as the Meditarranean and off the Californian coast Caulerpa taxifolia is an "alien" species, and Thomas looks at this and the effects of other introduced species on the local environment, both biologically and economically. Finally, he explores the multitude of uses for seaweed, together with what you can do whilst combing beaches and rocky shores.

Artikelname: The Analysis of Owl Pellets
Artikelbeschreibung: Owls feed mainly on small mammals, swallowing their prey whole. The indigestible parts are regurgitated by the owl in the form of compact pellets which contain mammal skulls, bones and teeth, and invertebrate remains. Analysis of these pellets can be used to learn not only what the owl has eaten, but which small mammal species are present in the locality. Owl pellets are particularly useful for detecting the presence of less common species such as water shrew, dormouse and harvest mouse. This book describes how to dissect pellets, identification of skulls and other bones, estimating size and weight of prey, and gives examples of pellet analyses showing what can be learned from them.

A superb introductory guide to this fascinating aspect of mammal study.

Artikelname: The Longshoreman: A Life at the Water's Edge
Artikelbeschreibung: This work combines autobiography and natural history, cutting-edge science and impassioned argument. It follows the author from stream to river, from pond to lake and loch, from shore to deep sea, on a journey from childhood to an adulthood spent in boats in conditions fair and foul.

Also avaible in paperback at £8.99

Artikelname: The New Amateur Naturalist
Artikelbeschreibung: Being a naturalist is about combining different skills, tricks of the trade and investigative techniques. The New Amateur Naturalist is the ultimate reference book for budding naturalists of all ages. Drawing on his experience from all over the world, Nick focuses on how you can find animals in the field, by interpreting tracks and signs, setting bait, listening for sounds, and the best ways to watch them. Gerald and Lee Durrell's The Amateur Naturalist was first published in 1982 and quickly became a classic. Based on this concept, Nick's book will inspire a new generation of naturalists to make the most of the world around them. From communicating with wild animals to catching bugs or setting up an aquarium, this is the book to will teach you how. With information on how to get started, Nick then goes on to guide you through: ? Choosing the necessary equipment, kit and clothing ? Hands-on activities and investigations that can be done at home ? Profiles on mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and insects ? Introduction to plants and trees Fact-packed, and brimming with practical tips and techniques, this is the perfect family reference guide for all up-and-coming naturalists.

NOW OUT OF PRINT, check availability before purchase

Artikelname: The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians
Artikelbeschreibung: There has been a huge surge of interest in reptiles and amphibians over the past few years. This title provides up-to-date research to give an overview, complete with colour photographs, on all reptiles and amphibians. It manages to combine scientific and accessible research with easy to read essays giving it a broad range of appeal.

Artikelname: The Pond Specialist: The Essential Guide to Designing, Building, Improving and Maintaining Ponds and Water Features
Artikelbeschreibung: Ponds and water features have been popular in gardens for thousands of years. This book is aimed at anyone who is thinking of building a pond, anyone who has bought some of the materials but doesn't know how to start or anyone who has a pond and needs to know how to keep it at its best. The book starts with the basics of assessing the garden, checking the site, planning and preparation, tools and materials and electrical wiring and safety. With the basics established the authors introduce the many different types of pond and how they can be created, maintained and enhanced. From split-level ponds to wildlife ponds, plant and fish and adding sculptures, bird houses, stones and bridges, each subject is presented in a clear way with box features, lists and questions and answers. The final chapter looks at water features - a rock pool or stream for a large garden or a small wall mask or trough for a tiny backyard.

Artikelname: The River
Artikelbeschreibung: The enchanting and engaging story of TV presenter Philippa Forrester and her wildlife cameraman partner's making a film about the family of otters who live by the river at the bottom of their garden.

Artikelname: The Subtle Beast:Snakes, from Myth to Medicine
Artikelbeschreibung: Among the many different creatures that live in the world around us, snakes occupy a special place; most people either love them or hate them. Through the ages snakes have inspired fear or love, have been cast as gods or devils, as living representations of good or evil, and have even been used as fantastic medicinal tools. Many of the supernatural beliefs concerning snakes have been progressively eroded over the years by a number of great scientists, much of whose work is described in this book. The Subtle Beast introduces the reader to the complex and absorbing world of snakes, tracing a fascinating journey from the macroscopic features of snakes to the molecular components of their venom. As the book progresses the reader will bear witness as the snake sheds its mythical skin to emerge in the full splendour of its true self.

Also available in Card Covers at £18.00

Artikelname: The Wildlife Pond Handbook
Artikelbeschreibung: With around 200,000 garden ponds in the Greater London area alone, ponds are one of the most appealing and vibrant small-scale wildlife habitats. Almost one in ten British gardens actually have a pond and it is seen as a growth area both by garden centres and conservation organizations alike. With this book wildlife and garden enthusiasts can discover and explore the world of ponds: from bugs, beetles and dragonflies, to frogs, newts, birds and bats. It offers clear step-by-step instructions on how to plan, design, site and build small and large ponds for wildlife and is full of suggestions on how to encourage different plants and animals. Also included are details on a wide variety of plants, tips on how to maintain your pond through the seasons and clear, annotated diagrams on its construction.

Artikelname: The Wildlife Pond Handbook: A Practical Guide to Creating and Maintaining Your Own Wetland for Wildlife
Artikelbeschreibung: With around 200,000 garden ponds in the Greater London area alone, ponds are one of the most appealing and vibrant small-scale wildlife habitats. Almost one in ten British gardens actually have a pond and it is seen as a growth area both by garden centres and conservation organizations alike. With this book wildlife and garden enthusiasts can discover and explore the world of ponds: from bugs, beetles and dragonflies, to frogs, newts, birds and bats. It offers clear step-by-step instructions on how to plan, design, site and build small and large ponds for wildlife and is full of suggestions on how to encourage different plants and animals. Also included are details on a wide variety of plants, tips on how to maintain your pond through the seasons and clear, annotated diagrams on its construction.

Artikelname: Tiny Game Hunting: Environmentally Healthy Ways to Trap and Kill the Pests in Your House and Garden
Artikelbeschreibung: A guide to combating pests without using toxic chemicals. Illustrated with detailed drawings, the book gives more than 200 tried-and-tested ways to control or kill common household and garden pests without using toxic pesticides.

Artikelname: Venomous Snakes:Ecology, Evolution and Snakebite
Artikelbeschreibung: This is the first book to present a multidisciplinary approach to venomous snake research. As well as focusing on the medical aspects of snake venoms and the effects of snakebites, the book examines the evolution and ecology of venomous snakes, which are so crucial in the search for snakebite antidotes.

The book has been written to be accessible to an audience of varied scientific backgrounds. Due to the wide range of information, it will be of great interest to scientists and students involved in any aspect of venomous snake research, whilst also appealing to the growing band of amateur enthusiasts.

Contents Include: Evolution and Speciation 1 An overview of venomous snake evolution 2 Systematics of sea snakes (a critical review) 3 Evolution, systematics and biogeography of Palaeartic vipers 4 Evolution of viperine snakes 5 Phylogenetic relationships of the 'Agkistrodon complex' 6 Systematic implications of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme phenotyupes in Neotropical pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) 7 DNA evolution of South American pitvipers of the genus Bothrops (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperdae) 8 Systematics of the Bothrops atrox complex: new insights from multivariate analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequence information 9 New perspectives on the evolution of south-east Asian pitvipers (genus Trimeresurus) from molecular studies Ecology 10 Reproductive strategies and sperm competition in the adder, Vipera berus 11 Growth and survival of Vipera berus in a variable environment 12 The role of ecology in determining venom variation in the Malayian pitviper, Calloselasma rhodostoma 13 Venom and snakebite 14 Molecular evolution of phospholipase A2s and metalloproteinase/disintegrins from venoms of vipers 15 Geographical and intraspecies variation in the clinical manifestations of envenoming by snakes 16 Snake venom and snakebite in Australia 17 Russell's viper in Indonesia: snakebite and systematics 18 Toxic phospholipases in snake venom: an introductory review 19 The kinetics of snake bite envenoming and therapy

Artikelname: When Life Nearly Died: The Greatest Mass Extinction of All Time
Artikelbeschreibung: There have been five big mass extinctions in the history of the Earth. One 65 million years ago wiped out the dinosaurs, but the greatest of all happened around 251 million years ago, at the end of the Permian period. In this cataclysm at least 90 per cent of life was killed, both on land and in the sea, almost bringing evolution to a halt. What caused destruction on such an unimaginable scale? Was the impact of a huge meteorite, or prolonged volcanic eruption in Siberia? The evidence is assembled and Michael Benton gives his verdict. "When Life Nearly Died" does more than document this catastrophic event - it is also a history of developing ideas, explaining how we know what we know about geology and palaeontology, and laying bare the arguments and egos of scientists. Benton shows that this is not an arcane story of interest only to the scientific community - the implications of this mass extinction millions of years ago for the present-day biodiversity crisis are very relevant, so that the past can truly be a guide to the present and future life on Earth.

Artikelname: Wild Gardens (Collins)
Artikelbeschreibung: Full of advice and clear instructions, Collins Practical Gardener Wild Gardens is the most comprehensive guide to creating a wild garden. One of the latest titles in the successful Practical Gardener series, Wild Gardens will teach you the skills, techniques and planning needed in creating the perfect wild garden. Wild Gardens explores a range of planting options and combinations, from wild flower favourites such as poppies, daisies and cornflowers to rambling climbers like honeysuckle and clematis. Covering many varieties of grasses. Wild Gardens also details an assortment of styles and garden themes to choose from, including the planting of bluebells, ferns and snowdrops to achieve a pastoral woodland look. Useful information on matching plants to wildlife is also included, directing the gardener towards high pollinating plants for attracting butterflies, as well as outlining handy tips for dealing with pests, diseases and other plant viruses. Every alphabetically listed genera is supplied with background information, planting suggestions, illustrations and a visual chart providing details on the specific needs and qualities of each plant. Also included is a handy, quick reference care and troubleshooting chart enabling you to identify, diagnose and remedy plant problems from their symptoms.

Artikelname: Wild Italy
Artikelbeschreibung: Venture beyond the great Renaissance cities of Florence and Siena, drive a short distance from Milan, Venice, Rome or Naples, and you come to another Italy, by turns lush and verdant, rugged or parched, the countryside of ancient Rome, of Dante and St Francis of Assisi. Wild Italy will take you there.

Updated edition of this area-by-area guide to the regions of Italy and the wildlife one may expect to find there

Artikelname: Wildlife Friendly Plants: Make Your Garden a Haven for Beneficial Insects, Amphibians and Birds
Artikelbeschreibung: More and more gardeners are choosing to work with nature - by growing plants that attract beneficial insects and birds to help them control common garden pests or to pollinate home-grown vegetables or fruit. Over the next few years this trend is set to increase as organic gardening gains converts and the range of pesticides approved for domestic use is substantially reduced. But what if, like many new gardeners, you have a small, handkerchief-sized plot and still want to attract beneficial wildlife? For too long wildlife gardening books have tended to focus on those gardening in rural areas with sufficient space to plant large trees and hedges. Wildlife-friendly Plants has been specially designed to help you chose the best plants to encourage and support diminishing populations of wildlife, whether your garden is big or small, in the town or country. Many of these plants are perfect for use in small spaces, such as a patio, terrace or window box. With the valuable suggestions for use, planting and aftercare covered in this book you too can create a haven for beneficial insects, amphibians and birds, irrespective of the size or location of your garden.

Artikelname: Wonderful Life: Burgess Shale and the Nature of History
Artikelbeschreibung: An account of a revolution in our understanding of life's history, this book tells how three obscure British scientists completely changed our view of evolution by discovering a unique group of 530 million year-old creatures in the Burgess Shale fossil deposit in the Rockies.

Artikelname: Woodland Name Trail
Artikelbeschreibung: A key to invertebrates of soil and leaf litter, in the form of a question and answer key, plus information on the woodland food cycle. This simple key is aimed at younger people but can also be used by a broader audience.

Artikelname: WOODLAND, MOOR AND STREAM
Artikelbeschreibung: These sketches of natural history, which it has been a pleasant task to me to edit, are from the hand of a friend of ours, a skilled workman, who has made the study of wild creatures in their native haunts the passion of his life and the exclusive occupation of his leisure hours. His work has led him amongst the most beautiful parts of Surrey and along the line of Kentish coast where Turner loved to paint. The observations are all fresh from nature; he tells of, what he has seen and known.

Artikelname: WOODSIDE, BURNSIDE, HILLSIDE AND MARSH
Artikelbeschreibung: A superb volume by this famous lepidopterist and all round naturalist, rather reminiscent of the later works by Edward Step ""The favourable reception which has been accorded to Random Recollections of Woodland, Fen and Hill, has encouraged me to prepare another series of similar sketches. In this volume, as in that just referred to, my aim has neen to bring under the notice of the general public, in I'eadable and un technical language, a few of the interesting phenomena which are to be observed everywhere around us by those who take the trouble to look for them, and to give such explanations of their causes as may easily be understood even by those whose scientific knowledge is small.""

""In selecting localities, I have chosen for three of the chapters what are now historical spots. "" Woodside"" describes a ramble from Rochester to Cobham, with a visit to the famous inn to which Mr. Tupman retired after being jilted by Miss Wardle, the return being through Cobham Park, a walk which it will be remembered was a favorite with Mr. Pick wick and the Pickwickians. ""Hillside"" describes part of that famous ground over which Mr. Winkle and Mr. Tupman are said to have displayed their remarkable sporting abilities to those"" meshes"" over which Little Pip so frequently gazed to the river (where lay the hulks from which the convict escaped), and which the latter had to cross before his memorable meeting with Little Pip in Cooling churchyard.