Synopsis "This book is a concise introduction to the fascinating world of snakes in India. It provides basic facts about snakes in general, their natural history, senses, feeding habits, reproduction patterns and locomotion. There are also sections on snake-catchers, conservation, laws protecting snakes, snakebite, and myths and beliefs. Thirty species of snakes, the ones most likely to be seen in the Indian countryside, are described in detail with a black and white photograph of each to aid in identification. The book makes a strong case for the need to differentiate the few venomous species from the abundant non-venomous species and highlights their value as rodent controllers. The big four medically important snakes of India: cobra, krait, Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper are the ones responsible for most serious snakebites, and this book makes their identification easily possible. Common Indian snakes is an ideal text for biology students and the perfect book to kindle interest in these mysterious and wonderful reptiles.