Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Matt Vincent and Steve Wilson wrote a decent little book on Monitors and sent me a copy back in the 90s called Australian Goannas: They even include comments about our Monitor Guru Frank Retes as well, the book includes some very nice pictures as well. If you get the chance check it out_ Cherios, Big Jim

nice book, but it has been out of print for a number of years now. we still have copies available, but other than that it isn't easy to find : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thanks for the info. You've got one less in stock now. lol

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a very good book at all. No offense to the authors, the book is not very good. Of course its not nearly as bad as others, which sorta makes it middle of the road.

One simple reason is, I got the book when it was first published. I read it, and never opened it again. Many other books, Daniels, Dennis kings(& Green) Even Harold D's, I read a dozen times or more, each.

There was an over feeling of winging(whining) It constantly mentioned the Europeans and Americans, getting to do this and that, and they didn't. That was distracting. In information itself was old and not propriatary, that is, they added nothing new of their own. They just used others information. It also was written before the varanid revolution in Oz. Now there is so much more to write about. In otherwords, it was written simply to write and not to add to.(in my opinion)

But, of course, for those hungry for anything, good, bad, or indifferent, go for it. Its not that I disliked it. As mentioned, I read it once and that was that. Cheers

for the reason I thought it was the first of its kind. Like you said the pre revolution. Maybe it helped kick that off with some good whining or at least aided in paving the way? It drew attention(sold in major Aus book stores) and got people thinking of possibilties...anyway it did for me(aus. monitor pep rally if you will). Plus, at the time I picked it was the only good thing I could find (purchased in Townsville). Price was reasonable...would have paid that just for the pics...so i could see habitat, then apply. Also pretty much by default they(the authors) "cow tow" to not having your expertise...so maybe you would not be as impressed...for a inexpirienced Aus herper it was just what the Doctor orderd at the time. Heck I vote for Vol 2...I'll buy it. Looking forward to finding the books you mentioned in your post. This is why I come to the forum. Zak

Hi Zak, at the time that book was published, there were several more, just like it. One by Bernie Endenmuller(sp) and another started by daniel bennett and somehow ended up not being his book(?) by a couple of other germans. Both were very similar, without the winging. I have these books(somewhere)

At the time I was good friends with Matt Vincent. But sadly we had a falling out. Over a couple of funny things. One was feeding monitors, he wanted to make it against the law to feed them live food. As in, all food "must" be dead. Well, I think the man went crazy. I think in captivity, we take away all things normal and replace them with all things man. This concept is one of them. Monitors are born to kill their prey, its what they do. Why do we take that from them(by law)

The other was another book, He wanted me to help, but I would not devulge localities. I do not think its a good thing, at least for the animals. I know of many undiscribed Ozzie monitors, elapids, pythons, lizards(lots) But bringing them to mans attention only causes them harm. PERIOD.

Let me explain, many decades ago, I discovered an undiscribed large gecko in Mexico. I brought it to the attention of Roger Conad(author of field guides to the western U.S. and mexico)(many many works) Well I thought he would be happy. He asked one question. Is this new gecko in danger of extintion. I said no, its in a very remote area. He then said, its best to not tell anyone. As all it would do is cause harm. There will be people studying it, collecting it, poaching it, etc, etc. He then said, no worries, sooner or later it will be discovered, but everyday that goes by they are not molested(by man), is a good day.

So, Matt and I, had a disagreement over that. He wanted to publish all this new data.

Australia is the safest place in the world to be a reptile. They are fine particularly if no one knows about them.

Lastly I am not that good at critiquing books. One day, Danniel(hes really good at it) and I discussed this book and he pointed out all sorts of weak areas. As I said, I read it once and put it away. I am glad you enjoyed it. Cheers

Sounds good. I'll find these books as well. Thanks for the info, Zak.