Rage

2003 · 9504 — Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals PAN 2003. 1st Edition . Soft cover. Very Good. Scarce large-format paperback 109 pages 50 b&w figures in text glossy paper throughout NOT ex-library. Published in a limited edition of 500 copies. Limited minor handling wear only. Clean and bright throughout with unmarked text free of inscriptions and stamps firmly bound. -- This work reviews fossil remains of the booid snakes except for the Erycinae known from 38 sites located in eight European countries and ranging in age from the middle Oligocene MP 25 to middle Miocene MN 78. Of them 30 localities in this number all Oligocene localities are situated in France and Germany. Most fossil finds have been described or redescribed in detail; among them one new genus and eight new species have been described. Also fossil remains coming from several localities and not identified below the family level have been briefly described. In addition the taxonomic status of six snake species all 'nomina dubia' described from unknown localities of the Phosphorites du Quercy complex in classical works has been discussed. The final chapter discusses in detail all main events of the history of the European Booidea including Erycinae beginning in the period around the 'Grande Coupure' at the Eocene / Oligocene boundary and ending with the extinction of last boas and pythons that took place in the middle Miocene. The early Oligocene snake fauna was composed of both survivors and newcomers from the East . <br/> <br/> Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals PAN paperback