Alone on the endless red-sand desert in the Australian outback, tracking Varanus giganteus, the perentie lizard that grows to be more than six feet long. . . for desert rat Eric Pianka, such adventures have led to a satisfying, if unusual, way of life, as well as a distinguished career as a field biologist. In The Lizard Man Speaks, Pianka recounts more than thirty years of adventures in reptile studies, beginning with a boyhood passion for collecting snakes and lizards. He tells of "lizarding" in the North American deserts, the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa, and the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia. His vivid imagery draws the reader into a world where lions lurk in the darkness beyond a gecko hunter's lights, where being stranded by car trouble miles from the last outpost is a constant danger, and where the wilderness still deserves to be called wild. Along the way, Pianka provides much general information about lizard ecology, the fire succession cycle, and the interaction of humans with the landscape. And he reveals the springs of his own determined spirit and love of solitude, describing a near-fatal boyhood accident and its shaping and character-building effect on the life that followed.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Erik Pianka is one of the worlds finest ecologists. His
passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of
book you will feel like you know and have worked with
Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.
passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of
book you will feel like you know and have worked with
Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for anyone interested in lizards or ecology.
2 Aug 1996
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Erik Pianka is one of the worlds finest ecologists. His
passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of
book you will feel like you know and have worked with
Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.
passion for lizard ecology is infective. By the end of
book you will feel like you know and have worked with
Pianka. His story shows what field biologists are all about.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
a student from Connecticut
24 Feb 2000
By Kevin
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Eric pianka is one of the finest ecologists in the world. His excitement and passion for these animals is evident throughout the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who i interested in ecology an field biology.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Be ready to take a trip
12 Feb 2008
By T. Jarrell
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Beware, if you have been suppressing a wanderlust be prepared to take a trip. Your office, school, or home will seem like a cage as you read about Dr. Pianka's adventures in the expansive Australian Outback.
Although the book is very readable, I only gave it four stars because at times there is a break down in continuity and he strings into random thoughts with multiple repeats. Maybe it is due to all that solitude.
Although the book is very readable, I only gave it four stars because at times there is a break down in continuity and he strings into random thoughts with multiple repeats. Maybe it is due to all that solitude.
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
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