Product Description
Includes chapters by 70 leading specialists on the captive management and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Foreword by Gerald Durrell. ... Read more

Product Description
Features over 700 species of Madagascar's amphibians and reptiles plus coverage of the island's flora, invertebrates, freshwater fishes, and birds. Individual species accounts provide the biology and description of all Malagasy amphibians and reptiles. Illustrated with over 1500 color photographs, range maps, illustrated ID keys, and extensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The BEST amphibian and reptile guide of Madagascar !
Without any doubt the best guide about the reptiles and ampibians of Madagascar.

In its third edition now, this book is evolving and becoming better and better with each edition. I allready had the first and second edition but the third is great !

The book has become a bit larger, all pages are of the same quality (first edition was made out of a sort of toiletpaper..) and more,lot more photos as well as newly discovered critters.
One of the great things about this book are that all photos are of animals in vivo, instead of the dead ones you see a lot in these kind of field guides.

Glaw and Vences started as real amphibian specialists and with each edition the reptiles blended in more and more and are now just as important as the amphibians.Which is great in my point of view.

Conclusion: A must have for any reptile or ampibian enthousiast and for anyone travelling to Madagascar with an interest in wildlife.

an informative, but flawed guide
(This review is for the 1994 edition)
This book is still the most complete and authoritative guide to Madagascan herpetofauna I'm aware of. Unfortunately, its wealth of good information is badly organized and rather hard to use. For a paperback book it's quite pricey. I wasn't particularly insulted by the cost until the binding disintegrated after just a few openings. Despite its shortcomings, I wouldn't part with it.

Malagasy Endemism
This is the only English, mostly-complete field guide to the frogs and reptiles of Madagascar you can get.Not only that, but you get the bonus of some lemurs and fish as well!The pictures are adequate, descriptions are fairly complete, and user-friendliness is superb.If I would've gone to Madagascar without this guide, I would have been lost!Knowing what I was seeing in terms of frogs, lizards, snakes, and lemurs made the trip MUCH more enjoyable.
It is worth the cost just to be amazed by all the unique creatures of this island. ... Read more

Product Description
Dr. Bechtel's book is the first published on the subject of reptile and amphibian variations that occur naturally or through selective breeding.The text contains enough basic biology to help the reader understand the discussion of the various mutations.These animals with conspicuously altered colors and patterns are often quite beautiful.The rarer and more bizarre anomalies and mutations are described in this fascinating book which opens a window on this developing and complex field of inquiry.Profusely illustrated, this book covers an arcane subject from the author's personal perspective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bechtel's "Variants" book a must for herpetoculturalists.
Dr. Bechtel provides a great deal of insight on the patterns and colors of herps especially as to the way these characteristics are inhertited.Bechtel's background as a dermatologist and his lifetime of work with hisinterest in herpetoculture make him uniquely qualified to present atreatment of skin characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. There aresections of the book that provide a background in genetics for the laymanand sections discussing the hertability of little known traits in seldomstudied organisms.Color plates and diagrams effectively reinforce histext. Dr. Bechtel is known as one of the fathers of herpetoculture and hiswritings and work with corn snakes are widely regarded as seminal works.Ihighly recommend this book for serious herp people or anyone interested inthe colors and patterns of reptile and amphibians.

Bechtel's "Variants" book a must for herpetoculturalists.
Dr. Bechtel provides a great deal of insight on the patterns and colors of herps especially as to the way these characteristics are inhertited.Bechtel's background as a dermatologist and his lifetime of work with hisinterest in herpetoculture make him uniquely qualified to present atreatment of skin characteristics of reptiles and amphibians. There aresections of the book that provide a background in genetics for the laymanand sections discussing the hertability of little known traits in seldomstudied organisms.Color plates and diagrams effectively reinforce histext. Dr. Bechtel is known as one of the fathers of herpetoculture and hiswritings and work with corn snakes are widely regarded as seminal works.Ihighly recommend this book for serious herp people or anyone interested inthe colors and patterns of reptile and amphibians.

Reptiles and The Fascinating Mystery of Genetics...
Today's advancements in herpetoculture have produced captive-bred reptiles of amazingly great beauty. Animals once unobtainable or unimaginable are now available to the scientifically curious and amateur alike.I am still waiting for a two-headed, albino Gila Monster!Roger D. Windsor( By the way, Komodo Dragons ARE dinosaurs! ... Read more

Product Description

Building on the success of its popular predecessor, the second edition of Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles presents newly available findings on the species that are important environmental indicators. This new edition covers nearly twice as many topics as the first, including recent developments in the ecotoxicology of amphibians and reptiles, the current status of these animals, and intrinsic factors that affect their susceptibility to contaminants. The book also provides the latest information on specific groups of contaminants and their effects and body burdens in herpetafauna. After a review of how contaminants interact with other ecological factors, the text explores concerns for the future.

New in the second edition:

• New research on the effects of pesticides, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and UVB
• Increased focus on the effects of contaminants rather than merely reporting residue information
• A synthesis of information on atrazine and its effects on gonads at low concentrations
• Coverage of the potentially alarming new cadre of chemicals that have recently or are about to come on the market for which there is very little or no information
• Important advances in surveying and monitoring

One of the major factors behind the writing of the first edition was the worldwide phenomenon of declining amphibian populations. Although this decline has not abated, the breadth of research into its causes has expanded significantly. With chapter contributors carefully selected by the team of editors as leaders in their fields, this book provides an authoritative compendium of the most recent information on effects and residues coupled with a syntheses of what these numbers mean to science and policy.

Product Description
220 scattered color photographs, 87 maps, 6 line drawings, 3 tablesThe Baja California peninsula is home to many forms of life found nowhere else on earth. This, combined with the peninsula's rugged and inaccessible terrain, has made the area one of the last true biological frontiers of North America. L. Lee Grismer is not only the foremost authority on the amphibians and reptiles of Baja California, but also an outstanding photographer. He has produced the most comprehensive work on the herpetofauna of the peninsula and its islands ever published. With its stunning color images, detailed accounts of many little-known species, and descriptions of the region's diverse environment, this is the definitive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of a fascinating and remote region.The culmination of Grismer's quarter century of fieldwork on the Baja peninsula and his exploration of more than one hundred of its islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés, this book gives information on the identification, distribution, natural history, and taxonomy of each species of amphibian and reptile found there. Preliminary accounts of the life history of many of the salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, and snakes are reported here for the first time, and several species that were almost unknown to science are illustrated in full color. The book also contains new data on species distribution and on the effect of the isolated landscape of the peninsula and its islands on the evolutionary process. Much of the information gathered here is presented in biogeographical overviews that consider the extremely varied environments of Baja California in both a contemporary and a historical framework. An original and important contribution to science, this book will generate further research for years to come as it becomes a benchmark reference for both professionals and amateurs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An awesome blockbuster, will amaze you
When I bought this book, I was worried about whether I would be getting my money's worth, considering the high price, but as a herp enthusiast who likes to collect books about various regions that are rich in unusual herpetofauna, I decided, with some trepidation, to go for it. I must say that I was totally awestruck by the sheer size of the book, the thoroughness of the accounts, covering every known species, spectacular color photos, beautiful maps, and easy readability. All sorts of interesting tidbits are thrown in from local folklore. This book is a masterpiece in terms of its content, as well as being an absolutely beautiful coffee table book. A must-have for all herp enthusiasts!

The best there is!
If you want to have a complete picture of Baja California's interesting herpetological communicty; this is a splendid book. Written by someone who has spend years in this area studying these animals and therefor knows what he is writing about with a lot of personal information. No one else could have written this standard piece of work for this area. Excellent photographs make this book a must have and makes me want to go bakc there every time I take it off the shelf.

The Ultimate Book on Baja California Herpetology
First, let me say that I have known Lee Grismer for many years and I know the passion he has for the Baja Peninsula and its natural wonders. I have been waiting a long, long time for this book. When I received it, I scanned the book and planned to read it cover to cover when I had the time. In the last weeks, I made the time and have nearly finished this tome.
Dr. Grismer has put his heart and soul into making this book the best herpetological reference on Baja California, bar none. Baja is a mysterious place with many influences flowing into it from the Pacific, the Colorado Desert and mainland México. In this book, Dr. Grismer takes great pains to delineate the geological influences which have helped to shape this strange land and the effects on the herpetology of this 1,000 km long peninsula.
I marvel at the time he has put in studying the many organisms extant on the peninsula and his obviously meticulous note taking. I am in awe of the relationships he has built up with local ranchers and fishermen over the last quarter century. Local people are a great source of information and Lee has used their knowledge and consciousness to build a reference source the likes of which has never before been devoted to a similar chunk of land.
I would love to write more but I feel that the book will speak for itself. It is a great read and not nearly as tedious as other scientific works I have read. Just for its reference value, this book deserves to be on the shelf of any serious student of herpetology.
Now, all we need isField Guide!

Grismer rules, as do Baja herps.
If you're in to herp's at all, you will love this book. I personally have a passion for Rosy Boas (Lichanura trivirgata), so having data and photo's of obscure locality specimens is very exciting for me. I also contacted Lee via email, and he was very diligent with replies and candid details about rosys. This book took 25 years of his life to put together, and it shows. The level of detail and representation of every specie and subspecies indigenous to the peninsula is awesome. The quality of the photographs and the portrait that each paint is outstanding. There are even photos of the variable habitats that occur on the peninsula too. I have never seen the natural habitat that my captive born Baja rosys come from, but this book has inspired me to do so. I highly recommend this book. It will make you want to discover Baja in person.

Jerry Hartley
Northern Nevada

The definitive field guide to Baja Herpofauna.
Excellent! Grismer not only has a lengthy description of each animal, he includes and section on the animal's status in the wild and local beliefs, which in all cases are veryinteresting. The style of of photograpy for title pages is very creative, with the animal in a bottom corner, and the Baja scenery in the background. (He does have macro photographs where the animal is centered for species documentaion.) I highly recommend it for it's wonderful photography and interesting text. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first and only color field guide to thefrogs, toads, salamanders,snakes and lizards that are found on theBaja peninsula and the islands in the Sea of Cortez and off the outercoast of Bja California. The narrative for each species includes:identification,range and habitat, and natural history. each species isillustrated with at least one color photo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great basic field guide for Baja!
I agree with the review of Steven Mlodinow. The book introduction covers the following in a very basic way: Geography, Geology and Diversity in Baja California, Finding Reptiles and Amphibians, Venomous Reptiles, Conservation, Organization & how to use this guide. There is also a section called "Spanish names for amphibians and reptiles" followed by a brief glossary. Then follows the mainsection of the book "Classification and Species Accounts". There is also a "Selected References" section as well as a nice table of the amphibians and reptiles of Baja California, Mexico which is a taxonomic listing that also includes common names. I found this guide useful during my 2 excursions in Baja to quickly identify the amphibians and reptiles I came across.

Good Field Guide
How one rates this book is dependent on one's expectations. If you want an in-depth natural history of the reptiles and amphibians of Baja California, well this is not the book for you. If you want a book that will help you identify what you are seeing, this would be an excellent choice. And this is not to say that the book is devoid of natural history information, as the basics are included The photos vary from good to superb, with most in the latter category. I agree with a previous reviewer that more attention to subspecific variation (or labeling such) would be nice, but this is somewhat compensated for by giving the date and location of each photograph. Also, this volume is lightweight and easy to take on a trip to Baja, especially given how much information IS included; and the book is relatively inexpensive. I would consider McPeak's tome a must for those interested in identifying what they are seeing.

Pictures are great but Information lacking
I disagree with the above rating as that of a consumer. I do not believe Midwest Book Review can be considered a consumer.I am a consumer and I have this book. Although some of the pics are the work of one of the bestphotogs in herp photography (i.e., John Tashjian), many of the other,unattributed photos could have been sharper.For some species of lizards,both dorsal and ventral views were shown.I feel that many more speciesshould have had ventral views and comparisons between male and femaleanimals.This is a picture book, make no mistake.If you are lookingfor natural history information or range maps, this may not be the book foryou. But, since it is the only recent book out with color pictures, it canbe a valuable addition to a herp library.Another slight criticism isthe observation that no subspecific designations are used. The way thingschange in Baja, that may be a good idea, but then, down there, species alsochange fairly frequently.I do not think it would have hurt to put inpresently recognized subspecies.For instance, there are three subspeciesof zebratail lizards(genusCallisaurus) in Baja. Two are very similarto each other but the third, Callisaurus d. crinitus of the VizcaínoPeninsula, has some very unique adaptations and should have been noted anddepicted.There should have at least been a table of former names withthe relationship to the name used in this book.Many of the names used areproposed names and have not yet been accepted, Chances are the names willbe approved but still, the former names are quite familiar while the newones are going to take some getting used to. The Baja California Peninsulais a land of mystery and new discoveries.This book fills a void that hasexisted for years.I hope that more informational books are forthcoming inthe near future.

A great, reader-friendly, idenitification guide.
Color photos of each reptile and amphibian feature Baja residents, with families explained, habits explored, and natural history revealed. This will appeal to a wide audience with a regional interest in the Baja region, from travelers and natural history students to those who want an overviewof the creatures to be found in Baja. The details are easily read and thephotos are strong identification aids. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

Worth every peso/centavo/colon/dollar to me
I am very pleased with this book which I purchased for an upcoming trip to CR.Granted it is too large to bring with on the plane I have ample time to study ahead and integrate the major concepts into the maps and plans I am making.There is far more information albeit well presented and documented than I as a hobbyist can use, better that than the opposite.The maps and layout have increased my understanding of the various zones within CR.The photos are good.I am fully satisfied with Savage's opus.

Almost an encyclopedia
A large, heavy book, even in paperback.Good illustrations (mostly photos), a large quantity of information, not only on the reptiles and amphibians, but on Costa Rica itself, even to including a short political history.Great value for the price!

GREEEEEEEEAT BOOK
Incredible book with very good pictures. It contains identification and biological informations about all the species of Costa Rica.
Simply a must for this type of literature.

The Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Herpetofauna between Two Continents, between Two Seas <br />by Jay M. Savage
Super informative, I recommend getting the hard cover binding, as this book is huge and heavy.

Buy it just for the color plates!
It's breadth of knowledge and splendorous photos will greatly increase your travel pleasure, because you really CAN see these animals just casually criss-crossing the country; you don't have to go to a special preserve.

In fact,another book I brought with me to Costa Rica last year, "Costa Rica : The Last Country the Gods Made," had a photo of a giant iguana that was taken literally 5 steps off the sand at the ultra-popular Manuel Antonio beach!

And guess what?I saw one when I was there! ... Read more

Product Description
Frogs and snakes are not cuddly like pandas and not magnificent like tigers. Many people think they are ugly and boring. But they, and other reptiles and amphibians, are just as surely disappearing from the face of the earth. Why? A host of reasons: habitat destruction, pollution, disease, climate change, and over-collection for exotic pets, food, or folk medicines. If these animals go extinct just like the big dinosaurs did, then not only will we be the poorer for their absence, we will also be in big trouble. Populations of insect pests and disease carriers will explode without frogs to eat them; rodents and other small animals will flourish without snakes to fear. Our global ecosystem will be severely damaged. So what can we do? In this book, Marty Crump covers the 'state of the species' from common misconceptions about amphibians and reptiles, to their exploitation, to the solutions to the problems of their decline. These include protecting habitats, doing more research about these animals, and enacting protective laws against capturing and killing them. Most of all, it means educating people about the value of these creatures and the need for their conservation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No better authority than Dr. Pauley!
Hard to find this one.I have looked through it and have been trying to find one ever since, but no one seems to want to give their copy up. Nice photos and comprehensive information. ... Read more

Product Description
This field guide at last provides an authoritative and handy source for identifying amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica's renowned Atlantic lowland tropical forests. Colorful frogs, lizards that can run across water, snapping turtles, spotted geckos, boa constrictors, crocodiles, and many other fascinating yet secretive species of amphibians and reptiles flourish in the region's myriad microhabitats. The La Selva Biological Station, a protected reserve, boasts a rich biota, making it and the surrounding area one of the most visited tropical forest sites in the world.
For travelers, ecotourists, and biologists, this comprehensive guide, written by two distinguished experts on the area's amphibians and reptiles, will be an essential resource while visiting La Selva and the surrounding tropical forests of Costa Rica. In addition to providing reliable field identification, it will help visitors to this area better understand the overall role of Central American amphibians and reptiles in the natural world as well as conservation efforts now being undertaken to ensure the survival of these intriguing creatures.
* 138 frogs, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles are included in keys based primarily on color patterns for easy identification
* Each species is illustrated with a color photograph; the guide also features range maps and black-and-white drawings
* Includes an overview of the natural history of each amphibian and reptile and gives helpful tips on where to observe them ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good if you stay in La Selva, Costa Rica
Nice compact book.The only trouble is that it is so specific to one little area that it misses species that may be just down the road or just less common in this area. Nice for a quick reference for common species but not as extensive as I would like.The keys are useful.It is not always easy finding a field guide with good keys!

Great book, great price
I took thisbook on a recent research trip to a preserve near La Selva, and used it daily. Not just a field guide with pretty pictures, this book contains a key to the species. Since it is specific to this area of the country, it cut down on the amount of material that had to be sorted through to ID organisms. I could quickly key out species without having to worry about whether or not this was the right area for that particular species. The photos were clear and beautiful, with different color phases and sexual dimorphisms illustrated. If you are traveling to this specific area of Costa Rica, this book is really useful. It's small, lightweight, easy to use, and CHEAP! ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time a broad cross-section of distinguished researchers come together to address the conservation of Florida's rich but imperiled herpetofauna. The 27 contributions represent original research, essays, and reviews that identify contemporary threats to amphibians and reptiles and to the system that supports them.In the Synthesis of the book, Meshaka and Babbitt draw from these works and from prior discussions with the contributors to provide consensus regarding the most important threats facing the conservation of Florida's herpetofauna and proffer clear courses of action to ensure a viable future for this segment of Florida's natural legacy.Ultimately, the reader will see convincingly that conservation of Florida amphibians and reptiles can be achieved at several levels.Readable in style, contemporary in subject matter, this work is a snapshot of the present and a blueprint for the future of conservation action in Florida. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wealth of information on specialized biological investigations in Florida's uplands, wetlands, rivers, and estuarine systems
Jointly compiled and edited by Walter E. Meshaka Jr. (Zoology and Botany, State Museum of Pennsylvania) and Kimberly J. Babbit (Department of Natural Resources, University of New Hampshire), Amphibians And Reptiles: Status And Conservation In Florida is a compendium of articles of Floridian herpetofauna. From "The Florida Herpetofauna in a Changing Environment" by Walter Meshaka and Ray E. Ashton, to "The Value of Dead Tree Bases and Stumpholes as Habitat for Wildlife" by D. Bruce Means, to "The Conservation of Box Turtles on Public Lands in Florida" by C. Kenneth Dodd and Marian L. Griffey, Amphibians And Reptiles presents a wealth of information on specialized biological investigations in Florida's uplands, wetlands, rivers, and estuarine systems. Also included are three ground-breaking articles addressing issues in the commerical harvesting and Florida's herpetofauna, and two excellent pieces on exotic species and the Floridian herpetofauna. Concluding this outstanding collection is a "Synthesis" summary. Enhanced with a bibliography of cited literature and an appendices ("County Records of Native Amphibian and Reptile Species in Florida), Amphibians And Reptiles is a welcome and seminal contribution to herpetofauna in general, and Floridian amphibians and reptile wildlife in particular.
... Read more

Product Description
A brand-new edition of this popular field guide, Reptiles and Amphibians describes and illustrates every species found in Britain and Europe.This book contains descriptions of every species of salamander, newt, frog, tree frog, toad, tortoise, turtle, terrapin, gecko, agama, lizard, chameleon, slow worm, skink, amphisbaenian and snake found in mainland Europe.Every species and distinct subspecies is described in detail, with notes on its range, size, colour and markings, diagnostic characters, habitat, behaviour and, in the case of venomous snakes, the type and virulence of its poison.The final part of the book deals with the identification of the eggs and tadpoles of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. There are also introductions to each group of animals, with helpful keys to aid identification where necessary, an introduction to the biology of reptiles and amphibians and how best to study this fascinating part of our fauna.The book is also beautifully illustrated with 49 colour plates and distribution maps for each species. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The European snake pit
This is the Collins field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Europe. The guide covers all of Europe except Russia east of Moscow. The Canary Islands, Madeira and Greek islands in the East Aegean are included.

Each species presentation is divided into five sections: Range, Identification, Variation, Similar Species, Habits. The book also contains keys to aid identification. The colour plates are quite good.

Every European species is described, but many are not illustrated, an annoying trait of many field guides!

Biggest surprise? The sand boa. I didn't know there were native boas in Europe.

This is probably the best guide to the European snake pits you'll likely to find...

The best European herpetological field guide
I used the old version of this book (published in 1978) for many years but this is much better because new areas and species are covered (Canary islands and some greek island close to the Turkysh border like Samos and Rhodes; plus you will find the recently described species: Speleomantes, Chalcides, Podarcis carbonelli and many others). The text is really improved with many useful data on distribution (extremely detailed), geographical variation and biology/ecology in general. The plates are the best available for Europe and are really excellent (the only ones I personally don't like so much are the ones for Coronella and Elaphe) plus you will find that some of the old black and white drawings are now in full color. I feel that this is the reference field guide for Europe and that all serious herpetologists and reptile lovers should have it.
... Read more

Product Description
This is a new edition of the clearest, most authoritative guide to reptiles and amphibians you will find. From the Tomato Frog to the Cornsnake, discover over 400 species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. 600 incredible photos, annotations and detailed descriptions highlighting chief characteristics and distinguishing marks will help you to identify different species quickly and easily. It covers everything from anatomy and lifecycle to behavior and includes maps showing you the geographical distribution of each species. It is perfect for nature lovers and pocket-sized so you can take it anywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

extremely satisfied!
i purchased this book for my grandson - was very happy w/this as it was exactly as described - just like new!
shipping was prompt and it was packaged well. would buy from this seller again!

Great photos and great for kids
My 7 year old LOVES this book! The photos are great (better than illustrations) and I can read all the details to him.Every little boy should have this set of books!

Great!But some details are off.. ..
First off I'd just like to say that this book is great for getting your foot into Herpetology.It quickly gets you acquainted with all the different types of reptiles and amphibians and what makes a reptile a reptile and what makes an amphibian an amphibian.The pictures are great and the book as a whole is very well put together.

My only thing is that the length measurements are off.They list the chinese box turtle (cuora flavomarginata) as only reaching 4-4.5" long.Which is wrong and anyone that is into turtles knows that they can get up to 7 inches.And the African Spur Thighed Tortoise aka. Sulcatta is listed as only reaching 12-15".They can EASILY reach 30" long and the largest on record is 41.6".

I never leave reviews, but I just wanted to share this because it makes me question the integrity of the other information as well.

I love the book though and it is a great reference guide!

a useful book
I've the same book but a french one, it is the most useful book a reptiles' lover must have. It is simple to read, to understand. There's a good introduction to reptiles classifications (which is not obvious for begginers), the "identity card" for each animal is well conceived.
A good book to bring for travelling.

One great book.
Like all the books in this series "Reptiles and Amphibians" gives a species by species look at a huge variety of creatures.From Chameleons to Cobras this book has a great selection.There are not many field guides out there with such fantastic and detailed photos so I suggest it for anyone who loves the to some "unlovable" slimy or scaly creatures of our world. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses what reptiles and amphibians are and examines the characteristics and behavior of lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, frogs, toads, and salamanders. ... Read more

Product Description
A beautifully photographed and updated field guide thatcovers each of 33 species of reptiles and amphipians living in theHawaiian islands and its offshore waters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great overview ofreptiles and amphibians in Hawaii, but needs updating...
Sean McKeown has developed a nice collection of the history, biology, distribution, and behavior of 28 species of reptile and 5 amphibians found in or around Hawaii, many of which were introduced.It is missing the more recent invasion of the coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), which is actually affecting property values where it is found (it exists at very high densities, and its call is very loud).

In this book, A Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians In The Hawaiian Islands, McKeown speaks in a language of interest to both the general public and to specialists.The many photographs are of very high quality.

I've seen the green and black dart-poison frog in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley, and wondered about their history (introduced for mosquito control).The giant toad (Bufo marinus) I know mostly from eastern Australia, where it was introduced from Hawaii to control the sugar cane grub (in Australia, it is called the cane toad).In Hawaii, I don't hear many complaints about this toad.In Australia, it is a major catastrophe, as it affects the native animals that would normally feed upon the native toads (the cane toad is poisonous).

I appreciate McKeown's focus on the danger posed by brown tree snakes.Thankfully (in 2009), it still is not considered present in Hawaii, although a few individuals are captured every couple of years, usually brought in with shipments of freight from Guam.

And I always appreciate more insights into the life and times of Hawaii's sea turtles.

Recommended for the enthusiast of Hawaiian natural (including the unnatural) history.

Awesome creatures, great photos, solid information
This a fascinating, beautifully photographed, colorful field guide to some incredible creatures that crawl, climb, hop and swim in Hawaii.You'll learn what they look like, where they live, how they live, where they came from, how they reproduce, how to care for them in captivity, and interesting, fascinating facts about each of the species covered. The large color photographs are particularly striking. Includes glossary, bibliography, index and distribution maps. You'll find this book interesting whether or not you take it into the field, and even if you have only a mild interest in the subject. It's easy to get pulled in. Good job! ... Read more

Product Description
Muhammad Sharif Khan presents the most authoritative illustrated compendium on Pakistan's amphibians and reptiles--a work with no peer in its geographic realm.The book represents the distillation of nearly 40 years of research.Most species are illustrated in full color, and the text includes identification keys, descriptions, natural history, and distribution maps.This is a valuable guide for zoos and institutions, reptile keepers, and natural history travelers in Pakistan.It will be useful not only in Pakistan but in all the surrounding countries, the general region, and beyond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A wonderful guide to herpetology of Pakistan
This books is written by probably the only world-renowned herpetologist hailing from Pakistan. M.S. Khan is a well-known author of over a hundred research articles on the subject of herpetology of Pakistan. He has described firsthand many species of snakes, lizards as well as frogs from various parts of Pakistan.This book, in its breadth and scope is the most authoritative treatise on the its subject matter. I hope that this book would rekindle the interest of a layman as well as that of Pakistani zoologists in the field of herpetology.

A superb scientific reference, unmatched in quality concerning its subject of expertise
Illustrated with full color photography throughout, Amphibians And Reptiles Of Pakistan is an extensive compendium of nearly 40 years of research. Intended especially for reptile keepers, zoos, and natural history travelers in Pakistan, Amphibians And Reptiles Of Pakistan offers basic locality, identification details, natural history, and distribution information with maps; the natural history includes compiled notes on each species' feeding habits and life cycle. The stunning photography and meticulous guides to the different families, including a step-by-step key to simplify the identification process, makes determining the species of a reptile of Pakistan as straightforward as possible. A superb scientific reference, unmatched in quality concerning its subject of expertise.
... Read more

Product Description

Filled with fascinating details and illustrated with more than 200 striking color photographs, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of the World provides everything the nature-lover needs to know about these unique and unusual members of the animal kingdom.

An illuminating introduction provides the reader with evolutionary and characteristic information about reptiles and amphibians. The individual entries that follow describe over 200 species -- their physical characteristics, geographical distribution, morphology -- and offer visual symbols for their habitat as well as whether they are poisonous, diurnal or nocturnal. A detailed glossary and index are also included. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of the World is a spectacular and authoritative reference to these curious and intriguing animals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent for the specifics.
Simon and Schuster's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians is one of the most beautifully photographed guides on the market, but also one of the most specific. There are not as many species of newts, salamanders, or snakes mentioned, as in the Peterson Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Though Simon and Schuster's pales in comparison, it is a solid contribution to field identification. This book contains the species you are most likely to see, as Peterson's contains rarer and uncommon species.
There are two editions of this guide, and one is newly updated. I own the decade old edition of this, and this is probably why it is so specific. Buy the new edition, of course, since it is likely that there are more species added to the original print.

Simon & Schusters Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians:review
For general information and a quality photo of each animal, this is a very hard book to beat. The book contains information on the most popular species kept as pets throughout the world. I have found it usefull inindentification of several species of turtles and lizards. I would highlyrecommend this book to anyone needing a quick reference for identification,general habitat and basic requirements of a large selection of reptiles andamphibians. This book gets an A+ on my list. ... Read more

Product Description
Combining authoritative, easy-to-read essays with exciting illustrations and color photographs, this comprehensive encyclopedia covers all the diverse families of reptiles and amphibians, from chameleons to turtles to tree frogs.

Lively, in-depth articles are illustrated with accurate artworks and color photographs and each species listing has a Factfile of the essential data:
- Scientific Order and population
- Distribution (with a color-coded map) and Habitat
- Size and Color
- Reproduction and Life Cycle
- Longevity
- Conservation Status

Scientists, zoologists and expert researchers have contributed specially commissioned articles. These specialists, all experts in their fields, are actively involved in conducting frontline scientific or behavioral research. The inclusion of their latest findings and interpretations sets this title apart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great reference book
Very informative with plenty of pictures. Besides excellent information on each species it also contains area maps, anatomy, and some historical information. Great book for animal lovers.

One of the best books on reptiles and amphibians
Ten stars, if possible!! No more words needed, this a superb encyclopedia for all ages. Excellent pictures, diagrams, charts and fascinating information.If I could only own one encyclopedia on reptiles and amphibians, this would be it.Also highly recommended is Firefly "Insects and Spiders"Both are definitely worth the price.

Wonderful Compilation
The Firefly Encyclopedia series are uniformly excellent.There are several current volumes (Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects & Spiders, and Birds).With luck additional volumes will be added (I'd be especially keen to see one on fishes).The series picks up the tradition started with the David Macdonald's "Encyclopedia of Mammals" by having numerous experts contribute information about the organisms they study.Thus, each species or group of organisms is described by the scientists who know them best.The result is a truly amazing compilation of information about each type of organism.

The Reptiles and Amphibians volume contains information from 38 separate contributors about all types of reptiles and amphibians.Contents include:

Amphibians, general information:28 pages
Caecilians:4 pages
Salamanders and Newts:22 pages
Frogs and Toads:34 pages
Reptiles, general information:20 pages
Turtles and Tortoises:10 pages
Lizards:38 pages
Worm-lizards:2 pages
Snakes:32 pages
Tuatara:2 pages
Crocodilians:12 pages

The book is lavishly illustrated.There are tons of amazing photographs and lots of beautifully rendered drawings.The text is well written and generally easy to follow.Some sections are fairly technical (I have a Ph.D. in Biology and got lost a few times), but probably 90% or more should be accessible to anyone. I strongly recommend this book for biologists, naturalists, and people interested in wildlife.It would make an excellent gift for a young person (probably junior high +) who likes animals.

A herpetological classic
Tim Halliday and Kraig Adler deserve much praise for the blend of informative writing and hard science in their Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians which has been in print since the late 1980s.

The illustrations, drawn in many cases from photos, and the photographs which are liberally distributed through the text serve to assist the readers' understanding rather than just being pretty pictures plopped in to fill space.

Both Halliday and Adler are serious scientists and their rigorous devotion to fact shows on every page of this encyclopedia.

I recommend it for everyone interested in reptiles and amphibians.In fact, I recommend all three editions as each is slightly different and shows the progression of their efforts over time.The latest edition, from Firefly Press, has the most color photography and the most up-to-date information. ... Read more