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Herpetologists are sure to rejoice at this information-dense study of the world's snakes, illustrated with more than 200 photographs of the reptiles in action. Harry W. Greene offers life histories of cobras and adders, of rattlers and constrictors, showing the astonishing variety in what is, all in all, a fairly simple form. He discusses snake locomotion, adaptation, coloration, nomenclature, mimicry, and habits; and he offers a rigorous account of herp physiology, all the while peppering his scientific prose with personal notes on encounters with sometimes testy subjects around the world. He ends his absorbing book with a detailed discussion of issues in snake conservation, especially identifying and protecting key habitats that are in danger owing to human economic development. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Bushmasters, Eyelash Pitvipers, & Fire-bellied snakes
This book is not an encyclopediac treatment of snakes, but rather a natural history of some of the 2,700 species of snakes that are currently recognized. Eight chapters are devoted to general topics in snake biology, including anatomy, feeding, venoms (more snakes are venomous than we used to think), predation and defense, social behavior, reproduction, evolution, and conservation.

The illustrations supplied by world-acclaimed nature photographers Michael and Patricia Fogden are absolutely gorgeous---snakes in every aspect of their dangerous, seductive charm, including my favorite of Peringuey's Adder in Namibia. This snake's tail protrudes above the sand as a lure, and if you look very closely at the picture, you might make out eyes and head scales that are almost completely invisible between the grains of sand. It is quite startling to be looking at a pile of sand and suddenly see the outline of an adder's head.

The author, Harry W. Greene is Curator of Herpetology in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He opens each chapter in 'Snakes' with an essay that considers the subject from a more personal perspective: many of his fellow herpetologists have been bitten by venomous snakes, and some have died. The essays lead to Greene's epilogue and his answer to the question, "Why snakes?"

This book is a fascinating read. I sat down to learn more about garter snakes when I came across several of these handsome reptiles that were just emerging from hibernation. I soon found myself rereading the whole book. There are fourteen references in the index to 'Thamnophis sirtalis' (the common garter snake) but they are scattered throughout the book in interesting chapters such as "Diet and Feeding." I didn't know garter snakes were semi-aquatic and dined mainly on other watery creatures such as frogs. They also form mating balls which may stay together for two or three days---one female and multiple males. They spend the winter together in hibernaculums--one hibernaculum in Ontario was found to have over 6,000 garter snakes!

The author's favorite reptiles are the venomous snakes, their ability to cause damage measured in the number of mice that would die from the poison injected through a single bite. "Drop for toxic drop, the Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) wins hands down: a bite from this Australian cobra relative contains enough venom to kill two hundred thousand mice..." In the introductory essay, the author and some of his friends go scrambling through a Costa Rican rain forest, looking for the deadly Bushmaster (Crotalus mutus). They weren't bitten by the Bushmasters they found, just by "huge black ants with the most intensely painful and long-lasting sting of any hymenopteran."

If you'd like to explore the beauty and seductive grace of these ancient reptiles against a detailed backdrop of their biology and natural history, I highly recommend that you read "Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature." I own the hard-bound version, and it is 315 pages of dense text and hypnotic photographs.

snakes
If you are an expert then this book is for you. but i wouldn't recomend it for a beginner. because he talks about pretty technical terms and if your not paying attention then you might miss what it means. It does have really good photos with some good discriptions. if you are looking to do a school report on snakes then this is the book for you.

Beautiful photos
If you're an artist and like to draw and/or paint snakes like I do, I highly recommend this book. The photos are gorgeous references.

I found Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature informative; however, I wish it had been better organized. For example, it has a chapter on venomous snakes; a chapter on cobras, coral snakes, and their relatives; a chapter on seakraits and seasnakes; and a chapter on vipers, adders, and pitvipers. All these types of snakes (except maybe for some of the seasnakes) are poisonous. I hope I'm not sounding too presumptuous, like I'm interfering with the artistic process, but I would suggest that Harry Greene make venomous snakes a section in the book, with maybe some writings that cover all poisonous snakes and a picture or two of a snake striking or something, and put the other chapters in that section.

Mr. Greene also mentions certain snakes like the king cobra, but there are no pictures of them in this book! I really would have liked to see some.

Other than these things, I like Snakes.

A Review of "Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature"
This was the first time I ever ordered a book through 'Net and must say that Amazon's promised delivery period was bang on target. The book was in mint condition. Count me as very satisfied with the service. On with the review.

It was with much excitement as I unpacked the book, also another first as far as literature on snakes was concerned, and I have found it hard to put down ever since. The photos were excellent as well as the quality of the print. What "disappointed" me was the main focus on venomous species with almost perfunctory glimpses of non-venomous snakes. The author's fascination with venomous snakes is very evident and, in this respect, a wealth of information. However, if one's interests lies with non-venomous species, this book would be considered inadequate.

The above aside, I find this book to be most absorbing and lucid in its explanation of the various topics covered. I'd certainly recommend this book as a "must-have" for all avid herpers' libraries.

Good coffee table reference
What I like about the book is that it is new, by an expert and wonderfully illustrated. What I don't like is that the book is heavily biased towards cladism and treatment of snake groups seems to be somewhat haphazard and poorly organised. Words like Uropeltidae do not occur in the index. Many groups are hard to find except using the genus rank and the accounts even for genera are sometimes scattered and the text is chatty though sometimes rambling. This is not an introduction to snakes and its target audience seems rather eclectic (beginners, experts or people inbetween?).

I am disappointed that traditional groupings and classifications have been totally ignored which makes this work hard to cross-reference against older works which do have those groups. The author does not propose his own system based on Linnean ranks or for that matter a well annotated cladogram (there is a rather abstract one at the front).

Undoubtedly informative, I feel that serpents and those interested in them have been descriptively let down, coming from an acknowledged expert. More warmth and better organisation could have helped as in the standard of such works as "Handbook of Birds of the World - Lynx Edicions". ... Read more

Book Description

In what is certain to be the key reference on iguanas for years to come, some of the world's leading experts offer a clear and accessible account of the latest research on the evolution, behavioral ecology, and conservation of these highly visible and increasingly endangered creatures, much loved by professional herpetologists and hobbyists alike.

The book begins with an introduction by noted iguana biologist Dr. Gordon Burghardt that examines the state of iguana research--past, present, and future--with an emphasis on social behavior. Three major sections follow, each opening with a synthesis by the volume editors, who survey the current status and likely future direction of investigations in the pertinent area. The first section focuses on different aspects of the taxonomic and morphological diversity of iguanas and includes a complete checklist of species. In the second section, contributors address the behavior and ecology of iguanas and provide compelling evidence that both may be far more complex than previously appreciated. The third and final section, highlighting the threats facing iguana populations today, describes the broad array of innovative conservation strategies that will be needed to help ensure their survival.

Illustrated throughout with photographs, distribution maps, tables, and figures, this volume will be the definitive resource for anyone--professional or curious amateur--interested in iguanas. ... Read more

Book Description

The English language edition of Chameleons was revised and translated from the very successful German language edition published in 1995.It introduces chameleons in all their beauty and curiosity and puts together a mosaic of "Chamaeleonology" through individual chapters written on the basis of modern herpetology and herpetoculture.This book is partly a compilation of published information and partly a summary of unpublished data from various breeders, biologists, and veterinarians, with the author's view reflected on each particular topic.A complete bibliography containing a majority of available literature on chameleons is also included, along with more than 280 color photos and 45 black and white drawings and photos.

"This book will always be remembered as a launching pad for all future work in the realm of chameleon research and the adventures we have, whetherin the forest or the living room, with this diverse family of these saurian gems" (from the Foreword by Ronald L. Tremper). ... Read more

Reviews (3)

chameleons:Natures hidden jewels
Book is very informative, great photos, loaded with lots of useful information!

Simply AMAZING!!
It has all the info you will ever need on chameleons! this has helped me raise several generations of Jackson's! It has deitailed reports on A LOTof chameleon species! this is a MUST Own! oh, and did i mention the THOUSANDS of color photos?

The best reference work to date on Chameleons
This photo-packed book covers everything you need to know about keeping chameleons; from species and climate to how to keep them in captivity. Each chapter includes details on chameleon diet, habitats, and zoogeography and classifications, making for an excellent technical coverage. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Amphibian overview
This reference provides a solid overview of amphibians, and has long been used as a university textbook on the subject. While other references are more suitable for amphibian neuroanatomy, this reference provides a rich description of amphibian reproductive behavior, development from egg to larvae to metamorphosis, ecology and evolution, as well as a chapter on the musculoskeletal system and another on other anatomical/physiological aspects of amphibians.

Biology of Amphibians
As a herpetologist, I find this book very complete and still up to date. The contents are well chosen and include every single aspect of their biology. The authors succeeded in making a extremely well chosen summary of the complex biology of the Amphibians. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A classic for young and old
When I was a kid my uncle gave me a copy of this book and it opened up a world which still intrigues me...reptiles and amphibians. Even today I consult the book for info on some lizzard I don't recognize or to see if salamanders actually spend a lot of time out of water. In fact, I'm sharing it with my own nephew now--age 11--who's discovering this new world of life for himself. This book is well-presented and easy-to-use, as well as full of great illustrations that alone make it worth reading through. Profiles of each reptile and amphibian are thorough withough being overwhelmingly scientific. A timeless classic for young or old...one to share over the generations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Book!
This book is incredible. Offers the history of every species of turtle imaginable and even includes the issues that threaten them today. The book has sections explaining the anatomy of different turtles and how it has evolved throughout time. Great information, valuable resource, and incredible photos. Highly Recommend!!

Best General Book on the Subject- Must Have
I don't know how I have missed this book, but it is a wonderfully written book on the subject of turtle biology, with outstanding coverage of all groups of turtles, including sea turtles and the pleurodira. The subjects are very well selected to cover the range of turtle biology, and the collection of photographs is outstanding and very well edited for high quality. I'm just grateful that places like Amazon carry this book, because it is likely that you will not find it anywhere else. Most other books on the subject focus on pet care or classification (naming) of turtles, but this book takes a profoundly original view of their biology. The chapter on paleonology is the best general account of the state of this subject anywhere. A terrific value, and you will not be disappointed!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

So Excellent a Booke
Quite a wonderful book -- a classic of natural history writing. Though much more is known of the life cycle of the sea turtle than was known when Carr wrote, the book remains a classic.

The life of the foremost Sea-Turtle conservationist
Literature as much as natural history, Archie Carr's research, dedication, adventures makes the best introduction to Sea Turtles and the fight to preserve them. Focuses mostly on Carr's work with the green turtle ... Read more

Book Description

The Yucatn Peninsula is today divided among Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Travelers to this region discover both astonishing archaeological sites and a stunning array of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. This book--written by the world's leading authority on the herpetology of the lowland Maya area--is the only comprehensive field guide to all the species of amphibians and reptiles found there.

This field guide allows identification of all native and introduced species of amphibians and reptiles of the region.

features nearly 180 color photographs and 180 drawings.

offers valuable techniques for field identification, and a glossary of herpetological terms.

provides in each species account: description, natural history, similar species, and geographic distribution (complete with maps of each animal's range).

includes suggested readings for those who want to know more about a particular species.

illustrates all tadpoles.

describes the most characteristic vocalizations of the reptiles and amphibians in the volume.

introduces the physical geography, climate, and vegetation of the region, with emphasis on the habitats of amphibians and reptiles. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent field guide
This book is perfect for anyone interested in herps in the Maya Forest. Complementary to Campbell's field guide, but also includes great line drawings, range maps, and characteristics to distinguish from similar species. Also, better photos than in Campbell's guide. If I were to buy one field guide for the area, I'd choose this over Campbell's.

An exceptionally well laid out field guide
A Field Guide To The Amphibians And Reptiles Of The Maya World is a comprehensive survey of the crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders found in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This exceptionally well laid out field guide allows the easy identification of all native and introduced species of amphibians and reptiles of the region; is enhanced with 180 color photographs and 180 drawings; provides valuable techniques for field identification; includes a glossary of herpetological terms; and for each species gives a full description, natural history, and geographic distribution information (complete with maps). There are suggested readings for those who want to know more about a particular species, even descriptions of the most characteristic vocalizations of the reptiles and amphibians surveyed. A Field Guide To The Amphibians And Reptiles Of The Maya World is a "must" for any personal, professional, or academic library collection of natural history and herpetology reference works.

Amphibians and Reptiles of the Maya world
Julian C. Lee's field guide of the amphibians and reptiles of the Maya world is excellent. The color photographs make it easy to identify the animal in question; the maps give the reader the distribution of the form; the text gives a short synopsis of the characters and natural history of the taxon; the photos, line drawings, and the PRICE make it all worth while. Any person visiting the outback of the Yucatan Peninsula needs a copy of this book. All Nature Touring Companies should have it available for their clients. A wonderful addition for any professional herpetologist bookshelf. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Louisiana needs an update
Good text and excellent range maps. Artwork is not very good. Taxonomy is out-dated, and common names are simply wrong. Authors continued to use the tongue-twisting academic (not common) names devised in the first half of the last century, instead of standardized common names in use nationwide since 1978. Publishers should have had the book reviewed by herpetologists of a younger generation. Only book available on Louisiana herps, so use it until a better one comes along. ... Read more

Book Description

Amphibians and reptiles thrive in New Mexico's many landscapes and its extremes of temperatures and moisture. The state has 123 species, an assemblage of 3 salamanders, 23 frogs and toads, 10 turtles, 41 lizards, and 46 snakes. In this comprehensive guide, each species is presented in a color photograph and its distribution shown on a map. Technical art supplements identification keys and line art complements family descriptions.For each species, the following information is provided: type, distribution, description, similar species, systematics, habitat, behavior, reproduction, food habits, and references.

The detailed descriptions add immeasurably to students' and herpetologists' knowledge about the region's herpetofauna. This book is also of great benefit to nonspecialists, including casual hikers, since the authors write in accessible language that makes for easy identifications of species. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best resource for NM herps.
This book covers all known New Mexico herpetofauna (circa 1990's). Salamanders, snakes, lizards, etc, it's all here. There may have been some changes in the last decade, but this book is still the best I've found; the information it has is accurate, the diagrams, photos, descriptions, etc. are all clear enough to aid in identifying animals. Habitat descriptions are precise enough to actually be of use, etc. The language isn't full of technical jargon--it's actually accessible and understandable for people who didn't major in biology! All animals are dealt with as thoroughly as possible; sometimes there are gaps, but that's because we just don't know how common some animals are, or what they eat, etc. If the info for the animal is there, this book has it. Feeding, mating, size, range, behaviour, etc. It serves as my main (almost sole) reference for herps in NM. I bought it in the middle-late 90's in a bargin bin in some state park, and have used it to help me plan herping excursions everytime I've been there, and to help me ID dozens of herps. It's been worth every penny.

A Blackhead Snake Best Buy
This is an excellent state work, with detailed and accurate text, excellent photographs, precise maps, and up-to-date scientific nomenclature. Common names are those standardized nationwide since 1978, with the exception of the names used for snakes of the genus Tantilla. Purchasers of this book should go to page 307 and simply cross out the tongue-twisting "black-headed" and replace it with Blackhead (so much easier pronounced; it just rolls off the tongue -- truly a common name). Highly recommended. Certainly the best book on the subject, and a must for all herpetologists. Buy it quick before they run out of copies.

Seminal work on NM Herps.
There are many, even myriad, good things about this book. However, there are a few things I did not like and which, if corrected in a future revision, could turn this book into a world beater in the field of herpetology. First the "bad" things: 1. This book needs a topo and political map or several. Places and physical features are constantly mentioned but, other than the tiny range maps associated with each species account, there is only one map at the front of the book which shows the counties and major cities, that is if you consider Animas and Hobbs to be major cities. 2. The glossary needs improvement. There are many terms which are used constantly which should be defined but are not. For instance, in one species account, a lizard is described as having scales which are "imbricate and mucronate." Just for kicks, I looked in the glossary. "Mucronate" is defined - "imbricate" is not. 3. Find another way to arrange the "List of scientific and common plant names used in the text." There is no arrangement whatsoever to the list. Plants are listed alphabetically by genus under the family. However, the family names are haphazard. Thus, if one does not know the family name, one has to peruse the list from top to bottom to find the plant named in the text. Woe be unto the reader who doesn't know that Helianthus is in the family "Compositae," the last named family. Pardon me for saying this but it appears as if the authors used their college botany texts to research the family names. After years of not complying with nomenclatural convention, the botanists finally joined the world and changed family names to agree with convention. Thus, Compositae became Asteraceae and Gramineae became Poaceae, for example. Also, ALL plants mentioned should be listed, even aquatic plants. Plants are keys to finding reptiles and even subtle differences in plant denizens of a habitat may make a great deal of difference in the animals found there. NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF The standard items are all found at the beginning of the book, e.g., Foreword, Preface, Acknowledgments followed by a concise Physiographic Sketch of New Mexico (Words, not pictures) which in no way can take the place of a good physical map of the state. One of the best features is a "Brief History of Herpetology in New Mexico" in which the authors give insight into the historical aspects of herpetology in the state. This theme is repeated in the text of the species accounts with interesting snippets of history intermixed with the drier facts of science. A checklist of NM herps is provided and this is where disagreements are going to arise. The authors utilize what some would consider "old" or "controversial nomenclature." However, if one reads the species accounts, all disputed uses of nomenclature are explained. Even though I disagree with some of the generic nomenclature used, the authors gave good and valid reasons for using what they did. There are good keys to all the major groups of herps in NM and they appear detailed enough to lead a novice to the right creature, as long as the scales are not imbricate. The species accounts are very well written except for the occasional typo - "then instead of than", for instance -and give loads of information. Virtually everything one would want to know about an animal is in here. The species accounts follow a format similar to the SSAR Catalogue species accounts and that is not at all bad. It might be good if a majority of this type of book were to follow a similar format. A very fine section of glossy photos is found in the midst of the species accounts. It seems that this is the way publishers are going to make books now so, take it or leave it. The photos, by the way, are arranged in the same manner as the text for fairly easy location. Degenhardt, et al, have compiled a magnificent bibliography with everything you ever wanted to know about New Mexico Herps and where to find it. The authors have years of experience in New Mexico herpetology and have used every one of those years in producing an outstanding volume. It's a little large to carry out in the field but it is worth every penny and when in New Mexico, should be at least carried in the vehicle. This book would be a bargain at twice the price. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Text
Great book! Lots of good pictures, and much descriptive text....z ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that sea turtles in the Atlantic Ocean grow to a larger size than those in the Pacific Ocean? Or that a mass nesting of sea turtles can consist of as many as half a million creatures? Did you know that sea turtles spend the majority of their time submerged? These are just a few of the interesting facts you'll find in"Sea Turtles of the World"

Sea turtles have existed for more than 210 million years, surviving two waves of mass extinction. Unfortunately, many sea turtles are still threatened. "Sea Turtles of the World" focuses on the efforts to save these prehistoric-looking reptiles, and provides an in-depth look at their natural history.

Join author and photographer Doug Perrine as he guides you through the fascinating life-cycle of sea turtles; from their harrowing dash from the nest to the ocean as vulnerable hatchlings through the many years spent at sea during maturation; from sexual maturity and reproduction, to migration. Perrine also describes the evolution of the sea turtle, its anatomy, what led to its endangerment, and the attempts to save it.

Detailed descriptions of the Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Kemp's Ridley Turtle, Australian Flatback Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle are included. Perrine also provides information on the best land and water spots to watch sea turtles. Incredible photography depicts sea turtles at home in their underwater environments. ... Read more

Book Description

This field guide deftly describes the 105 species of snakes in Texas, the state with the largest number of different species in the nation. Learn facts about the biology and behavior of these creatures, plus the latest findings on abundance, reproduction, ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent field guide great pictures & information!
This field guide on snakes is excellent. The pictures of each snake are clear and you can identify them easily when you see them in the wild (or in you're house). The organization of this book splits up into two sections venomous and nonvenomous which allows a very quick way to tell if you should be anywhere near the snake. The infromation on each type is plentiful and everything you need to know is included. There are maps of where to find each type and whether they are endangered or protected in the state of Texas. A system is given in the beginning of the book for how to easily determine a snake and also what to do if you happen to be bit by a venomous type. The only thing I would like to see in the next revision is the striking distance of each snake which isn't given in this book.

Too bad I can't give this one 6 stars.
A great book. A fantastic book. It's slightly larger than what one might expect for a field guide, but the difference is put to good use. Not only are the excellent photographs printed at such high resolution that you expect to see these scaled beauties slithering off the pages, but the accompanying text is so easy to read that you might find it to be a page-turner that ranks with some pretty good novels. This book is crammed with really useful or, at the very least, interesting info -- like the relative potencies of venoms from different snakes. (You might be surprised...) A detailed discussion of the mechanisms associated with different snake venoms and what might be done to counter them is really fascinating. The text for each species is accompanied by a distribution map; that text includes information on whether the snake in question is venomous, its behavior, reproduction, abundance, size, etc. I can't say enough good stuff about this book. If you live in a state adjacent to Texas and Mr. Tennant hasn't written a book about your snake population, it would well be worth getting this one. He also wrote the "Field Guide to Snakes of Florida," so you guys in Florida are lucky, too! This book made me want to head out at night to the local megapuddles that form near my house south of Houston to see what might be after those little frogs that seem to appear out of nowhere in the spring. Now, that might seem to be a little strange, but if you've read this book, you probably know what I mean.
Come to think of it, I'd like to give this one 7 stars...

I thought this book was excellent!
I am not a "herpetologist" - - I don't like snakes, but I am trying to tolerate the beneficial types. It was about dusk a few weeks ago when I stepped inside my storage shed to close the door. My first reaction was, "I don't remember leaving a hose on the floor." I flipped on the light and about two feet from me was the meanest biggest snake I ever saw (actually, it was only about 42" long). Was it deadly? - - I guess so 'cause it nearly gave me a heart attack! After that experience, I knew I needed a fairly complete book on Texas' snakes in my library, so I purchased the above book. It has over sixty pages of full color pictures (that's over 120 snakes) with a commentary on each one as to its type, size, general location, habits, food preference, etc. I took a picture of the snake in my barn - - and when the book arrived, there it was in living color - - "Texas Rat Snake." Harmless....and beneficial. The key to a great book on snakes for the common layman, in my opinion, is clear, colorful pictures. I remember checking the public library for such a book as this 10-15 years ago, and couldn't find one. So, I reinterate, for everyday identification of Texas' snakes, you'd be hard pressed to beat this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Anyone interested in reptiles is interested in Australia. Reptiles of Australia is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide available to every one of its crocodiles, turtles, monitor lizards, dragons, snakes, skinks, geckos, and other lizards. A vast expanse of land and coastline encompassing tropical, temperate, and arid environments, Australia is home to a rich and unique reptile fauna--nearly three times as many species as in North America. With the current count at 836 described species, and with many more unnamed, it is a fauna as diverse as any in the world. Compact and accessible, this guide features a full-color photograph of each species and authoritative text that describes key identification traits. Thumbnail outlines of each family group further enable easy identification.

Australia is a mosaic of habitats, each element of which is the favored environment for a distinctive reptile species: warm, shallow, turbid seas fringed with mangroves, clear coral reefs, freshwater wetlands, tropical rainforests and savannahs, arid stony plains and ranges, sandridge deserts, alpine areas, and cool southern forests and heaths. A square mile of desert covered with spinifex grasses may support more reptile species than an area of comparable size anywhere in the world.

Attractive, portable, and affordable, Reptiles of Australia is the ideal home or traveling companion for all reptile enthusiasts, whether pet owners, amateur herpetologists, or specialists of this spectacular aspect of natural history.

* A portable, accessible, user-friendly guide to all the reptiles of Australia
* 930 full color photos, at least one for each species
* Text describes key identification traits
* Thumbnail sketches of each family group enable easy identification
* Distribution maps for each species

Reviews (1)

Australia
All the reptiles known on the Australian continent is covered. It is rather easy to identify them and it is a landmark for every reptile fan. ... Read more

Book Description

A superb collection of field recordings and descriptions offer unparalleled access to the sounds and calls of numerous popular and less well-known amphibians. The book and CD provide an introduction to the sound repertoire of species living in eastern and central North America. A variety of calls from each species are included, along with an in-depth description and explanation of their significance. In addition to color photographs of the most common species, the text offers a fascinating look at the science of amphibian calls, making this guide an indispensable aid for the outdoor enthusiast. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

excellent work on frogs of eastern and central US
...which is why the previous reviewer did not find the Pacific Treefrog...

What about Pacific Treefrog?
The CD is very well organized. The tone qualities are very good. As an amateur herpetologist, I deeply appreciate this audio archive of North American frogs and toads, especially the rana, bufo and hyla familes. Amphibians are going extinct and/ or disappearing rapidly from our planet. Mr. Elliot has compiled such an extensive audio library with great care and detail. All nature lovers and herpetologists must get this tape.

Nonetheless, Mr. Elliot failed to include the most widespread frog here in California... the Pacific Treefrog. This is the most well-known as the Hollywood frog. It is used widely to underscore background nature sounds in films. ... Read more

Book Description

Australia is home to a rich and unique fauna, but few Australian animals are as intriguing as the monitor lizard. Their abundance and bold behavior have made them a familiar favorite with generations of Australian bush walkers, campers, and even picnickers. In an easy-to-read style,Monitors covers the fascinating natural history of these ancient animals, which includes the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. This book is an update of the successful 1993 Australian Natural History Series title, Goanna. Since the publication of the first edition, many major studies have been undertaken on Australian, Asian, and African species of monitors (goannas) and much fascinating new information regarding varanid lizards has emerged. For instance, research on Varanus albigularis has revealed that they can count, while work on Varanus salvator shows that they swim in the ocean when not searching for food. These findings plus other new information in areas as diverse as taxonomy, diet, breeding behavior, and energetics have been incorporated into this text. Two new additions are a chapter on parasites of varanids and a section on foraging strategy. ... Read more

Book Description

Turtles and tortoises are fascinating survivors from an ancient world of reptiles that reach back to the age of the dinosaurs. Today they rank among the most threatened species on the planet. Their slow movement on land and lack of defenses combine with habitat destruction to make them vulnerable everywhere in the world.

This guidebook describes in detail the appearance and behavior of 190 land, marine and freshwater species of turtle. The concise, informative text is supplemented by a wealth of drawings and photographs which show the individual forms, patterns, coloration and habitat adaptation of each turtle.

This handy guidebook will prove invaluable to the student, naturalist and anyone interested in this fascinating creature. Each species of turtle is covered in detail - name, species, habitat, food, range, and a thorough description are provided for each entry. 190 species are covered and illustrated with 400 color photographs and 250 drawings and charts to provide a unique look at turtles and tortoises.

An ideal book for anyone interested in marine life, it provides up-to-date information, clear color photographs in a handy format for use in the field or at a desk. Readers who need essential facts quickly will be pleased with the orderly presentation of information, the completeness of the entries and the accuracy of the information. The color photographs help in identifying species as well as providing a visual reference for the information presented. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome Photo Album & Quick Reference
This book is jam packed with photos making it enjoyable to simply thumb through just to continuously look at the many pretty pictures. I reference it often when looking for an easy way to identify a turtle or when I seek quick stats on a specific species.

I would have given it five stars but I dropped a star because I desire more content when I purchase a book. As a supplement reference guide and a photo album this book is SUPERB but if you are seeking hard core information and/or more details on a specific species, I have to recommend supplementing this purchase with either Russ Gurley's "Keeping and Breeding Freshwater Turtles", Peter Pritchard's "encyclopedia of Turtles" or "Turtles of the United States and Canada" providing you have not already found a book dedicated to the species you are wanting to expand your knowledge on.

Wonderful book
Best Turtle/Tortoise book I have seen yet. Comprehensive and well written. Enjoyable with great photos.
Jeff

Almost two hundred land, marine and freshwater species
Turtle and tortise expert Ferri provides an in-depth and colorful detailing of almost two hundred land, marine and freshwater species of turtles and tortoises, with hundreds of color photos and drawings providing a strong visual background for identification. An excellent library reference for any collection serious about natural history. ... Read more

Book Description

With their unique flora and fauna, Madagascar and the nearby islands in the Indian Ocean region are among the most interesting destinations for professional and amateur naturalists, herpetologists, andthose keeping amphibians and reptiles as pets. This work is a very accessible guide to the herpetofauna of the area and comes complete with information on the regional climate and vegetation, as well as with information on vivarium care. Descriptions of 240 species of frogs, turtles and tortoises, chameleons, geckos, iguanas and agamas, skinks, and snakes are provided. For each species, the description includes information on distribution, habitat, characteristic features, as well as some general comments on natural history. Two hundred sixty-nine high quality color photographs simplify identification.Final translation and technical editby Hinrich Kaiser, PhD. ... Read more

Book Description

This all-new edition of the popular field guide provides photographs and descriptions of all species and subspecies of snakes of eastern and central North America from Texas to Manitoba, to the eastern seaboard of the continent. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Guide!
I just bought the 2003 edition of this book, and I must say it is great! The pics are very good! On some of the variable species, there are more than one photo to show you the different forms. The author provides great information on every aspect of the snakes' lives including size, reproduction, prey, habitat, and relative abundance. The book is very easy to read and is a steal at that price for 600 well written pages on North American snakes!- Anthony J. Chodan

Good, accessible guide
A very good reference and field guide to snakes from Texas to North Dakota eastwards, aimed at enthusiasts and accessible to the average reader. It builds on Tennant's earlier books on Texas and Florida snakes (which were excellent), and in fact the text of the species accounts is often lifted more or less directly from those books. This makes this book less than original, but the detail -- over 600 pages worth -- is very good. Lots of photos, though each are a little small. This book is thicker, more thorough and generally stronger than the companion western volume (Snakes of North America: Western Region). It also has a good bibliography. One quibble, though -- the range maps often do not extend into Canada (though the Canadian ranges of the relevant snakes are discussed in the text), which reduces the usefulness of this book for Canadian readers. Recommended.

Snakes of North America : Eastern and Central Regions (Field
Overall I thought this book was well written, very comprehensive, and quite easy to use. The copy I purchased has a problem with some of the pages being out of order. The Western guide I have has the range maps for the hognoses reversed. These may be a function of the printing company's sloppiness. However, I believe this book is an important addition to any serious amateur or professional herpetologist or budding herpetoculturist.

Excellent Field information
This book has the most comprehensive and up to date data down to sub-specific detail I've seen in a field guide, or any publication for that matter. This book is informative and easy to read. As a field guide it tries to group the animals by their appearance, which is occasionally annoying, but for a novice trying to identify something it is logical. The collection of pictures is quite complete, however, unusual color morphs of some species are depicted where it would be better to show clearer pictures of typical specimens(especially because it is a field guide). ... Read more