Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The most comprehensive and easy-to-use pocket guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the world, with beautiful color photographs and authoritative text from an expert herpetologist and a biology professor specializing in amphibians. Packed with over 600 color photographs of more than 400 species, this handbook is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily.
World-renowned herpetologist Mark O'Shea, best known for his Animal Planet/Discovery Channel show O'Shea's Big Adventure, teams up with Tim Halliday, former biology professor at the Open University and one of the world's leading authorities on amphibians, to write expert-level entries highlighting the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each species, accompanied by crisp, detailed photos. A comprehensive introduction describes the anatomy, lifecycle, and behavior of the major groups of reptiles and amphibians, while the initial steps of identification are facilitated by a clear visual key.
Whether you're spotting animals in the field or browsing the fascinating world of wildlife from the comfort of your home, this Dorling Kindersley guidebook is a great resource for any nature-lover.
Table of Contents
Authors' introduction -- How this book works -- What is an amphibian? -- What is a reptile? -- Amphibian reproduction -- Reptile reproduction -- Amphibian feeding habits -- Reptile feeding habits -- Movement and activity -- Defense -- Distribution and habitat -- Conservation -- Studying and keeping -- Identification key -- Reptiles : Turtles and tortoises -- Tuataras -- Lizards -- Snakes -- Crocodilians -- Amphibians : Newts and salamanders -- Caecilians -- Frogs and toads.