Product Description
What do a bullfrog, a salamander, and a toad have in common? They're all amphibians! But do you know what makes an amphibian an amphibian? Read this book to find out! Learn all about reptiles, insects, mammals, and other animal groups in the Meet the Animal Groups series - part of the Lightning Bolt Books(tm) collection. With high-energy designs, exciting photos, and fun text, Lightning Bolt Books(tm) bring nonfiction topics to life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

In this book you will learn the basics about amphibians and get to see some great pictures!Do you know what an ectotherm is?
Have you ever seen a tadpole swimming around in a pond?Probably most children have been told that they will grow into frogs and those who live near fresh water may have seen the many stages they go through to become adults.These changes seen in an amphibian are called metamorphosis.Frogs, toads and salamanders are all amphibians.Most amphibians "start their lives in water" and end up living on land when they are adults.All of them have backbones, they cannot "make their own body heat" and therefore they "get cold when the air is cold" and they "get warmer when the air is warm."They are cold-blooded creatures or, using the more scientific term, ectotherms.

Some amphibians live in cooler climates but there are some who do live in warm climates.In order to stay cool, some burrow in the ground and peek out at the word at the entrance to their hole.Another characteristic of amphibians is that they lay eggs.In this book you will meet many different kinds of amphibians.You will learn about the kinds of eggs they lay, how tadpoles grow, what they eat, you will learn about their predators, how a male poison dart frog guards its eggs, the amphibian metamorphosis, frogs' eardrums, how they breathe, how they protect themselves from predators and how a wood frog hibernates.

This is a very interesting, basic introduction to animal science and the amphibian life cycle.Although there are three orders of amphibians, caeilians are only briefly mentioned in the "Fun Facts."This book is only intended to be a simple introduction and I don't feel further explanation is necessary.The bookis very appealing, well written and I like the fact that the author chose to use scientific terminology (ectotherms, metamorphosis) despite the lower reading level.Scattered dialogue balloons point to areas in the photographs that are emphasized in the text.For example, one balloon asks, "Can you see this frog's eardrum?"In the back of the book are some "Fun Facts," a matching quiz, an index, a glossary and additional recommended book and website resources.If you want to see a really interesting picture, you'll have to check out the male poison dart frog carrying its young! ... Read more

Product Description

Keeping iguanas, frogs, insects and other invertebrates in a glass world is a popular pursuit.

This practical, fully illustrated guide has everything the enthusiast needs to know, with a focus on beginners. A one-stop reference for those starting out with a terrarium or vivarium, it covers the entire spectrum of suitable animals, from invertebratesto large snakes and lizards. David Alderton explains how to design setups that re-create natural habitats, as well as more clinical environments for closely monitoring difficult or delicate species. A brief account of some of the more suitable vivarium plants and their requirements is also included.

The book is divided into three main sections -- Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates -- with extensive cross-referencing between them. There are detailed presentations on all key areas:

• Basic biology
• Housing
• Equipment
• Controlling the environment
• Furnishings: clinical and naturalistic
• Checklist of plants and methods of planting
• Food and feeding
• Breeding
• Health.

A comprehensive directory of species provides specific information on breeds suitable for beginners. This easy-to-use, illustrated volume presents all the most up-to-date information in a single volume, giving the enthusiast a complete reference.

Customer Reviews (2)

Poor book; poor pictures; poor reptiles; poor reader
This book was a complete waste of my time. Fortunately I got it from our local library. The selection of animals is quite limited with some taxa not even featured with a photo. It is more about animals than plants or vivaria per se, and yet, as said, the animals receive only cursory treatments. What is this book for? I suspect it exists to sell books for the company and is not in existence to help new vivaria-ists. Stay away!

Encyclopedia of vivs
Great book. Great pictures! Very educational. Highly recommend if your looking for a broad viv info. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Complete and detailed overview
Very nice book,but I would have expected the pictures to be next to the description of the animal.

Nice photographs but correct?
This book looks very nice and the provided information is very helpful with determining the species. However, the first toad I met in Namibia, fits the description of Bufo gutturalis and the photograph of Bufo garmani. I think that these pictures are swapped. The second species I found is a tree frog with orange and black net-like pattern.With the pictures I cannot find it and my own photograph appears to be not enough to use the provided keys to the species. The third species I found is a small toad with a blinking green stripe in the middle of the back and this is exactly the same story.
Concluding: 192 very nice colour photographs and very clear and informative text for each species, but you need to have the animal in captivity (or dead) to use the keys. ... Read more

Product Description
Reptiles and amphibians are among Egypt’s most successful wildlife, found in almost every habitat in the country, from homes to fields and the desert itself. For the first time, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt provides concise, reliable, and up-to-date information
on all of Egypt’s principal species, with detailed material on their taxonomy, identification,natural history, and ecology. Based on fifteen years of fieldwork, this guide is a valuable tool
for experts and amateurs alike in the identification, study, and conservation of these fascinating animals. With an easy-to-use key, high-quality maps, and over 100 color illustrations, this field guide covers 110 species--including tortoises and turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles--found in Egypt. Each entry contains concise information about the
species, including English, Latin, and Arabic names; world and Egypt distribution; distinguishing features; habitat and ecology; behavior; and conservation status. Included too are line drawings to illustrate key identification features and differences between species.
With a comprehensive bibliography for further research, the guide supplies the accuracy and scientific rigor that scientists look for, while providing an accessible approach for generalists and amateurs. For biologists, nature lovers and anyone interested in Egypt’s rich natural
heritage, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt is an ideal reference tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great and first guide to the region
Finally a guide that covers Egypt in a understanding matter.

No highly scientific drawings in black and white, but nice colour photography,distribution maps and some drawings.
More photos would have been welcomed especially to show the colour differents between lizards/snakes of the same species in different regions...
But then the book would be a lot more expensive.

It is clearly made for a broad audience, from scientists to herp fanatics to tourists.

A quality reference of the highest order
A Guide To The Reptiles And Amphibians Of Egypt is a concise, solid, and up-to-date reference especially for herpetologists and natural scientists in need of a quick reference to the 1180 species currently recognized within Egypt. Each species' entry includes information about its taxonomy, identification, natural history, ecology, and conservation. Author Sherif Baha El Din has spent twenty years researching and studying the reptile and amphibian fauna of Egypt; his meticulously gathered data is supplemented with over 130 color photographs and black-and-white line drawings, accurate distribution maps, and a bibliography. Featuring sufficient detail and scientific rigor for professionals while retaining an accessible narrative style for amateur nature lovers, A Guide To The Reptiles And Amphibians Of Egypt is a quality reference of the highest order.
... Read more

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

The latest findings, brought vividly to life.

This highly acclaimed encyclopedia combines authoritative, easy-to-read essays with exciting photographs showing reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. Illustrations explain anatomy and biological features, and maps show world distribution of species. Commissioned articles by scientists, zoologists and researchers provide the latest findings and interpretations of data.

Each species listing has a "factfile" of essential data: scientific order and population; distribution (with a color-coded map) and habitat; size and color; reproduction and life cycle; longevity and conservation status.

All status descriptions have been updated in this revised edition, which also includes:

• Descriptions of all new families of amphibians and reptiles
• Updated range maps for all families
• Revised family relationship diagrams in light of current taxonomic understanding
• New species and genus totals for all groups.

Authoritative, comprehensive and beautiful, this landmark volume is strongly recommended for anyone with a keen interest in amphibians and reptiles.

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

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

For nearly 100 million years, amphibians and their ancestors dominated the terrestrial and shallow water environments of the earth. Archaic animals with an amphibious way of life gave rise not only to modern frogs, salamanders, and caecilians but also to the ancestors of reptiles, birds, and mammals. In this landmark publication, one of the leading paleontologists of our time explores a pivotal moment in vertebrate evolution, the rise of amphibians.

Synthesizing findings from the rich and highly diverse fossil record of amphibians, Robert Carroll traces their origin back 365 million years, when particular species of fish traveled down an evolutionary pathway of fin modification that gave rise to legs. This period of dramatic radiation was followed by a cataclysmic extinction 250 million years ago. After a long gap, modern amphibian groups gradually emerged. Now the number of amphibian species and individuals throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the earth exceeds that of mammals.

The Rise of Amphibians is documented with more than two hundred illustrations of fossil amphibians and sixteen exquisite color plates depicting amphibians in their natural habitats throughout their long existence. The most comprehensive examination of amphibian evolution ever produced, The Rise of Amphibians is an essential resource for paleontologists, herpetologists, geologists, and evolutionary biologists.

Customer Reviews (3)

Amphibians
This volume would make a nice addition to any paleontology library. The fact it is packed full of illustrations and skeletal reconstructions reenforces this opinion.

Any college collection strong in natural history catering to geologists, evolutionary biologists or paleontologists needs this
THE RISE OF AMPHIBIANS: 365 MILLION YEARS OF EVOLUTION provides college-level natural history collections with a powerful synthesis of findings from the fossil record of amphibians. Robert Carroll traces their origin back 365 million years and follows the emergency of the modern amphibian group, using over two hundred illustrations of fossil amphibians and sixteen color plates to enhance the study. Any college collection strong in natural history catering to geologists, evolutionary biologists or paleontologists needs this.

365 million years
This book is jam packed with great information on both fossil amphibians and the evolution of amphibians.It also covers the evolution of the first amniotes. ... Read more

Product Description
Florida contains more exotic amphibians and reptiles than any other U.S. state.Illustrated species accounts detail the history and nature of each, the mode of dispersal, natural history, and present-day habitat and geographic distribution in the state. The impact of these animals is measured by their presence in natural systems of Florida and predator-prey interactions with native and other exotic species. The authors update the list of the documented exotic species in Florida and provide a progress report on new and published natural history information for each established species.An afterword examines the role people have played in the success of these species. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Invaluable
Although this book really wasn't designed as a field guide (i.e. field use), its functional role in reptile and amphibian literature pertaining to the exotics of Florida is just that.In other words, it beats everything else currently out there on the subject and should be carried in the field.The pictures are decent (though not great) and there are very helpful county maps for each species, along with species descriptions, similar species comparisons, histories of introductions, habitat and habits details (very useful), diet information, known predators, and reproduction data, if available.I would have been completely lost on a recent herping trip to Florida if I didn't have this book with me to identify the non-natives I encountered.Although other Florida exotic publications exist, this one is the most current and I'd say the best. Beware that most field guides include only a small portion of the species this book encompasses.This is a must-have for anyone herping in Florida.

A great Book for any Herper!!!
Meshaka, Butterfield, and Hauge accurately and comprehensively described the many species of introduced herpetofauna that have found there way into the Florida ecosystem.A great supplement to any field guide, this book answers many of those "Why isn't this thing in Petersons?" questions that have plagued many a herper traveling through Florida. Complete with maps outlining known localities of specific species, some fine photography, as well as historical perspectives on these introduced species, this book has not only found its way into the field with me, but has also made its way to my coffee table.I hope this spark causes a wildfire ofdescriptive field guides which begin to accurately identify and bring attention to the growing concern of introduced species throughout the United States. ... Read more

Product Description
This benchmark volume documents in comprehensive detail a major environmental crisis: rapidly declining amphibian populations and the disturbing developmental problems that are increasingly prevalent within many amphibian species. Horror stories on this topic have been featured in the scientific and popular press over the past fifteen years, invariably asking what amphibian declines are telling us about the state of the environment. Are declines harbingers of devastated ecosystems or simply weird reflections of a peculiar amphibian world?
This compendium--presenting new data, reviews of current literature, and comprehensive species accounts--reinforces what scientists have begun to suspect, that amphibians are a lens through which the state of the environment can be viewed more clearly. And, that the view is alarming and presages serious concerns for all life, including that of our own species.
The first part of this work consists of more than fifty essays covering topics from the causes of declines to conservation, surveys and monitoring, and education. The second part consists of species accounts describing the life history and natural history of every known amphibian species in the United States. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Classic Amphibian and Conservation Reference
Every species of amphibian in the U.S. has a detailed species account in the latter 55% of this book."Amphbian Declines" therefore rivals Petranka's (1998) "Salamanders of the U.S. and Canada" with its species accounts.Amphibian Declines has accounts that are more up to date, contain pertinent conservation information, and includes anuran species.The first 45% of the book contains essays on interesting topics, however, I confess I have not read most of them (yet) perhaps because the sheer volume is daunting.There is no other book like this one.It is well worth the money for any researcher, manager, or conservation biologist interested in amphibians. ... Read more

Product Description
Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Japan covers all the herpetologically significant islands of the Japanese archipelago.Written for both amateur and professional herpetologists, it lists and describes all known species, giving the currently accepted scientific name, Japanese name, meaning of Japanese name, description for identification, range, and ways of distinguishing similar species.All but 9of the 147 species are illustrated with color photographs suitable for identification, and range maps for all species are included.The annotated bibliography includes the few treatises in English and the major books in Japanese containing understandable illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good guide, but could be better.
This book is the only comprehensive English-language guide to the amphibian and reptile fauna of Japan published since 1907.The introduction is brief but interesting and discusses amphibian and reptile communities in historic and modern Japan, focusing on the dramatic and alarming changes which have recently occurred.

English and Japanese common names, identification, confusing species, distribution and range map, reproduction, and habits are covered for each species and subspecies (subspecies receive coverage independent of one another).Additional notes are given for many species.The habits and notes sections are particularly nice in this book, with threatened species usually having status addressed.Range maps are blobbed in, not locality dots.Voice is described for frog species.

One photograph of each but nine species/subspecies is lodged with each respective account.It would probably have been more useful for comparative ID purposes to provide photograph plates, and would have resulted in higher photo print quality.Although the frog pictures are excellent and the salamander pictures are of high quality, many of the reptile photographs are not so great.The publisher's description claims all photos are suitable for ID, but this is not true.The angles and lighting of many reptile photographs are not conducive to discerning important characters on many species.A few lizard and snake photographs are completely unrecognizable at the species level.

The single page bibliography lists nine major English- and Japanese-language works on the amphibian and reptile species in this region, but no other publications receive credit.No citations are used anywhere in the book.This makes sourcing the information (including human use, current status, and range) for each species impossible.

Although this is a strong guide book, it is overpriced for the content.One star was subtracted because of the many poor quality reptile photographs and the absence of much-needed citations.It does belong on the shelf of those with an interest in amphibian and reptile species of Japan since no other recent English-language work exists.

ACompleteGuide!!!
This Book Is CompleteGuide ToReptiles andAmphibiansOf Japan , The Color photographs and maps is Wonderful and clear. ... 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
In an age when advanced molecular and genetic tools allow studies in various systems, amphibian metamorphosis still offers perhaps the most accessible model for the study of postembryonic organogenesis and mechanisms of hormonal regulation during vertebrate development. Amphibian Metamorphosis: From Morphology to Molecular Biology integrates findings from the most recent research with earlier observations, providing molecular and mechanistic insights into the signal transduction pathways underlying tissue-specific transformations during metamorphosis.

The author, renowned expert of anuran metamorphosis and Head of the Unit of Molecular Morphogenesis at NICHD/NIH, begins with an overview of metamorphosis in different classes of amphibians and various factors that influence this process. A review of earlier morphological, cellular, and biochemical changes focuses on organs and tissues that have been studied extensively at the molecular level, while discussion of the thyroid hormone signal transduction pathway emphasizes transcriptional regulation mechanisms by thyroid receptors. The book provides a summary and comparison of gene regulation programs induced by thyroid hormone in several organs that undergo distinct metamorphic transformations. Several chapters are devoted to functional and mechanistic implications of the molecular findings on the thyroid hormone response genes in tissue transformation.

Special features of this book include:
* An emphasis on integrating the morphological approach with molecularand cell biology
* A historical perspective on the progression from discovery of the thyroid hormone to present-day research advances
* Comparisons of amphibian and insect metamorphosis
* Dozens of instructive photographs, several in full color

Amphibian Metamorphosis: From Morphology to Molecular Biology is a unique and invaluable resource for professionals and aspiring professionals in develop-mental biology, molecular biology, cell biology, evolutionary biology, and endocrinology. ... Read more

Product Description
With this 'Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles', you can discover and understand the lives of common frogs, salamanders, alligators, snakes, turtles, and lizards to an extent that has never been possible, through the unique behavior-watching approach of the Stokes Nature Guides. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

exelent field guide
This is by far the most detailed and enjoyable to read feild guide to amphibians and reptiles we could find.However, it does not include as many different species as some do, but it has much more information perspecies. I wish Thomas Tyning would write more nature books. ... Read more

Product Description
Most people have limited knowledge about the reptiles and amphibians found in the Great Lakes area, so they do not realize the importance of these species to the environment. This book by James H. Harding is a welcome volume that is sure to increase the awareness and knowledge of these often-misunderstood Great Lakes animals.
Reptiles and Amphibians of the Great Lakes Region offers thorough coverage on all the important subjects and issues confronting the world of herpetology today. While being a volume of great usefulness to naturalists in this field of study, it is also accessible to high school and college students. It serves as a handy reference tool for the many people who live in the Great Lakes wilderness areas and for tourists venturing into the wild for the ¹rst time.
James H. Harding is among the most respected herpetologists in the Great Lakes area. Throughout his career at the Cranbrook Institute for Science and Michigan State University, Harding has been very active in educating people about snakes, turtles, toads, and lizards through his numerous books, articles, and presentations.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

You'll never mistake a newt for a skink again
Michigan is not a state that is well-known for its reptiles and amphibians, but if the whole drainage basin of the Great Lakes is taken into account, as it is in this book, we host a total of 33 amphibians (mostly salamanders!) and 42 reptiles (mostly snakes).

"Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region" starts with a preface on how to use this book, followed by a brief 34-page introduction to Herpetology.Most of 378 pages are taken up by descriptions of the 75 species of reptiles and amphibians that might be encountered by those of us who live near one of the Great Lakes.The color photographs and distribution maps are well-suited for species identification.I was able to recognize a pair of snakes that rove through a swampy area near our driveway as Northern Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis), a handsome species of garter snake.The frogs that are currently hopping through the lawn are Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica), not a brown variation of Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), as I had originally thought.

Each of the species narratives is divided into the following sections:"Description;" "Confusing Species;" "Distribution and Status;" "Habitat and Ecology;" "Reproduction and Growth;" and "Conservation."The author stresses 'nonconsumptive' observation of these interesting creatures in their habitat, since many of the species are in decline.Newts seem to be especially vulnerable to degradation of their habitat and the author suggests conserving and protecting them by "creating ponds that are close to woodland habitats."I've lived in Michigan all of my live and have never seen any form of salamander, including newts, so I'll have to start looking more closely in and near the local woodland ponds.They are not for picking up, though.The author states that all members of the Salamandridae family have skins that "are well supplied with poison glands that help discourage predators."

"Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region" is a well-organized, well-written, and well-illustrated guide for all budding herpetologists or for those of us in the region who are curious about our natural surroundings.

The Best
Mr. Harding is fairly well known in Michigan. When he does public speaking about his loved amphibians and reptiles, people respond well to him. This book shows the depth of his love for the natural world and his knowledge of these underappreciated creatures. Since there are relatively few amphibians and reptiles in the Great Lakes area you don't have toknow 100s of different species. That alone makes identification easier. The high quality color photos and excellent descriptions in this book make identifications even easier.
Mr. Harding's text includes general biological information about the various creatures described in the book--frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, turtles, lizards and snakes. So, in addition to helping with identification, this book also helps the reader understand the biology and ecology of the animals. Though most people have little love for these animals, Mr. Harding's book will help us appreciate their places in the ecology and their biological functions.

Since there are so few books dealing with the amphibians and reptiles of the Great Lakes (is this the only one?), we are lucky that this one is truly excellent. Highly recommended to all people wanting to further their understanding of these creatures.Thanks to Mr. Harding for an exceptionally fine book. ... Read more

Product Description
With descriptions, color photographs, and eight identification keys (including egg and larval stages), this comprehensive field guide allows both the layperson and the professional to confidently identify Montana's 32 species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. ... Read more

Product Description
"East Africa is well known for its wealth of plants and animals, represented in game reserves, such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Maasai-Mara in Kenya, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Nature Reserve in Uganda. These reserves and others like them have been the localities of wildlife television documentaries that cover the well-known large mammal predators, the crocodiles, the herds of migrating buffalo, and of course, the gorillas. Less well known, but playing an important role in the east African ecosystems, are the amphibians. The ancestors of the present-day frogs and caecilians were in attendance before the rift valley started to form, and long before the first true mammals shook off the last vestiges of their reptilian ancestry."—from the Introduction

In the first field guide and reference book about the amphibians of East Africa, Alan Channing and Kim M. Howell provide identification keys and detailed accounts for 194 frog species and 9 caecilians. These descriptions will be of great interest to all herpetological enthusiasts, travelers to the region, and conservation biologists who track the health of amphibian populations. Amphibians of East Africa is exhaustively illustrated with 185 color images, 28 halftones, and 201 charts, graphs, and maps.

The species accounts are comprehensive—they include a statement of known habitat preferences and distribution, advertisement call, breeding biology, and the characteristics of tadpoles of each species. The authors explain the meanings of the amphibians’ scientific names and list local names and other common names. A section of notes and a guide to key references for further reading complete each species account.

The frogs found in this volume include representatives from 8 families: squeakers (Arthroleptidae), toads (Bufonidae), snout-burrowers (Hemisotidae), treefrogs (Hyperoliidae), rain frogs (Microhylidae), clawed frogs (Pipidae), common frogs (Ranidae), and foam nest frogs (Rhacophoridae). The East African caecilians are from the families Caeciliidae and Scolecomorphidae ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great book for new and old herpers
This book is great for the state and is probably one of the best books published by the state for an affordable price.Maps and pictures are phenomenal and the book is small enough and durable enough for normal field work. ... Read more