Crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials-the Crocodylia, known collectively as crocodylians (or crocodilians)-are the world's largest living reptiles. The largest of them, probably the estuarine or saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, can grow to almost twenty feet and weigh more than two thousand pounds. Crocodylians are creatures of great contrast. They can remain patiently still for ages, yet can also move like lightning to snap up a meal. They are formidably strong, active predators, with jaws that can tear apart large prey items, yet a mother or a father can gently assist hatchlings out of the eggs, and carry them to the water between their teeth. Because large crocodylians can (and do) eat people, they invite fear and loathing, but they also inspire curiosity and admiration. Biology and Evolution of Crocdylians is a comprehensive review of current knowledge about the world's largest and most famous living reptiles. Gordon Grigg's authoritative and accessible text and David Kirshner's stunning artwork and color photographs combine expertly in this contemporary celebration of crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. This book showcases the skills and capabilities that allow crocodylians to live how and where they do. It covers the biology and ecology of the extant species, conservation issues, crocodilian-human interaction, and the evolutionary history of the group. Richly illustrated with more than five hundred color photographs and black-and-white illustrations, this book will be a benchmark reference work for crocodylian biologists, herpetologists, and vertebrate biologists for years to come.

Because Florida's human population has increased so dramatically over the past three decades, residents are more likely than ever to encounter a snake or legless lizard. This book is designed to dispel some of the apprehension from these encounters by providing a comprehensive, illustrated guide to the 86 species and subspecies of snakes and legless lizards living within the state. Each reptile is illustrated with a color photograph accompanied by a range map detailing where it can be found. The descriptions of each animal provide specific details on appearance, size, behavior, and venomous qualities. Additional text addresses captive care, how to find snakes, legal issues (many species are protected), reproduction modes, prey and prey procurement, and an explanation of classification. Because of introduced species, there are actually more snake species living in the state today than when Florida was truly wild. The 2-to-6-foot snakes are most commonly encountered, such as the green snake, yellow rat snake, and diamond-backed rattlesnake, but Florida's ophidiofauna range in size from the earthworm-sized Brahminy blind snake (also called the flowerpot snake, after one of its favorite habitats) to the Burmese python, which reaches a length of 15 feet or more. Both are introduced species. This is the only field guide for Florida snakes that includes native along with introduced and established species and commonly seen but not yet established species. Its handy format and comprehensive coverage provide identification for species anywhere in Florida as well as in adjacent areas of neighboring states.

A practical how-to guide written for discovering and enjoying reptiles and amphibians in their natural settings. This book will enhance the enjoyment of herp enthusiasts and bolster conservation efforts.

This profusely illustrated comprehensive key for identifying amphibians and reptiles from the continental United States and Canada incorporates a wealth of scientific findings. Since the first edition was published in 1998 and the second in 2012, the number of currently recognized species of native amphibians and reptiles in the area covered by this key has increased from 545 to 634 to 685, and the number of established non-native species has increased from 39 to 58 to 67. The increase in native taxa reflects the dynamic nature of modern systematics and the use of new (especially molecular) techniques to elucidate relationships and redefine species boundaries. The increase in non-native species reflects the porosity of the North American borders when it comes to controlling animal imports. The key is easy to use and illustrated with outstanding line drawings that show details of color patterns and structures used for identification. To accommodate the additional taxa, the number of line drawings in this third edition has increased from 257 to 279 to 295. In addition, nine maps illustrate the distributions of species that have been recognized since the publication of maps in the most recent editions of the Peterson Field Guides to the reptiles and amphibians of eastern, central, and western North America. A large number of annotations detail current taxonomic ambiguities or disagreements and the literature cited has been expanded. Collectively these features enhance opportunities to teach and learn the classification and identification of amphibians and reptiles in the continental United States and Canada.

Over the last four decades, threats from anthropogenic activities such as Bycatch, modification or destruction of critical habitats, and use or consumption of products from turtles along with inherent life history features of sea turtles have declined severely in population sizes. Recently, through modern research techniques, we have learned some important aspects of taxonomy, ecology and biology of these animals; those findings revealed the role of sea turtles in their ecosystems, migratory patterns, habitat use and the main population hotspots and conservation units. This book aims to address the current situation on sea turtle research, to provide an overview of the newest tools and techniques for research, but at the same time provide key elements on management of sea turtles and how they can be used for conservation purposes. Through the detailed description of each technique and case studies that this book contains, students, researchers and academics can properly raise their research questions and experimental designs, which consequently enable them to obtain results comparable to those reported in studies from journals of high impact.

In these essays that survey the burgeoning field of tropical herpetology, former students and associates pay tribute to Jay Savage's four decades of mentoring. The result is a book unlike any other available in tropical herpetology. Covering a wide array of subjects, "Ecology and Evolution in the Tropics" is the first book in more than two decades to broadly review research on tropical amphibians and reptiles. A tribute to Savage and an invaluable addition to the herpetological literature, this work will be cited for years to come.

This book is written to outline our present knowledge of rattlesnake habits and life histories. It includes numbers of field observations from varied sources in the hope that it may aid in the correction of some of the dubious accounts long current in popular natural histories.

The dictionary is a compilation of clear, concise and informative definitions of the characteristic vocabulary commonly encountered and used by herpetologists when discussing, reading, or writing about reptiles and amphibians. It is intended for all those who have an interest in these animals, from the amateur hobbyist who may find himself faced with what can be a rather intimidating scientific term or technical expression, to the trained zoologist who may sometimes have doubts over the exact meaning of a particular term. It will, it is hoped, not only be a useful source of reference to all who are either actively or passively involved in some aspects of herpetology whether they be keepers, curators, breeders, researchers, teachers or students, but an interesting read as well.

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.

The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), located on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, is a leading center of herpetological research in the United States. This monograph offers a brief account of the principal figures associated with the collection and of the most important events in the history of herpetology in the MVZ during its first 93 years, and lists all type specimens of recent amphibians and nonavian reptiles in the collection.
Although the MVZ has existed since 1908, until 1945 there was no formal curator for the collection of amphibians and nonavian reptiles. Since that time Robert C. Stebbins, David B. Wake, Harry W. Greene, JavierA A. Rodriguez-Robles (inA an interim capacity), and Craig Moritz have served in that position.
The herpetological collection of the MVZ was begun on March 13, 1909, with a collection of approximately 430 specimens from southern California and as of December 31, 2001, contained 232,254 specimens. Taxonomically, the collection is strongest in salamanders, accounting for 99,176 specimens, followed by "lizards" (squamate reptiles other than snakes and amphisbaenians, 63,439), frogs (40,563), snakes (24,937), turtles (2,643), caecilians (979), amphisbaenians (451), crocodilians (63), and tuataras (3). Whereas the collection's emphasis historically has been on the western United States and on California in particular, representatives of taxa from many other parts of the world are present.
The 1,765 type specimens in the MVZ comprise 120 holotypes, three neotypes, three syntypes, and 1,639 paratopotypes and paratypes; 83 of the holotypes were originally described as full species. Of the 196 amphibian and nonavian reptiliantaxa represented by type material, most were collected in Mexico (63) and California (USA, 54).
The Appendix of the monograph presents a list of curators, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, research assistants, curatorial associates, curatorial assistants, and visiting faculty who have conducted research on the biology of amphibians and reptiles while in residence in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology as of December 31, 2001.

Amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna) are a significant but much-neglected component of the natural economy of the province of Alberta. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta, Second Edition continues both as a field guide and a comprehensive natural history, builds on the strengths of the first with a richly illustrated text and colour photographs of the species taken by renowned wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta, First Edition won an Emerald Award for Environmental Excellence and an award from the Book Publishers Association of Alberta. This second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated. Nomenclature has been changed to reflect current thinking in the field. New photographs have been added, and maps and illustrations have been updated. This is the essential reference for Alberta herpetofauna.

"Reptiles and Amphibians of Price Edward County, Ontario" is a comprehensive look at the little-known residents of a well-known corner of rural Ontario. Complete with descriptions and illustrations, the book provides serious and amateur naturalists with a thorough compilation of recent and historic reports of the some thirty species of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads and salamanders that are -- or once were -- found in this unique part of the province. The text acquaints readers with the likelihood of encountering these fascinating creatures in the area while maps of all known records illustrate where these animals have been uncovered in the past. Discussions of changes in species abundance offer a sense of the shifts that have taken place in reptile and amphibian communities in the area over time.

Snakes inspire extreme reactions. Love or hate these limbless reptiles, almost everyone is fascinated by them. Although snakes are widespread and frequently encountered, they may be more misunderstood than any other group of animals. From giant rattlesnakes to mating dances, there are dozens of myths and misconceptions about snakes. In Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths, wildlife biologist David Steen tackles the most frequently asked questions and clears up prevailing myths. In a conversational style with a bit of humor, Steen presents the relevant biology and natural history of snakes, making the latest scientific research accessible to a general audience. When addressing myths about snakes, he explains how researchers use the scientific method to explain which parts of the myth are biologically plausible and which are not. Steen also takes a close look at conventional wisdom and common advice about snakes. For example, people are told they can distinguish coralsnakes from non-venomous mimics by remembering the rhyme, "red on black, friend of Jack, red on yellow, kill a fellow," but this tip is only relevant to coralsnakes and two mimics living in the southeastern United States, and it does not always work with other species or in other countries. Enhanced by more than 100 stunning color photographs and three original drawings, Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths encourages readers to learn about the snakes around them and introduces them to how scientists use the scientific method and critical thinking to learn about the natural world.

Despite their diversity, amphibians and reptiles share many physiological traits, such as their dependence on external heat sources for body temperature regulation, that are of pivotal importance to their ability to cope with the environment. Considerable variation in physiological capabilities exists in these groups and often can be related to seasonal and geographic differences in environmental parameters. This book provides a comprehensive and integrative view of the interplay between physiology and behavior in amphibians and reptiles, leading to a better understanding of the subject. The book covers topics that have recently been in the spotlight for scientific research on the physiology, behavior, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. It brings together recent information from a range of disciplines that address critical topics for understanding their biology. As these studies are scattered across articles in specialized journals, this book provides a single and expanded source summarizing such advancements. Amphibian and Reptile Adaptations to the Environment: Interplay Between Physiology and Behavior maintains a solid scientific basis for the biological topics covered. However, it presents the material in a clear and direct manner so that it is accessible even to non-biologists interested in the basic biology, behavior, and ecology of these animals as well as how these elements are connected to their conservation.

Fifty-two kinds of snakes can be found in the Southeast, almost half of all species native to North America. Filled with more than 300 color photographs and written by two of the region's most renowned herpetologists, this is the most comprehensive educational guide to the Snakes of the Southeast. At the heart of the guide are its heavily illustrated, fact-filled descriptions of each species and its habitat. Also included is a wealth of general information about the importance of snake conservation and the biology, diversity, and life cycles of snakes. Useful information about the interactions of humans and snakes is also covered: species that are likely to be found near houses, snakes as pets, what to do in case of a snake bite, and more.Clearly written, cleanly designed, and fun to use, the guide will promote a better understanding of the habitat needs of, and environmental challenges to, this fascinating group of animals.Features: Conservation-oriented approach Over 300 color photographs Nearly 50 distribution maps Clear descriptions of each species, including differences in the appearance of young and mature snakes Size charts, key identifiers (scales, body shape, patterns, and color), descriptions of habitat, behavior and activity, food and feeding, reproduction, predators and defense, and conservation

The Yucatan 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."

The foraging mode of lizards has been a central theme in guiding research in lizard biology for three decades. Foraging mode has been shown to be a pervasive evolutionary force molding the diet, ecology, behavior, anatomy, biomechanics, life history and physiology of lizards. This volume reviews the state of our knowledge on the effects of foraging mode on these and other organismal systems to show how they have evolved, over a wide taxonomic survey of lizard groups. The reviews presented here reveal the continuous nature of foraging strategies in lizards and snakes, providing the reader with an up-to-date review of the field, and will equip researchers with new insights and future directions for the sit-and-wait vs. wide foraging paradigm. This will serve as a reference book for herpetologists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists and animal behaviorists.

Produced in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution University Press, this up-to-date and extensive work covers the turtles of the world with over 1000 unique full-colour photographs and several video movies. All 288 species and 195 subspecies known to date - both aquatic and terrestrial - are included, and the taxonomy has been completely revised. Information of the IUCN on the status of these species (red list) is included. The geographic information system, MapIt, includes new distribution maps allowing an easy determination of the parts of the world in which different species live, a comparison of the distribution patterns of species, and a study of the geographic diversity of turtles. All principle literature references (over 1800) for this group are included.