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.

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.

This book, proposed as a companion volume to Professor Holman's Pleistocene Amphibians and Reptiles in North America (OUP 1995), presents, in detail, occurences of the herpetofauna in Britain and Western and Central Europe as well as discussions on the paleogeography, paleoecology, and evolution of these groups. The format follows in general that of the volume on North America, starting with an overview of the Pleistocene in Europe followed by a bestiary and chapters on identification of fossils, sites yielding fossils, range adjustments, evolutionary and extinction patterns, and origins of modern herpetofauna in Europe.

"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.

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.

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.

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."

Anyone can look at a snake and see a creature unique unto itself, a reptile with a set of zoological and biological traits that are entirely its own. Just looking at this distinct animal raises many scientific questions. With regard to evolution, how did such an animal come to be? How does a snake move, and how do its sense organs differ from that of other reptiles? How does it eat, and how does it reproduce? Essentially, how does a snake "work"? In How Snakes Work: The Structure, Function and Behavior of the World's Snakes, leading zoologist Harvey B. Lillywhite has written the definitive scientific guide to the functional biology of snakes. Written for both herpetologists and a more general audience with an interest in the field, How Snakes Work features nearly two hundred color images of various species of snakes, used to provide visual examples of biological features explained in the text. Chapter topics include the evolutionary history of the snake, feeding, locomotion, the structure and function of skin, circulation and respiration, sense organs, sound production, and reproduction. Containing all the latest research and advances in our biological knowledge of the snake, How Snakes Work is an indispensable asset to professional zoologists and enthusiasts alike.

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.