Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition (Natural World) [Hardcover]

Harold G. Cogger (Editor), Richard G. Zweifel (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0121785602 | ISBN-13: 978-0121785604 | Publication Date: August 5, 1998 | Edition: 2

Some 360 million years ago the ancestors of today's reptiles and amphibians emerged from the sea to take on the challenge of land. This successful venture climaxed in a spectacular 140-million-year domination of the Earth by the dinosaurs. Today there are more than 11,000 species of reptiles and amphibians living in all parts of the world. Their behavior and physiology are as complex as those of birds and mammals, and they are equally well-adapted to the astonishingly varied environments they inhabit. Only through a greater understanding of the fragile balance that exists between the species and their habitats will it be possible for us to ensure their survival.
This Second Edition of Reptiles and Amphibians is a magnificently illustrated book, with highly comprehensive and authoritative text, written by the world's leading herpetologists. The book has more than 200 superb color photographs and 100 original paintings, maps, and diagrams. It is an up-to-date and definitive volume that chronicles the life-histories of some of nature's most secretive yet remarkable creatures.

Key Features
* Magnificently illustrated in full color
* Includes hundreds of color photographs and meticulously researched diagrams and maps
* Written by an international team of world recognized authorities

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Many reptiles and amphibians, of which this work provides an overview, are suffering the effects of human activity, especially habitat destruction. Introductory chapters that treat animal classification, physiology, ecology, evolutions, behavior, and conservation are followed by examples of the various groups of reptiles and amphibians. Descriptions include life cycles, adaptations and habitats, food, enemies, and problem introductions. Drawings and photographs, of which there are many, are excellent."
--CHOICE
"High-school, public, and academic libraries needing to fill out their collections on animals will want to consider one or more of these attractive and affordable books."
--BOOKLIST (March 1999)
"This work is a highly recommended reference work for school and public libraries. It is a good resource for students because it provides more information than what a standard encyclopedia generally gives, yet is not as involved or complicated as an in-depth, scientifically structured book would be."
--Joan Garner in ACADEMIC REFERENCE BOOKS ANNUAL (1999)
"The beautiful color photographs, depicting examples of the emany animals with an explanation of each picture, helps the reader to understand more about each animal and more about the text."
--Sara Easter in TOP OF TEXAS REVIEWS (Spring 1999)
"...this splendidly superb book, which has been thoroughly updated and revised, includes chapters on the classification, history, habitats, adaptations and behaviour of reptiles and amphibians and, of special importance, the steps necessary for their conservation and a halt to the decline of populations of threatened species. Illustrated by more than 200 superb photographs and 100 paintings, maps and diagrams, and written by a team of international herpetologists, this book is a splendid introduction to the varied world of reptiles and amphibians."
--Christopher Lever in ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY (1999)
Praise for the First Edition
"The text is authoritative, fact-crammed, and fast-paced, with every family well covered and their uniqueness explained... Over 200 quality photographs in environmental settings distinguish this work from those using captive animal 'mug' shots. Exquisite paintings by David Kirshner further supplement the text... Comprehensive and detailed... An attractive package for both informed and lay readers. Strongly recommended for general collections."
--LIBRARY JOURNAL
"...a handsome book. The vast proportion of the more than 200 photographs are stunning, and so your first impression is likely to be gained by paging through the entire volume...well balanced in terms of taxonomic coverage as it gives good detail on relatively unknown groups such as the caecilians and amphisbaenians...offers something to a wide range of readers, and the top class photographs will go a long way towards reversing ignorance about herpetofauna in general. The general presentation and layout is impressive, allowing it to double as a "coffee table" book."
—Graham J. Alexander, in AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY (2000)

About the Author

Harold G. Cogger, Australian National Museum, Sydney, Australia
Richard G. Zweifel, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (August 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0121785602
• ISBN-13: 978-0121785604
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Amphibians

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for anyone, from the ameteur to the expert, May 2, 2000

By 

William Cherney - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition (Natural World) (Hardcover)

Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition gave exellent synopsi on many herpetofauna ranging from the common green tree frog, to the care New Caledonian geckos. This encyclopedia will be enjoyed by anyone who has a genuine interest in reptiles and amphibians.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine reference, June 27, 2001

By 

"moehiggins" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition (Natural World) (Hardcover)

I am not trained in zoology and approach this subject as a complete amateur and a beginner amateur at that. This book is lavishly illustrated with expert and precise drawings as well as breathtaking photography that is more than adequat in conveying the beauty and complexity of the book's subject matter.

The "Key Facts" corner of every chapter gives useful basic information, e.g. the biggest and smallest of snakes, lizards or whatever - and how many are endangered. One cutaway view of a rattlesnake's rattle is particularly fascinating, though it only leaves me asking for more internal anatomical views.

While the writing is generally good, it sometimes lapses into a specialist's jargon that leaves us amateurs scratching our heads. Even when words like "lamellae" and "setae" are explained, might it just suffice to call them "overlapping plates" and "projections" respectively when discussing how geckos can "stroll on the ceiling"? I found myself looking back to check on what term meant what. Also, rather than a photograph, a drawing of the gecko foot might be more revealing - and there the scientific terms could be introduced.

But this is a minor complaint. I have no regrets whatsover about purchasing this book. it is a brilliant and spectacular tribute to the animal world's great wonders.