A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Field marks of all species in western North America, including Baja California (Peterson Field Guides(R)) [Paperback]

Robert C. Stebbins (Author, Illustrator), Roger Tory Peterson (Series Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 039593611X | ISBN-13: 978-0395936115 | Publication Date: September 15, 1998 | Edition: 2

This guide describes 244 species plus 260 subspecies, includingthe key features needed to identify them. The 600 illustrations show details of anatomy, reproduction, scale arrangement, and life stages. Full range information is given in 200 maps.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert C. Stebbins is professor emeritus of zoology at the University of California at Berkeley and curator emeritus of the University's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. He is the author of more than a dozen books, and his paintings and prints are prized by collectors.

Roger Tory Peterson, one of the world's greatest naturalists, received every major award for ornithology, natural science, and conservation, as well as numerous honorary degrees, medals, and citations, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Peterson Identification System has been called the greatest invention since binoculars, and the Peterson Field Guides® are credited with helping to set the stage for the environmental movement.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 2 edition (September 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039593611X
• ISBN-13: 978-0395936115
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,669,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #63 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Zoology > Amphibians

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Of The Crown Jewels Of The Peterson Field Guide Series, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Field marks of all species in western North America, including Baja California (Peterson Field Guides(R)) (Paperback)

Written by the leading expert in his field, this is the best book on the subject. I remember when I was in college that Professor Stebbins' class was always impossible to get into because he was so popular and respected. This book is his legacy... a highly detailed book with hundreds of beautifully rendered drawings. Each drawing is meticulous and a great learning tool. This volume is one of the best of the Peterson Field Guide Series and is highly recommended for all readers, even if they never venture outside.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Very Best!, March 26, 2001

By 

Yvonne Ogren (San Luis Obispo, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Field marks of all species in western North America, including Baja California (Peterson Field Guides(R)) (Paperback)

If you were to only buy one book on reptiles and amphibians, this would be the one. No other author can come close to Rober C. Stebbins in this area. Not only is his writing, informative, easily understood, highly intersting and always engaging, but he also does his own drawings, from live specimens, and his artwork is quite incredible! I suggest that any parent of school age children consider buying this book as a present for his or her own kids. Young boys in particular are quickly attracted to this kind of work and a book like this will serve as a real foundation for years of study and enjoyment. Teachers too will often find that boys who dislike school and "reading" in general, will just love this book. Anything spent on this book is money well spent.

4.0 out of 5 stars great field guide, May 30, 2004

By 

W. Paul W. "Paul White" (Amarillo, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Field marks of all species in western North America, including Baja California (Peterson Field Guides(R)) (Paperback)

This is a true field guide; it is small and sturdy enough to actually carry in the field. It's information is geared towards field work (where to find, when to find, certain critters, etc.). The species are well described, and ranges and descriptions for subspecies are present under the species accounts (far better than Audobon's field guide). Furthermore, the range descriptions are truly precise; it will detail the overall countours of the animals range and then the areas where the animal is not found. This makes it much easier to determine if a given animal is found in an area.

Also, the plates are far superior to most photo's. The allow for a more clear view of thier subject, and highlight important identification characteristics. They are also done to scale (although scale used varies somewhat from page to page--it is listed on each page), which makes it easier to get an idea of size of the animal.

This edition is somewhat old; '98 or so. I understand the book's been updated somewhat since then due changes in our knowledge and the taxonomy of the animals, but even this edition is still very functional in the field, or for a general reference.