Customer Reviews

A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in the Hawaiian Islands

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This a fascinating, beautifully photographed, colorful field guide to some incredible creatures that crawl, climb, hop and swim in Hawaii. You'll learn what they look like, where they live, how they live, where they came from, how they reproduce, how to care for them in captivity, and interesting, fascinating facts about each of the species covered. The large color photographs are particularly striking. Includes glossary, bibliography, index and distribution maps. You'll find this book interesting whether or not you take it into the field, and even if you have only a mild interest in the subject. It's easy to get pulled in. Good job!

Sean McKeown has developed a nice collection of the history, biology, distribution, and behavior of 28 species of reptile and 5 amphibians found in or around Hawaii, many of which were introduced. It is missing the more recent invasion of the coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), which is actually affecting property values where it is found (it exists at very high densities, and its call is very loud).

In this book, A Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians In The Hawaiian Islands, McKeown speaks in a language of interest to both the general public and to specialists. The many photographs are of very high quality.

I've seen the green and black dart-poison frog in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley, and wondered about their history (introduced for mosquito control). The giant toad (Bufo marinus) I know mostly from eastern Australia, where it was introduced from Hawaii to control the sugar cane grub (in Australia, it is called the cane toad). In Hawaii, I don't hear many complaints about this toad. In Australia, it is a major catastrophe, as it affects the native animals that would normally feed upon the native toads (the cane toad is poisonous).

I appreciate McKeown's focus on the danger posed by brown tree snakes. Thankfully (in 2009), it still is not considered present in Hawaii, although a few individuals are captured every couple of years, usually brought in with shipments of freight from Guam.

And I always appreciate more insights into the life and times of Hawaii's sea turtles.

Recommended for the enthusiast of Hawaiian natural (including the unnatural) history.