Customer Reviews

Keeping and Breeding Amphibians : Caecilians, Newts, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads

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Amphibians are creatures which live their lives partly in water and partly on land, generally with a larval aquatic phase and an adult life on land. This can pose particular problems when it comes to their care in captivity. Compared to other branches of animal husbandry, the keeping of amphibians is still in its infancy and there is a vital need for more information - for the beginner and advanced enthusiast.

In Keeping and Breeding Amphibians, noted herpetologist Chris Mattison provides expert guidance on the care and breeding of newts, salamanders, frogs, toads and caecilians. Much of the information is available for the first time in this ground-breaking book which is an essential guide for both the amateur and the professional.

The first section of the book deals with general principles of biology, accom- modation, equipment, environment control, indoor and outdoor vivaria, food, breeding and general care and health. Then each of the three amphibian orders is dealt with in detail, with a chapter on each of the eighteen main families of species suitable for keeping in captivity. The text is illustrated throughout with superb colour photographs taken by the author.

The need for a responsible attitude to keeping amphibians in captivity underlies the wealth of information in Keeping and Breeding Amphibians. With many species under threat in their natural habitats, this book is a major step towards ensuring that the pet trade may eventually be able to be based upon captive-bred species, so that no species need be taken from the wild.

I think it's a good book, however, I was disappointed with the great lack of information provided on the care of salamanders, newts, and caecilians. There is though, a lot of good information on the care of frogs and toads.