Review
"A reference sure to be valued by salamander researchers, collectors, and aficionados alike and will likely turn the head of anyone interested in amphibians. It is an excellent natural history guide to European species and gives the reader an inside view into the lives of European salamanders. I gained new insight by reading this book, and the ideas and thoughts within it immediately suggested a number of interesting questions relevant to physiology, ecology, evolution, behavior, and conservation biology, as well as questions regarding the biology of specific species. It will serve a useful place in my library and should provide a thought-provoking reference for many years to come."
--Howard H. Whiteman in COPEIA
"Griffiths brings together the manifold sources of information on salamander natural history and conservation into a format which is useful for the lay reader and the amphibian expert alike. The book is well-illustrated - in addition to the wonderful colour cover illustration. Teunis's drawings embellish each chapter opening - and there are colour photos of each species."
--IRISH NATURALIST'S JOURNAL
"The photographs are excellent, providing a real feel for their subjects. Indeed, the technical production of the book is excellent and fully matches the quality of the text. This is a book that any naturalist will enjoy and which will be a constant source of reference for both specialists and non-specialists for many years to come."
--Jeremy Greenwood in HABITAT
"Griffiths' book provides a comprehensive review of our current knowledge on the biology of this group of amphibians... [He] has written a book for the layman or professional who wants a comprehensive and integrative perspective... The ability to producea well referenced body of information, reflecting the state of the art, is a major contribution of the book."
--PERE ALBERCH, Museo Nacional Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain
"This book is a highly informative and well-written account of the biology and natural history of the 32 species of newts and salamanders inhabiting Europe....
Newts and Salamanders of Europe belongs on the desk of all those concerned with the status of biological diversity, especially, but not limited to, biologists and resource managers in Europe, in order to remind them of the wonders of the natural world."
--C. KENNETH DODD, JR., National Biological Service
"Griffiths brings together the manifold sources of information on salamander natural history and conservation into a format which is useful for the lay reader and the amphibian expert alike. The book is well-illustrated - in addition to the wonderful colour cover illustration. Teunis's drawings embellish each chapter opening - and there are colour photos of each species."
--IRISH NATURALIST'S JOURNAL
"...an excellent natural history guide to European species and gives the reader an inside view into the lives of European salamanders."
--COPEIA
"...it is an up-to-date account of their behaviour, ecology, life history and evolution. Both experienced and inexperienced newt or salamander fans should enjoy this book."
--DORSET WILDLIFE
From the Back Cover
Nearly thirty years after the publication of the last detailed book on the newts and salamanders of Europe, this book at last provides a much needed, modern coverage of the ecology, behaviour, evolution and conservation of these fascinating amphibians. The author abandons the popular conception of amphibians as a primitive group which are poorly adapted to life on land. Indeed, he shows how the diversity of newt and salamander life-styles underlines how this relatively small group of animals has managed to survive in such diverse habitats as underground caves, mountain tops, tropical forests and the Siberian tundra. Delightfully illustrated and fully referenced throughout, the book synthesises much recent research into a lively and readable format that will be of interest to both experienced and inexperienced herpetologists and natural historians.
Given recent concerns over global amphibian declines, newts and salamanders have been the focus of considerable media attention and scientific work in recent years. This book describes how an understanding of the ecology and habitat requirements of these animals can lead to more effective conservation measures.
The final chapter provides species-by-species accounts of all 32 newt and salamander species occurring within the western Palaearctic region. The classification of newts and salamanders is complex and often controversial, but the author provides a user-friendly guide to the relationships between the different species and subspecies. The species accounts are accompanied by notes and maps on distribution, habitat requirements and behaviour, as well as colour photographs of every species.
A childhood interest in reptiles and amphibians led Richard Griffiths to study zoology at the University of London where he went on to complete a doctorate on the behaviour of newts and salamanders. Since then he has carried out research on the ecology and conservation of a wide range of amphibian species, both in Britain and abroad. As well as being the author of over 40 papers and articles on amphibians, he is currently editor of the
Herpetological Journal and a long-term Council member of the British Herpetological Society. In his spare time he enjoys exploring wild places, and turning his garden into an amphibian-friendly habitat. Dr. Griffiths is currently a Lecturer in Biodiversity Conservation at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent.
