Firefly encyclopedia of reptiles and amphibians

Firefly encyclopedia of reptiles and amphibians

Book - 2015

The Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians covers every family, ranging from large, predatory constrictors and crocodilians to miniature tree frogs and salamanders. This third edition adds 32 extra pages to incorporate numerous important updates based on the latest scientific findings and interpretations. Big increases in the number of known families and species: 17 new families of amphibians and 18 new families of reptiles; Amphibian species are up from 6,182 to 7,387; Reptile species are up from 8,726 to 10,038. Frogs alone have gone up from 5,453 species to the currently agreed 6,508. Maps for all families of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodilians. More than 320 stunning full-color photographs and illustr...ations. Information on current conservation and environmental concerns. Extinctions and Declining Amphibian Populations section and map.-- Provided by publisher.

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Subjects
Reptiles > Encyclopedias.
Amphibians > Encyclopedias.
Published
Buffalo, New York ; Richmond Hill, Ontario : Firefly Books 2015.
Language
English
Edition
Third edition
Physical Description
272 pages : color illustrations, color maps ; 30 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 259-261) and index.
ISBN
9781770855939
Contents unavailable.
Review by Choice Review

In the early 1900s, the great naturalist Raymond Ditmars wrote Reptiles of the World. Through travel, photography, and writing, Ditmars inspired many an enthusiast of yesteryear, as well as this reviewer. The Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians continues in the tradition of Ditmars's classic work. This timely third edition (2nd ed., 2008; 1st ed., CH, Jan'03, 40-2535) combines the latest advances with traditional knowledge. The large format is necessitated by the wonderful photographs and drawings that highlight each page. Mattison, a photographer and naturalist with numerous accomplishments in the field, explains why reptiles and amphibians, separate classes of animals, are grouped together in the science of herpetology (meaning "to creep," derived from the Greek). This book is truly encyclopedic in coverage; in fact, it is hard to find a facet not included. The "Special Features" sections in which contributors discuss their research--canary in the coal mine analogy, venomous snakebite, sex-free reproduction, etc.--are fascinating. Hopefully, this volume will engender a better, more positive appreciation of these oft-misunderstood or feared fellow inhabitants of the planet. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All library collections. --Donald M. McKinstry, Pennsylvania State University Erie, Behrend College

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review

Actually, we should be troubled when there aren't frogs to kiss-so warns herpetologist Mattison in this third edition of a much-lauded reference. New updates include 36 classification families discovered through DNA and other technologies and reports on the rising statistics of extinction or endangerment, with amphibians in particular serving as our "canaries in the coal mine" given their sensitivities to the world's environmental changes. Some 320 color photographs complement topical essays, evenly split into "amphibian" and "reptile" parts, which together weave what Mattison calls the "threads" of taxonomy and other key themes regarding these complex creatures. VERDICT An essential update of this amphibian-related resource. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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