Amphibians and reptiles (Naturalists' Handbook): Vol. 31 (Naturalists' Handbooks) - Softcover

Trevor J.C. Beebee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1907807454 ISBN 13: 9781907807459

Publisher: Pelagic Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

Amphibians and reptiles is a comprehensive guide to the native and non-native species of amphibian and reptile found in the British Isles. Professor Trevor Beebee covers the biology, ecology, conservation and identification of the British herpetofauna, and provides keys for the identification of adult and immature newts and newt eggs, larvae and metamorphs; frog and toad adults and metamorphs, spawn and larvae; adult and hatchling limbed lizards; and adult snakes. Distribution maps are included for all species, and the book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and figures.

The goal of this book is to encourage readers to develop their own ecological studies, to this end, the author summarises the current state of knowledge of reptile and amphibian biology, including behaviour, breeding, habitat selection, migration and development, and offers ideas for research projects that could be undertaken to further what is known. A chapter is devoted to the practicalities of professional work with amphibians and reptiles, including licensing requirements. Research techniques, including survey methods such as night searches for newts and bottle trapping, are discussed in detail, and consideration is given to methods of data analysis.

Volume 31 in the Naturalists' Handbooks series.

Author royalties from this book have been donated to Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

Editorial reviews

"We can usually expect two things from a new book by Trevor Beebee the benefit of a lifetime s experience and, of course, clear, well-written text. I think both are delivered here. A non-UK colleague of mine told me he found this book inspiring ." John W. Wilkinson, Herpetological Bulletin

"This Naturalists Handbook is very easy to read, encouraging those people interested in this aspect of natural history to be able to identify species and make a contribution to citizen science should they want to." Helen Ashton, Reference Reviews

About this title

Review:

It's always nice when a book is published that enthuses you because it is so inspiring. [...] A number of things struck me as positive. First is that the author convincingly shows how research on captive animals contributes to our knowledge. [...] Second, a lot of attention is paid to the role of schools in the protection of amphibians and reptiles [...] Third, and most inspiring to me, is that the author gives many ideas for future research. [Translation from Dutch review] --Serge Bogaerts RAVON 49 September 2013 15(3)

From the Back Cover:

Building on the solid foundations established by the two earlier New Naturalist volumes on this subject, eminent herpetologists Trevor Beebee and Richard Griffiths have brought together a wealth of new and fascinating information in the British amphibian reptiles.

An introductory chapter looks at the subject of biogeography and how factors such as geological history, latitude and climate affect ecology, life histories and behaviour. The authors then go on to discuss historical interest in amphibians and reptiles, from how they have featured in witchcraft and legends to modern perspectives. A third chapter covers basic biology of amphibians and reptiles, before each of the main groups – newts, frogs and toads, lizards, snakes and chelonians – are examined in further detail. A comprehensive account for each species covers behaviour, life history, reproduction and distribution, as well as ecology and conservation status, areas in which significant discoveries have been made in recent years. There is also a chapter with important new information on the burgeoning number of introduced species in Britain, such as bullfrogs, alpine newts and wall lizards.

During the last half century amphibians and reptiles have been among the most serious casualties of the changing way of life in the British countryside. In recognition of the threats they continue to face, Beebee and Griffiths rightly dedicate a final, substantial chapter to the increasingly important issue of conservation and discuss the measures needed to be taken to ensure the future survival of the British herpetofauna.

In addition to the comprehensive, reader-friendly text, the book contains an eight-page, colour plate section featuring an impressive collection of photographs, as well as over 70 black and white line drawings and illustrations.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pelagic Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1907807454
• ISBN 13: 9781907807459
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 170