Harold G. Cogger

This book of the Little Guides series introduces readers to the extraordinary diversity and natural history of living amphibians and reptiles. At 320 pages, the guide is comprehensive, and explores each of the major groups of extant amphibians (salamanders, frogs and toads, and the limbless caecilians) and reptiles (crocodilians, turtles and tortoises, tuataras, lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians). Introductory pages consider the overall biology and evolutionary origins of the major groups. Most of the book is organized taxonomically; for each major group (e.g., taxonomic order and suborder), representative species and genera are explored in each of the families. Excellent color illustrations and photographs accompany explanatory text. Much of the focus is on natural history, i.e., appearance, geographic location, habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. While not intended as a field guide (since its scope is worldwide), the book nevertheless is a useful reference work that would enable a reader to identify most any major type of reptile or amphibian encountered. As a handy, one- volume reference work or introduction, this guide has no equal. Its author, the eminent herpetologist Harold G. Cogger, was curator and deputy director of the Australian Museum in Sydney. This guide is entirely suitable for adults and adolescents.… (meer)