This detailed guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain, Ireland, and the Channel Islands has been produced, with the collaboration of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, with the aim of inspiring an increased level of interest in these exciting and fascinating animals. It is designed to help anyone who finds a lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, terrapin, frog, toad, or newt to identify it with confidence. Stunning photography An easy-to-use approach to identification Superbly illustrated introductory sections on the biology and conservation, taxonomy, lifecycle, and behavior of each species group Profiles of the 16 native reptiles and amphibians that breed in Britain, Ireland, and the Channel Islands and the 5 marine turtles that visit Britain's seas Profiles of 7 established nonnative species and a summary of 8 more with a history of release/escape Distribution maps based on the latest available information Hints and tips on where, when, and how to watch reptiles and amphibians

This groundbreaking new guide is an authoritative field reference for these two groups of animals. The taxonomy and systematics of European reptiles and amphibians have changed a lot in recent years, yet there is no modern, up-to-date field guide available that comprehensively covers all the species. The last illustrated field guide to European reptiles and amphibians was first published 38 years ago, and remains outdated despite occasional reprints and new editions. This major new field guide addresses this deficiency. A total of 219 species are covered in detail, with a focus on identification and geographical variation; species texts also cover distribution, habitat and behaviour. Superb colour illustrations by talented artist Ilian Velikov depict every species and all major variations, and colour photographs are also included for most species. The book includes over 370 colour artworks and 200 colour photographs, 155 accurate and up-to-date distribution maps, and easy-to-use keys and tables to help with swift species identification.

Where would you find a Warty Newt and how do you distinguish between a Marsh Frog and an Edible Frog? This atlas clearly illustrates where various species can be found in the UK, how to recognize them and details of their habitat. The author has spent many years in the field, and this book contains an up-to-date, complete set of distribution maps for most species from records taken up until June 1994. The atlas contains both the species name and scientific name, their protection status, description and recognition notes to aid identification, and the number and percentage of records from each habitat where possible. The book should be of interest to professional ecologists and herpetologists, to students and those with a love of reptiles and amphibians.

A comprehensive guide to the native and non-native species of amphibian and reptile found in the British Isles. It covers the biology, ecology, conservation and identification of the British herpetofauna, and provides keys to adults and young.

The Pleistocene epoch or Ice Age, an extended period of advancing and retreating ice sheets, is characterized by striking climatic oscillations and sea level fluctuations. This age saw the rise and spread of humans and a great extinction of large mammals by the end of the epoch; in fact, the world today is essentially the product of dramatic changes that took place in the Pleistocene. This book, a companion to the author's Pleistocene Amphibians and Reptiles in North America, discusses the Pleistocene amphibians and reptiles in Britain and the European continent eastward through present-day Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Yugoslavian republics, and Greece. The book begins with a general discussion of the Pleistocene in Britain and Europe with an emphasis on regional terms used to define Pleistocene chronological events. Next, a look at the pre-Pleistocene herpetofauna of the study area sets the stage for a discussion of Pleistocene herpetofauna. A significant section of the book consists of a "bestiary," a series of annotated taxonomic accounts of Pleistocene herpetological taxa from the region. Following this is the interpretive section, beginning with a discussion of herpetological species as paleoenvironmental indicators and continuing with an analysis of herpetological population adjustments to Pleistocene events in Britain and Europe, and then with a discussion of extinction patterns in the region. Finally, the author compares Pleistocene herpetological events in Europe with those in North America. This volume and its companion together provide an up-to-date and comprehensive review of Pleistocene herpetofaunas across a significant portion of the Northern Hemisphere.

A comprehensive handbook to the two scenic archipelagos of the Dodecanese and East Aegean, this guide contains a full-colour section introducing the islands' highlights, plus critical reviews of the best places to stay, eat and drink. The book also provides detailed coverage of the best hikes, unspoilt beaches and historic monuments and practical guidance on local transport and inter-island ferries. Boat and bus schedules are included."

Amphibian species around the world are unusually vulnerable to a variety of threats, by no means all of which are properly understood. Volume 11 in this major series will be published in parts devoted to the causes of amphibian decline and to conservation measures in regions of the world; this Part 3 is concerned with Western Europe (Britain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal). Experts from each country contribute a chapter describing the ecological background and the conservation status of affected species, with an emphasis on native species. As well as infectious diseases and parasites (also covered in a general chapter), threats take the form of introduced and invasive species, pollution, destruction and alteration of habitat, and climate change. These are discussed as they affect each species. All these countries have monitoring schemes and conservation programmes, whose origins and activities are described. Recommendations for action are also made. Edited by leading scholars in the field, Volume 11, when complete, will therefore provide a definitive survey of the amphibian predicament and a stimulus to further research with the objective of arresting the global decline of an entire class of animal.

The definitive and complete guide to reptile life in Thailand, containing species accounts for every known species of reptile in the country.