Many reptiles and amphibians, of which this work provides an overview, are suffering the effects of human activity, especially habitat destruction. Introductory chapters that treat animal classification, physiology, ecology, evolutions, behavior, and conservation are followed by examples of the various groups of reptiles and amphibians. Descriptions include life cycles, adaptations and habitats, food, enemies, and problem introductions. Drawings and photographs, of which there are many, are excellent. --CHOICE High-school, public, and academic libraries needing to fill out their collections on animals will want to consider one or more of these attractive and affordable books. --BOOKLIST (March 1999) This work is a highly recommended reference work for school and public libraries. It is a good resource for students because it provides more information than what a standard encyclopedia generally gives, yet is not as involved or complicated as an in-depth, scientifically structured book would be. --Joan Garner in ACADEMIC REFERENCE BOOKS ANNUAL (1999) The beautiful color photographs, depicting examples of the emany animals with an explanation of each picture, helps the reader to understand more about each animal and more about the text. --Sara Easter in TOP OF TEXAS REVIEWS (Spring 1999) ...this splendidly superb book, which has been thoroughly updated and revised, includes chapters on the classification, history, habitats, adaptations and behaviour of reptiles and amphibians and, of special importance, the steps necessary for their conservation and a halt to the decline of populations of threatened species. Illustrated by more than 200 superb photographs and 100 paintings, maps and diagrams, and written by a team of international herpetologists, this book is a splendid introduction to the varied world of reptiles and amphibians. --Christopher Lever in ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY (1999) Praise for the First Edition The text is authoritative, fact-crammed, and fast-paced, with every family well covered and their uniqueness explained... Over 200 quality photographs in environmental settings distinguish this work from those using captive animal 'mug' shots. Exquisite paintings by David Kirshner further supplement the text... Comprehensive and detailed... An attractive package for both informed and lay readers. Strongly recommended for general collections. --LIBRARY JOURNAL ...a handsome book. The vast proportion of the more than 200 photographs are stunning, and so your first impression is likely to be gained by paging through the entire volume...well balanced in terms of taxonomic coverage as it gives good detail on relatively unknown groups such as the caecilians and amphisbaenians...offers something to a wide range of readers, and the top class photographs will go a long way towards reversing ignorance about herpetofauna in general. The general presentation and layout is impressive, allowing it to double as a coffee table book. Graham J. Alexander, in AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY (2000)
