Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe - 9780691114132

This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and best-illustrated guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Europe. Never has such a volume covered nearly as many species or as broad a geographical area. All 198 known species, including some that were recently discovered or distinguished, are described through 330 superb illustrations on 49 color plates and thoroughly informative text. In these pages you will find every salamander, newt, tree frog, toad, tortoise, turtle, terrapin, gecko, agama, lizard, chameleon, slow worm, skink, amphisbaenian, and snake found not only on the continent and the British Isles but on the European Atlantic islands (the Canaries, Madeira, and the Azores) and on the Greek islands off the coast of Asiatic Turkey. Among the highlights are the Majorcan midwife toad, known only as a fossil until found alive in 1980, and the Gomera giant lizard, first seen alive in 2000.The text describes in detail all species and distinct subspecies, with notes on range, size, color and markings, diagnostic characteristics, habits, behavior and, in the case of venomous snakes, their poison. There is an introduction for each group together with keys to aid identification. Clearly summarizing much new information while providing a thorough synopsis of knowledge about two of the continent's most fascinating animal groups, Reptiles and Amphibians of Europe will find a lasting place on the shelves and suitcases of amateurs and professionals alike.E. Nicholas Arnold is Director of the Herpetology Research Group at the British Museum of Natural History in London. He is the author of numerous papers on the identification and taxonomy of the reptiles and amphibians of Europe. Denys W. Ovenden has been a natural history illustrator for more than fifty years. His work has appeared in numerous books including Sea Mammals and Hunters.