Guide to Every Family

Mark O'Shea is professor of herpetology at the University of Wolverhampton. He has presented numerous television series focused on snakes for the Discovery Channel, ITV, and the BBC; run a variety of herpetological field projects for the Royal Geographical Society, Operation Raleigh, and Discovery Expeditions; and conducted snakebite research in collaboration with the universities of Oxford, Liverpool, Melbourne, and Adelaide. His many books include Venomous Snakes of the World and Boas and Pythons of the World (both Princeton). A lavishly illustrated overview of the world's lizards Lizards are one of nature's great success stories: survivors from the time of the dinosaurs, they have taken advantage of almost every habitat on earth, from tropical rainforest to Arctic tundra and even our homes. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas, there are close to 7,000 species of lizards around the world. This expert guide explores their extraordinary diversity and adaptations. Lizards of the World features an in-depth introduction covering the evolution, anatomy, and lifestyle of lizards, followed by profiles of species from every family, accompanied by stunning color photographs. This invaluable guide highlights the enormous range of habitats, appearance, and activity among lizards. Many thrive in extreme conditions, and have adapted to keep cool, warm, or hydrated. Some can protect themselves by changing color to blend in with their surroundings, while others have fringed toes enabling them to run across sand, or can parachute out of a predator's reach. Covering diet and reproduction as well as defense strategies and conservation, Lizards of the World showcases the unique natural history and beauty of these remarkable creatures. • More than 200 detailed photographic images • 80+ lizard families and subfamilies • Exploration of lizard biology, behavior, habits, and distribution • Broad coverage and in-depth treatment by a world-renowned herpetologist "[Sure] to become a landmark and iconic reference for years to come."---Howard O. Clark, Jr., Sonoran Herpetologist "This well-designed and superbly illustrated book offers impressive comprehensive coverage of the biology of the living families of the world's lizards."---J. Whitfield Gibbons, The Quarterly Review of Biology "Lizards of the World is authoritative, taxonomically detailed, and filled with wonderful photographs. This great book shows that an Earth without lizards wouldn't be a planet worth living on."-Eric R. Pianka, coauthor of Lizards: Windows to the Evolution of Diversity

Jeffrey E. Lovich is a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center. His books include two editions of Turtles of the United States and Canada. Whit Gibbons is professor emeritus of ecology at the University of Georgia and former head of the Environmental Outreach and Education program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. His books include Snakes of the Eastern United States. The species of turtle Graptemys gibbonsi is named in his honor. A lavishly illustrated guide to the world's turtles that covers every family and genus Turtles of the World reveals the extraordinary diversity of these amazing reptiles. Characterized by the bony shell that acts as a shield to protect the softer body within, turtles are survivors from the time of the dinosaurs and are even more ancient in evolutionary terms than snakes and crocodilians. Of more than 350 species known today, some are highly endangered. In this beautiful guide, turtle families, subfamilies, and genera are illustrated with hundreds of color photographs. Each genus profile includes a population distribution map, a table of information, and commentary that includes notable characteristics and discussion of related species. • More than 250 beautiful color photos • Each profile features a distribution map, table of information, and commentary • Broad coverage includes every family and genus "Turtles of the World is a superbly illustrated guide to the families that contain the 350 known species that are alive today. . . . These ecologically important, egg-laying creatures are obsessively interesting: and of course endangered due to habitat loss, ocean plastic, tourism and global warming. Find out everything there is to know about turtles in this wonderful guide." "Authoritative, visually compelling, and broadly accessible, this guide will please a broad swath of readers interested in turtles."---Robert Eagan, Library Journal "This colorful and compact book by two of North America's most eminent turtle biologists is a treat for anyone's personal library."---Jacqueline D. Litzgus, Herpetological Review "I cannot heap too much praise on this book. It brings turtles to us so vividly and in such a compelling manner."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds "How best to effectively convey appreciation and awareness of a diverse global-wide segment of the biota, both ancient and imperiled by humans? Lovich and Gibbons hit the mark with Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family."---Walter E. Meshaka, CHOICE "I can thoroughly recommend this beautifully produced and interesting book to start your journey into turtle biology."---Roger Downie, Glasgow Naturalist