Atlas Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Europe

Présente la répartition géographique, la taxinomie, l'état de la population et les problèmes de conservation des espèces d'amphibiens et de reptiles en Europe.

This book provides a brief description of the ecology and natural history of sixteen amphibians, eight snakes and lizards and the Chelonia species found in the temperate climatic region of Europe (North-west Europe). The book commences with an introduction to the biology of amphibians and reptiles and describes the differences between the main grou

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 oudated 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. This groundbreaking new guide will become the definitive field reference for these two groups of animals. It includes: - Over 370 colour artworks and 200 colour photographs - 155 accurate and up-to-date distribution maps - Easy-to-use keys and tables to help with swift species identification

Transportation of species to areas outside their native ranges has been a feature of human culture for millennia. During this time such activities have largely been viewed as beneficial or inconsequential. However, it has become increasingly clear that human-caused introductions of alien biota are an ecological disruption whose consequences rival those of better-known insults like chemical pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Indeed, the irreversible nature of most alien-species int- ductions makes them less prone to correction than many other ecological problems. Current reshuffling of species ranges is so great that the present era has been referred to by some as the “Homogocene” in an effort to reflect the unique mag- tude of the changes being made. These alien interlopers often cause considerable ecological and economic d- age where introduced. Species extinctions, food-web disruptions, community alte- tions, ecosystem conversion, changes in nutrient cycling, fisheries collapse, watershed degradation, agricultural loss, building damage, and disease epidemics are among the destructive – and frequently unpredictable – ecological and economic effects that invasive alien species can inflict. The magnitude of these damages c- tinues to grow, with virtually all environments heavily used by humans now do- nated by alien species and many “natural” areas becoming increasingly prone to alien invasion as well. Attention to this problem has increased in the past decade or so, and efforts to prevent or limit further harm are gaining wider scientific and political acceptance.

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.