New Zealand Lizards

This edited volume is a timely and comprehensive summary of the New Zealand lizard fauna. Nestled in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand is a large archipelago that displays the faunal signatures of both its Gondwanan origins, and more recent oceanic island influences. New Zealand was one of the last countries on Earth to be discovered, and likewise, the full extent of the faunal diversity present within the archipelago is only just starting to be appreciated. This is no better exemplified than in lizards, where just 30 species (20 skinks, 10 geckos) were recognized in the 1950s, but now 104 are formally or informally recognized (61 skinks, 43 geckos). Thus, New Zealand contains one of the most diverse lizard faunas of any cool, temperate region on Earth. This book brings together the world’s leading experts in the field to produce an authoritative overview of the history, taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, life-history, physiology and conservation of New Zealand lizards.

Illustrated with extraordinary new photography, this is the definitive field guide to all of New Zealand’s tuatara, geckos, skinks, frogs, marine turtles and marine snakes. From the ancient tuatara, the sole surviving member of its order, to the world’s largest collection of long-lived and live-bearing lizards, our geckos and skinks, New Zealand’s 123 species of reptiles and amphibians represent an extraordinary aspect of this country’s biodiversity. Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand is the only field guide to cover all currently recognised species and packed with expert and up-to-date information on all 123 species of reptiles and amphibians in New Zealand covered with more than 400 new photographs and range maps for every species. It also features an introduction to evolution, conservation, observing and collecting, ecosystems and geographic history. It is the authoritative text on every species, including names, description, distribution, variation and similar species, habitat and natural history and features identification keys for each of the major groups. New Zealand’s list of reptiles and amphibians is growing with new discoveries, even as 80 per cent of species are at risk of extinction. This will be the only field guide to cover all currently recognised reptiles and amphibians and will become a go-to book for anyone interested in New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

Lizards of the World is ultimate book on these fascinating creatures, featuring the all the different types of lizard worldwide. As survivors from the time of the dinosaurs, lizards are scaly, cold-blooded, living fossils—relics from a prehistoric world that remain alive and well in ours. Lizards exert a morbid fascination, in many mythologies they are dark creatures, symbolizing death and misfortune. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas, Lizards of the World brings these creatures firmly into the light, to reveal their extraordinary diversity Found in almost every type of terrain globally, there are almost 6,500 species of lizard, including lizards with frills, horns, or wings, those that drop their tails, and others that squirt blood from their eyes. Here, the lizard family and subfamily profiles, organized phylogenetically, are illustrated with stunning photography. Each profile includes a population distribution map, a table of essential information, and a fascinating commentary revealing notable characteristics, fresh scientific understanding, and the diversity of species. Written by world-renowned herpetologist Mark O’Shea, Lizards of the World is a magnificent showcase of the natural history and beauty of these remarkable reptiles.

A heart-racing middle-grade adventure mystery set on the streets of Singapore against the backdrop of World War II, exploring issues of belonging, race and diversity

WINNER OF THE BEST FIELD GUIDE AT THE WHITLEY AWARDS 2019 Packed with extraordinary photographs, this ground-breaking book represents the first accessible field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand, covering all 123 species. From the ancient tuatara to the world's largest collection of long-lived and live-bearing lizards, every species account includes an accurate distribution map and information on appearance, habitat, similar species and natural history. This definitive guide also features a comprehensive introduction to evolution, conservation, ecosystems and geographic history. This is the ultimate photographic field guide to New Zealand's herpetofauna, and is a gateway into the world of these fascinating tetrapods for amateur and expert herpetologists alike.

Everyone has heard of the tuatara, New Zealand¿s unique `living dinosaur¿; but equally fascinating, if less well known, are the country¿s other reptiles. There are more than 65 species of lizards (including skinks and geckos), frogs and other reptiles and amphibians native to New Zealand, and scientists such as author Tony Jewell are still discovering new species and subspecies today. In this new addition to a popular New Holland series, Tony covers all the known species from Northland to the far south; his text is backed up by outstanding photographs of their many geographic colour variants, so that readers will be equipped to identify almost any specimen encountered in the wild. A groundbreaking handbook and a superb aid for natural history enthusiasts, trampers and educationalists.