Photographic Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Of New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles & Amphibians of New Zealand is an introductory photographic identification guide to all 141 reptile and amphibian species of New Zealand. High-quality photographs from the author and the country's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitats, and conservation information. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, habitats, reptiles and amphibian identification and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the herpetofauna of New Zealand encompassing, for each species, its risk category and New Zealand conservation status.

From the Kermadecs to Campbell Island, beloved endemics to passing vagrants, albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka, Birds of New Zealand is the ultimate guide to this countrys extraordinary avian life. It is illustrated with almost 1000 new photographs and uses the latest information from birders and biologists to draw a definitive introduction to bird identification and behaviour. Includes expert information on the 345 bird species found in New Zealand; key identification characteristics and variation by age and sex; authoritative texts covering behaviour, distribution and taxonomy; and Maori, English and scientific names. A copy of this must-have guide belongs in every bach and backpack. The author of Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World, Paul Scofield is a leading New Zealand ornithologist. Brent Stephenson is a New Zealand bird photographer and tour leader.

A portable, photo-packed guide for all visitors to the country. New Zealand's dramatic scenery is home to some equally dramatic wildlife, featuring a host of endemics found nowhere else in the world. From giant wetas and the ancient Tuatara to a suite of beautiful birds, including flightless wonders such as the Kiwi and Kakapo, these animals help make New Zealand one of the world's greatest wildlife-tourism destinations. Although there have been severe losses due to introduced predators, the country has a fiercely determined conservation sector, and the future looks bright. This fully revised and updated second edition of Julian Fitter's classic photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found on the islands, there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora, with the photography accompanied by concise species texts. Reader-friendly and portable yet covering everything the visitor is likely to see, this book is an invaluable companion for anyone visiting these biodiverse Pacific islands.

Whether you own several acres of garden in the remote countryside or a window-box in an urban area, observing the behaviour of garden birds, from acrobatic tits to blackbirds in full song, can be an intensely rewarding pastime. Garden Bird Behaviour explores a wide range of bird behaviour including courtship, territorial behaviour, singing, nesting, flying, feeding, and migration; it's an invaluable guide that will help you get the most out of your birdwatching hobby. Written in a personal and encouraging style, with wonderful photographs and colour artwork, Garden Bird Behaviour is as enjoyable to read as it is informative. The emphasis is on observing the birds that frequent your garden and taking time to spot the different characteristics of each species as they feed, interact or raise their young, in order to gradually build up a comprehensive understanding of their behaviour.