Reptiles And Amphibians Of New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on earth. In part due to their highly permeable skin, amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution and provide an early-warning system of deteriorating environmental conditions. The more we learn about the impact of environmental changes on amphibians, the better we as humans will be able to arrest their demise, and our own. Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians brings together the current knowledge on the status of the unique frogs of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Although geographically proximate, each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in amphibian research and conservation. This book contributes to an understanding of the current conservation status of the amphibians of each region, aims to stimulate research into halting amphibian declines, and provides a better foundation for making conservation decisions. It is an invaluable reference for environmental and governmental agencies, researchers, policy-makers involved with biodiversity conservation, and the interested public.

A Tribute to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia and New Zealand showcases 125 of the best photographs ever assembled of the countries' most spectacular reptiles and frogs, from the Tuatara to the Cape York Graceful Tree Frog, and from the Amethystine Python to the Starred Gecko.Twenty-five of the best photographers specialising in herpetology each submitted five of their most awe-inspiring images, culminating in a unique and captivating publication.The contributor accounts read like an adventurer' s diary, with tales of hardship, sacrifice, skill and plain old good luck that were needed in order to find and photograph these amazing beasts.Structured like a glorified field guide, this beautiful book includes details of each species' natural history and distribution. For each image, photographic technical specifications are highlighted, while the story behind the image takes you alongside the photographer for each shot. Come along and enjoy the adventure.

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