Turtles Of The World Annotated Checklist And Atlas Of Taxonomy Synonymy Distribution And Conservation Status 9th Ed

Winner, 2011 Book Award, The Wildlife Society2009 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Ernst and Lovich’s thoroughly revised edition of this classic reference provides the most updated information ever assembled on the natural histories of North American turtles. From diminutive mud turtles to giant alligator snappers, two of North America’s most prominent experts describe the turtles that live in the fresh, brackish, and marine waters north of Mexico. Incorporating the explosion of new scientific information published on turtles over the past fifteen years—including the identification of four new species—Ernst and Lovich supply comprehensive coverage of all fifty-eight species, with discussions of conservation status and recovery efforts. Each species account contains information on identification, genetics, fossil record, distribution, geographic variation, habitat, behavior, reproduction, biology, growth and longevity, food habits, populations, predators, and conservation status. The book includes range maps for freshwater and terrestrial species, a glossary of scientific names, an extensive bibliography for further research, and an index to scientific and common names. Logically organized and richly illustrated—with more than two hundred color photographs and fifty-two maps—Turtles of the United States and Canada remains the standard for libraries, museums, nature centers, field biologists, and professional and amateur herpetologists alike.

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

This CD-ROM feautres multiple color photographs of essentially every recognized species of turtle and tortoise in the world. It can be browsed through higher taxa, species, and lower taxa, with sections on recognition, distribution, geographic variation, habitat, natural history, and conservation status.

A report submitted by the Committee on Sea Turtle Conservation, addresses threats to the world's sea turtle populations to fulfill a mandate of the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1988. It presents information on the populations, biology, ecology, and behavior of five endangered or threatened turtle species: the Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtle. The report includes an examination of the relationship between sea turtle and human activity for the purpose of providing information for an assessment of the effectiveness of and need for regulations requiring the use of turtle excluder devices (TED's) by commercial shrimp trawlers. The sources of turtle mortality investigated include activities involving fisheries, dredging, boat collisions, removal of oil platforms, and plastics and debris. Conservation measures are analyzed that seek to protect sea turtle habitat. The report includes the rationale and objectives of a recovery plan, and discussion about education and technology transfer. Appendices are as follows: (1) Endangered Species Act Amendment of 1988; (2) interim report, committee on sea turtle conservation; (3) illustrations of TEDs; (4) aerial survey data of sea turtles in fishing zones; (5) sea turtle stranding data; (6) shrimp fishing efforts; (7) annotated and chronological list of educational efforts on TEDs for fishermen by the National Marine Fisheries Service; (8) annotated and chronological list of educational efforts on TEDs for fishermen by Sea Grant; (9) newsletters and notices pertaining to TEDs; and (10) biographies of committee members. The conclusions drawn from the study suggest conservation measures including the use of TED's, and increased protection for the turtles. Recommendations are also made to improve data bases, establish long-term population surveys, and initiate experimental programs to increase population sizes. (319 references) (MCO)