Amphibians and Reptiles of La Selva, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean Slope: A Comprehensive Guide / Edition 1

by Craig Guyer, Maureen A. Donnelly

Overview

This field guide at last provides an authoritative and handy source for identifying amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica's renowned Atlantic lowland tropical forests. Colorful frogs, lizards that can run across water, snapping turtles, spotted geckos, boa constrictors, crocodiles, and many other fascinating yet secretive species of amphibians and reptiles flourish in the region's myriad microhabitats. The La Selva Biological Station, a protected reserve, boasts a rich biota, making it and the surrounding area one of the most visited tropical forest sites in the world.

For travelers, ecotourists, and biologists, this comprehensive guide, written by two distinguished experts on the area's amphibians and reptiles, will be an essential resource while visiting La Selva and the surrounding tropical forests of Costa Rica. In addition to providing reliable field identification, it will help visitors to this area better understand the overall role of Central American amphibians and reptiles in the natural world as well as conservation efforts now being undertaken to ensure the survival of these intriguing creatures.

* 138 frogs, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles are included in keys based primarily on color patterns for easy identification

* Each species is illustrated with a color photograph; the guide also features range maps and black-and-white drawings

* Includes an overview of the natural history of each amphibian and reptile and gives helpful tips on where to observe them

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520237599
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	12/20/2004
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	367
Product dimensions:	4.50(w) x 7.25(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Craig Guyer is Professor of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. Maureen A. Donnelly is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Florida International University and coeditor of Standard Methods of Measuring Biodiversity (1994).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Geography, Climate, and Vegetation
A History of Herpetological Research at La Selva
Diversity
Conservation
Amphibia
Gymnophiona
Caudata
Anura
Reptilia
Testudines
Squamata
Crocodylia
Additional Species
Field Data Sheet for Amphibians and Reptiles
Glossary
Literature Cited
Art Credits
Index