Encyclopedia of North American Reptiles and Amphibians - An Essential Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of North America (Hardcover)

The "Encyclopedia of North American Reptiles and Amphibians describes 82 species and groups of related reptiles and amphibians, all of which live in Central and North America, and most in the United States. Two introductory articles describe the basic body structure, biology, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Descriptions of individual species vary: from the Barton Springs salamander that lives in just four springs in Texas to the common garter snake that lives from coast to coast; from the green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles that frequent all shores to the western diamondback rattlesnake of the driest landscapes; and from the poisonous Gila monster of Southwestern deserts to the monstrous alligator snapping turtle of the Mississippi swamps. These and other examples demonstrate the vast diversity of one of the most intriguing group of animals.