Sweet, University of California, Santa Barbara; Michael J. Tyler, University of Adelaide, Australia; Zhao Er-Mi, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Peoples Republic of China

Now reissued in paperback with an updated preface by the authors, Biology of Amphibians remains the standard work in its field.

"The frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts that inhabit North America, numbering nearly 300 species, represent immense variation in form, habitat, distribution and ecology. This volume discusses the diversity of these animals in relation to the historical geography of the North American continent and portrays all of the formally recognized amphibian species to be found in the United States and Canada within a geographical context. Each species is presented with a color photograph, an account of its range, habitat and conservation status, and an up-to-date, full color range map that depicts its known occurrences in relation to the topography of the landscape. This volume reflects the enormous growth in interest about amphibians and increased intensity of scientific research into their biology and distribution that has occurred during the past two decades"--

This book analyzes different facets of anuran amphibian distribution in South America. We integrate alternative biological metrics employing cutting-edge methods to understand the dynamic processes underlying species distribution patterns. By using the modern biogeographic toolbox, we explore how richness gradients, phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, and range size/endemism distribution of amphibians vary along the continent. Moreover, we present a robust proposal for priority areas for conservation of anurans in South America that maximizes representativeness of distinct biodiversity facets.

"Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis, but getting to the facts has been difficult. "Threatened Amphibians of the World" is a visual journey through the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of the world's 6,000 known species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. All 1,900 species known to be threatened with extinction are covered, including a description of threats to each species and an evaluation of conservation measures in place or needed. Each entry includes a photograph or illustration of the species where available, a distribution map, and detailed information on range, population and habitat and ecology. Introductory chapters present a detailed analysis of the results, complemented by a series of short essays written by many of the world's leading herpetologists. Appendices include annoted lists of lower risk species and a country-by-country listing of threatened amphibians."--pub. desc.

Though Pennsylvania receives the most emphasis here, readers will find references to all of the northeastern US. A wide audience will find this a useful resource, including professional and amateur herpetologists, students, and amateur naturalists. As in a field guide, the amphibians and reptiles are described in detail to aid identification. The text goes far beyond a simple field guide, however, containing substantial treatment of the habitat, habits, reproduction, and distribution of each species with additional remarks on taxonomic status, behavior, appearance and conservation. Color photos of each species are included. Two of the authors are curators for museums of natural history, the third teaches biology at Indiana U. of Pennsylvania. c. Book News Inc.