Frogs & Toads of the World

by Chris Mattison

With nearly 6,000 species currently identified, frogs and toads are the most familiar and abundant amphibians on the planet. Frogs and Toads of the World is a comprehensive guide to the natural history of this large and diverse group of creatures. Stunningly illustrated throughout with 200 color photographs, this one-of-a-kind book traces the evolution and classification of frogs and toads, providing detailed information about each of the 49 unique families and highlighting distinctive and notable species. It vividly describes their remarkable diversity in shape, color, and markings; anatomy and development; life cycle; habitats; the various methods they use to attract mates and hunt for food; and the physiological and behavioral tricks they use to survive and thrive around the world.

This indispensable guide also explores frogs' interaction with humans, from modern-day collection for the meat trade, scientific research, and the trade in exotic pets to how their survival is being threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and disease.

A comprehensive guide to the natural history of frogs and toads Features 200 stunning color photographs Covers each of the 49 unique frog families Describes anatomy, life cycle, habitats, survival tricks, and more

Genres: Animals, Biology, Nonfiction, Natural History, Science

191 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Nicky Neko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book -- quite technical at times -- beautifully written in parts

[Oznasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read with lots of information that I certainly didn't know about frogs and toads. The design of the book could be improved to make it easier to read.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have been able to forgive myself if I didn't educate myself properly about world frogs and toads, because my maternal grandmother prided herself on being "the frog lady." She had several frog ornaments, and had given my mother, my sister and me leave to go to the library and get the children's storybook about the frog who got transformed into a prince. (The matriarch said we could get the book after we picked up the rubbish on the porch and in the walkway, that is.)

In this particular book, Mattison depicts maybe 187 specimens and describes many more. (I am estimating from the final page that has photographs on it, I was lazy today and didn't do a strict count since it's a Friday afternoon and I'm actually rather happy that I finally finished this book that I've been thinking about for so long. Unlike my normal paradigm with books, I wrote notes in it, since this is my copy, and I was told a long time ago that if a book is mine, then I am allowed to do anything I want with it. Even maybe READ IT AGAIN.)

[Koen vV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mijn editie dateert van 2011 en stond al een hele tijd ongelezen in de kast, onterecht, zo blijkt. In tien hoofdstukken vertelt Christopher Mattison alles wat je wilt weten over kikkers en padden van over de hele wereld. Zakelijk en informatief, maar ook vlot en met enthousiasme geschreven. Of het nu de Indische purperkikker is, de tomaatkikker of de vele pijlgifkikkers, het zijn allemaal fascinerende soorten, waarover we vaak nog maar heel weinig weten.

[Kirk Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures accompany well-written text for the first 132 pages. The same goes for the rest, I suppose, though perhaps the author was tilting at windmills in trying to describe all the most important and fascinating aspects of each of the numerous families of toads. The space might have been better used for something less formal. That said, it's an excellent book, and if you want a reasonably short textbook on frogs, this is probably the best out there.

[Nick Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting book about frogs. included a lot of stuff I knew and a lot that I didn't. it had many good pictures and examples of different frogs. at the end it even had a couple of paragraphs talking about each of the frog family's (this was interesting, but was not the easiest section to read) overall well written and informative

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing tour through the diversity of Frogs and Toads throughout the globe. With a species count of 5000+ this 200 page book can only serve as an introduction to the true diversity of the group, but as such an introduction it works well, full of excellent photos and informative text.

[Michael Olear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the photos and detailed descriptions

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love frogs

[Tenghe Keita]

bratz-yasmin

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book, with excellent diagrams and illustrations.