Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas: With Keys, Taxonomic Synopses, Bibliography, and Distribution Maps

by James R. Dixon

Situated at the junction of four major physiographic divisions of North America, Texas provides many varied habitats for amphibians and reptiles.In this new edition of Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas, James R. Dixon adds to and updates the extensive information given in the highly valued first edition published in 1987. The many helpful features of this book include an updated listing of the literature on Texas amphibians and reptiles and a brief history of important herpetological publications, investigators, and authors.This volume covers more than 150 years of inquiry and is testimony to the careers of many distinguished herpetologists, including French botanist Jean Louis Berlandier, who encountered Texas herpetofauna during his travels from 1828 to 1834.More than 150 maps show the distribution records for Texas herpetofauna. The book also contains an identification key supplemented by drawings, photographs, a glossary, and scientific and common names to aid both professional and amateur herpetologists.For this new edition Dixon has added a section on conservation issues that highlights the threats to the continued survival of amphibians and reptiles, particularly commercial collecting and habitat destruction.Herpetologists, environmentalists, wildlife specialists, and all those who love the outdoors will find this guide invaluable for identifying and understanding the species they encounter.

434 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in Texas and looking for Herps this book is indispensable. Every species has a reported-location map, at least one good photo (more sometimes for variable species), and some text explaining the author's take on disputed records and clarification on species id when necessary. I use this text primarily to identify what species might be in a location prior to looking for them, but have also had to turn to it's pictures for species clarification when my field guides failed me.

I think the only way someone would dislike this book is if they did not understand what it is, as there is no real information *about* the herps listed, other than their geographical ranges.

There is also a section for keying out species, which was somewhat useful.

[Thomas Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who is serious about the study of Texas herpetology will benefit from purchasing this book: for those without either of the previous two editions, it is indispensable; for those who already own one or both of the previous editions, there is enough new and updated material to make it worth your while, even at the elevated price (and even without the beautiful photographs). Congratulations to Drs. Dixon and Hibbitts for producing another outstanding addition to the growing bounty of Texas herpetology publications. My full review of this volume is here: http://cascabel.typepad.com/cascabel/...