Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia, 2nd Ed

by Jeffrey C. Beane, Alvin L. Braswell, Joseph C. Mitchell

Revised and updated to reflect the most current science, and including 30 new species, this authoritative and comprehensive volume is the definitive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The new edition features 189 species of salamanders, frogs, crocodilians, turtles, lizards, and snakes, with updated color photographs, descriptions, and distribution maps for each species. It is an indispensable guide for zoologists, amateur naturalists, environmentalists, backpackers, campers, hikers, and everyone interested in the outdoors.

Genres: Biology

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2010

Reviews

[Evora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got to learn a lot about the area I live in and the animals that inhabit it. Only three stars because it would be better as a guide to go off of when hiking, exploring, etc rather than just a one sit read. Other than that pretty good

[E Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at these wonderful creatures, with simple explanations. It helps me to appreciate the surrounds of the area even more.

[Nathan Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1st edition was a true classic that I coveted as a child. In the thirty years since, much has changed. And, in this second edition we find updated taxonomy, species' range maps, and natural history information.

There are several new species that were not known when the first edition was published. Many of these species are cryptic species, meaning they appear and function similar to other species but have been shown to be genetically different or separate from each other geographically (i.e., Desmognathus ochropaheus is now represented as D. ochropaheus, D. ocoee, D. orestes, D. imitator, D. carolinensis).

The range maps have changed for a number of the species, and are a welcomed update. Particularly some of the frogs which have dwindling distributions in the three states and some of the larger snakes who fair less then ideal due to the destructive bluntness of life among roads, increasing development, and persecution from humans.

The updated photographs added to the book and brought refreshed life into the series. Though I am not a huge fan of the cover, the material inside is what is important and that material is rich. Having worked with three of the authors, I can say this is certainly the most current authoritative guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of VA, NC, and SC that exists.

Jeff Beane is a masterful writer and for those interested in nature writing please do yourself a favor and check some of this NC Wildlife Magazine articles out. Not only is Jeff one of the best regional natural history writers, his knowledge of all things Reptiles and Amphibians is unsurpassed by even the most esteemed academic authority. There is no better a collection of authors and certainly, no better a first author for this book than Jeff Beane.

Aside from the densely packaged species profiles and ecosystem descriptions, a tone of conserving of our dwindling wild places and wildlife, including the less-than-desirable but ever so important types like reptiles and amphibians, is very much present. This important message, more so present in this edition than the last, should serve as a motivational tool to get out there and discover these creatures for yourself while respecting them and their place, and share your experiences with others.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amphibians & Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia (2d Ed. Revised) by Jeffrey C. Beane et al (U.N.C. Press 2010) (597.90975). This well-done picture-filled book is just what the reader hoped and expected that it would be. One interesting nugget from this book is representative of its entries: "Alligators inhabit freshwater swamps, marshes, abandoned rice fields, ponds, lakes, and backwaters of large rivers in the lower Coastal Plain and a few portions of the Upper Coastal Plains of the Carolinas. Their range once extended north to the southern edge of the Dismal Swamp. There are no historical records from Virginia, but population recovery in North Carolina, including several recent sightings north of Albermarle Sound, may bode well for the expansion of the alligator's range into southeastern Virginia at some point in the future." (p. 156). My rating: 7/10, finished 2/14/2011.