The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Yucatan Peninsula by Julian C. Lee - 1996

Product Description

Deforestation now threatens the magnificent ecosystem of the Yucatan Peninsula - an area including northern Guatemala, Belize, and southeastern Mexico. This splendidly illustrated book by the world's leading authority on Yucatan herpetology documents the natural history of all native and introduced species of reptiles and amphibians and provides a guide to identifying them. The only comprehensive treatment available, it will be the definitive resource for amateur naturalists as well as professionals with an interest in this rapidly changing biogeographical region.
Julian C. Lee begins with a description of the environment and habitats of the Yucatan Peninsula, followed by a history of the herpetological research there. He then describes 182 species of frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles, detailing the features that characterize each species and distinguish it from similar species.

Lee completes the book with an unusual chapter on the ethnoherpetology of the region - the significance of amphibians and reptiles in the culture of both ancient and contemporary Maya. An extensive bibliography, a glossary, and a gazetteer help make his research accessible to everyone interested in the wildlife of the Yucatan.

From Library Journal

Lee (biology, Univ. of Miami, Coral Gables) here offers a comprehensive survey of 181 species of reptiles and amphibians inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula. For each, he gives a detailed morphological description, characteristics that differentiate them from similar species, and range maps of their distribution within the Yucatan. Brief accounts of ecological relationships and natural history are also included, and quality color photos show the animals and their habitat. A competent taxonomic key, in both English and Spanish, aids in the identification of unknown species collected within this geographic region. Organized primarily for reference use, the information previously available only in journal sis precise and accurate. A fascinating concluding chapter on the role of amphibians and reptiles in regional cultures is the only departure from descriptive biology. Although the material is accessible to the lay reader, the narrow topic will restrict the book's appeal to specialists. Recommended for academic collections. Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Julian C. Lee is Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Miami.