Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians - 3rd Edition by Chris Mattison (Hardcover)

About the Book

The definitive single-volume reference for the 21st century.

Book Synopsis

"With lush color photographs and lavishly detailed illustrations, this encyclopedia presents a striking abundance of information at a glance.... Strongly recommended for high school, public, and academic libraries."
--Booklist (for previous edition)

The Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians covers every family, ranging from large, predatory constrictors and crocodilians to miniature tree frogs and salamanders. This third edition adds 32 extra pages to incorporate numerous important updates based on the latest scientific findings and interpretations.

The comprehensive coverage includes:

• Big increases in the number of known families and species: 17 new families of amphibians and 18 new families of reptiles; Amphibian species are up from 6,182 to 7,387; Reptile species are up from 8,726 to 10,038. Frogs alone have gone up from 5,453 species to the currently agreed 6,508.
• Maps for all families of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodilians
• More than 320 stunning full-color photographs and illustrations
• Information on current conservation and environmental concerns
• Extinctions and Declining Amphibian Populations section and map
• Updated family trees.

Straightforward expert text, over 320 illustrations (including photographs, anatomical drawings, renderings and maps), species tables, graphs, distribution maps, Factfiles, Special Features, Photo Stories, a Glossary, Bibliography, Further Reading and Useful Websites--all at an affordable price--speak to the extraordinary value of this reference.

Since 2002, this highly acclaimed encyclopedia has provided specialists, educators and general readers with an authoritative and comprehensive overview of the world's reptiles and amphibians. Universally praised and cited widely in scholarly and lay publications, it belongs in all collections.

Review Quotes

"This timely third edition combines the latest advances with traditional knowledge. The large format is necessitated by the wonderful photographs and drawings that highlight each page. Mattison, a photographer and naturalist with numerous accomplishments in the field, explains why reptiles and amphibians, separate classes of animals, are grouped together in the science of herpetology (meaning "to creep," derived from the Greek). This book is truly encyclopedic in coverage; in fact, it is hard to find a facet not included. The "Special Features" sections in which contributors discuss their research--canary in the coal mine analogy, venomous snakebite, sex-free reproduction, etc.--are fascinating. Hopefully, this volume will engender a better, more positive appreciation of these oft-misunderstood or feared fellow inhabitants of the planet. Highly recommended. All library collections."--D. M. McKinstry "Choice" (5/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] A great classroom reference ... will wind up on a teacher's wish list because it is attractive and scientific.--Rachel Forman "Science Teacher" (5/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] A helpful feature in this book is the use of excellent sidebars ... photographs (all in color) are simply excellent ... highly recommended.--Johnson Thane "Library News for Zoos and Aquariums" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] A striking abundance of information at a glance ... strongly recommended for high-school, public and academic libraries.-- "Booklist" (4/15/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] A superbly attractive, authoritative, and highly informative sourcebook on amphibians and reptiles... Discussions throughout are supported by superb color photographs and vividly rendered artwork. Technical terminology is minimal and the text can be easily comprehended by anyone with a high school education.--Edmund Keiser Jr. "American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35" (1/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Clearly written and wonderfully illustrated... a highly readable and thoroughly fascinating introduction to the biology, diversity, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.--David Seburn "Canadian Field Naturalist" (12/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Dramatically photographed and with a surprisingly informative text.-- "The Globe and Mail" (11/23/2002 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Extremely useful both in terms of its relative completeness and its up-to-date facts... this volume should be in the library of any nature lover...--Neil B. Ford and David F. Ford "Quarterly Review of Biology" (12/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] I strongly recommend [this book for]... anyone seriously interested in amphibians and reptiles. It is a fine reference source and its visual images are aesthetic delights that will be returned to many times.--Jay M. Savage "Herpetological Review" (2/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Illustrations are generous and of excellent quality... extremely detailed presentation.--Gillian Richardson "Canadian Materials" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Most highly recommended, this book provides a wealth of information to anyone interested in, or just vaguely curious about, amphibians and reptiles.--Michal Kubik "Wildlife Activist" (4/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] These beautifully illustrated encyclopedias not only detail individual species, but also provide a wealth of information about how these creatures interact with one another and people.-- "Science News" (11/23/2002 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of earlier edition: ] Topical arrangement and captivating photos assure that a quick look-up will take longer than expected ... this book is plenty fine.--T.R. Faust "Choice" (1/1/2003 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

General editor Chris Mattison has an honors degree in zoology from the University of Sheffield and specializes in the natural history of reptiles and amphibians. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and a member of several herpetological societies. He has traveled worldwide to study and photograph reptiles and amphibians in the wild. He lectures widely to audiences in Europe and North America and has authored magazine articles and more than 20 books on the subject.