Reptiles of North Carolina - by William M Palmer & Alvin L Braswell (Paperback)

About the Book

Valentine and Bolgiano show readers some of the remaining pristine wild places in the Southern Appalachians, emphasizing that understanding these mountains and their extraordinary biodiversity is vital to maintaining the healthy environment that sustains all life. This visually entrancing and verbally engaging book celebrates the vibrant life of Southern Appalachian forests. 10 x 14, features 136 color illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Based on more than twenty years of research in the field and in museum collections, Reptiles of North Carolina is the definitive work on the 71 reptile species found in the state. It is an indispensable resource for herpetologists, zoologists, ecologists, and wildlife managers, and it will be enjoyed by amateur naturalists as well. For each species the authors offer a description that includes characteristics useful in distinguishing the species from similar ones and information on the variation, distribution, and natural history of the species in the state. Each account is accompanied by a range map and at least one detailed drawing that shows characteristics important for identification. A section of color photographs aids in identification of reptiles.

Review Quotes

"Overall, an outstanding regional work, written in an entertaining, easily comprehensible style. For professionals and serious students but will appeal to anyone with interests in reptiles or in vertebrate biology and natural history." -- CHOICE

"This book is flawless . . . and should be part of the library of anyone interested in the herpetofauna of the eastern United States, and especially anyone attempting to complete a state survey. . . . A masterful work." -- Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society

"[This book] is well written, well organized, and scientifically sound, and it contains some of the most beautiful -- and accurate -- pen-and-ink drawings I have ever seen in a work of this nature. It is a book that is going to prove useful to both professional and amateur herpetologists, and to naturalists in general." -- Douglas A. Rossman, Curator of Reptiles, Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science

"Palmer and Braswell, it seems, left no stone or log unturned in North Carolina to amass the amount of information contained in this exemplary work." -- Robert H. Mount, Auburn University

About the Author

William M. Palmer is curator emeritus of herpetology at the Museum of Natural Sciences. He is coauthor of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia and author of Poisonous Snakes of North Carolina.

Alvin L. Braswell is deputy director for operations at the Museum of Natural Sciences.