Böcker av Robert C. Stebbins

Suitable for readers who want to learn about amphibians, the animal group that includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians, this work looks at the "natural history" of amphibians worldwide: where they live; how they reproduce; how they have been affected by evolutionary processes; and what factors will determine their destinies over time.

This user-friendly guide is the only complete resource that identifies and describes all the amphibians and reptiles-salamanders, frogs and toads, lizards, snakes, and tortoises and turtles-that live in California. The species are described in richly detailed accounts that include range maps, lifelike color paintings by Robert C. Stebbins, clear drawings of various life stages including eggs, notes on natural history, and conservation status. Easy-to-use keys for every order help identify species, and informative chapters cover more general topics including evolution, habitat loss, and photography. Throughout, anecdotes and observations reveal new insights into the lives of California's abundant but often hidden amphibians and reptiles.