Review by Kathy Lyon (Click on stars for an explanation)

This book is Out of Print.

Until now, there have been few guides to the unique fauna of these islands. This book attempts to close that gap to some degree. Research into all of the families of species, subspecies, and varieties of amphibians and reptiles found in this region is likely not possible. One of the greatest problems was identification; many genera are not sufficiently examined, and some animals are greatly variable in color. There are, no doubt, many species still unrecognized waiting for their scientific designation. Giving each species in this book its proper scientific name is extremely difficult, and the authors explain that some errors may be present, for which the authors request correction and offer apology.

Many of the species shown in this book may never be seen in captivity, which is as it should be. The variety of exquisitely beautiful frogs, lizards, and chameleons is amazing. Each section lists the animal, Latin name, locality, distribution, habitat, size, distinguishing features, biology, and vivarium care. The accompanying photos are in full color and extremely well done.

Most of the book covers frogs and chameleons, but reptiles (snakes, lizards, geckos, skinks, and Testudinidae) are also included. This book is a must for anyone interested in reptiles and amphibians, and clinicians will find the description of vivarium care especially helpful. The book does not address specific dietary requirements for these species; it would have been important to know if any were highly restricted as to diet, so that fragile species would not be collected only to die later.

It is a beautiful book and should be in any veterinary reference library.

Krieger Publishing Company (2000).

Hardcover, numerous color illustrations, 324 pages.

ISBN: 1-57524-014-9 .

Reviewed 2/19/2002.