This book provides the most comprehensive account of more than 800 species of reptiles in Australia. For the third edition, the text has been fully updated and about 80 additional species are included.
The reptiles are illustrated with lively colour photographs showing them in their natural habitat. Species are grouped in families, for example Skinks, Geckos, Monitors, Blind Snakes and Pythons. Each entry includes a distribution map, a description - with distinguishing features picked out in bold text - notes on the species' preferred habitat and range, information on subspecies and similar species, and, wherever appropriate, conservation status.
The book also explains how reptiles are classified, how scientific and common names are applied, how to measure a reptile and how conservation status is determined. Photographs of different reptiles' habitats will help you pinpoint the likely location of particular species.
Gerry Swan is currently an Associate of the Australian Museum and Editor of the journal Herpetofauna. He is the author of several books and spends much of his time as a wildlife consultant and author. He is an established New Holland author, having written the popular Green Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Australia. Wildlife photographer and author Steve Wilson works at the Queensland Museum as the Inquiry Centre Supervisor. He fields countless natural history inquiries from the general public. He has contributed to numerous articles on natural history to such popular magazines as GEO, BBC Wildlife, Das Tier and Australian Geographic and is co-author, with David Knowles, of Australia's Reptiles (1988) as well as writing two chapters of the popular bestseller, Wildlfie of Great Brisbane. Steve specializes in Herpetology and has authored several descriptions of new species of snakes and lizards in Australia.