Language: Chinese with scientific nomenclature
Intended to be an academic and practical guide to taxonomy of Chinese chelonians, the book has been illustrated with exquisite pictures. In the first part, the knowledge of the ancient Chinese is introduced, covering origin and evolution, biological properties, species diversity, taxonomic terms and measuring methods of turtles. Then, as the main content, 36 species of Chinese turtles, including sea turtles, freshwater turtles and tortoises (terrestrial turtles) are illustrated, with information on taxonomy, type specimens, morphological characters, habitat and life history, farming and breeding status, and protection levels and population status. In the third part, the hybridization, Chinese natural and artificial hybrids of turtles are reported. Furthermore, 20 exotic turtles, popular in the wild, markets or farms in China, are introduced, and finally, Chinese turtle resources and conservation status are reviewed. More than 1000 beautiful pictures will help readers to understand turtles in-depth. Cited references, and indexes of Chinese and scientific names are included.