Handbook of the Reptiles of the World, Volume 1: Turtles and Crocodiles

About this book

Turtles and Crocodiles is the first volume of the Handbook of the Reptiles of the World, a landmark multi-volume reference conceived as the definitive resource on reptile diversity.

It covers every family of turtles (Testudines) and crocodilians (Crocodylia), presenting the most current information on taxonomy, morphology, distribution, habitats, ecology, and conservation status. Richly illustrated with hundreds of plates and photographs, the book offers a detailed treatment of these ancient reptilian lineages – from their evolutionary history and ecological significance to the conservation challenges they face today.

Highlights include iconic reptiles such as sea turtles, tortoises, and the Saltwater Crocodile, as well as many lesser-known but equally fascinating species that exemplify the diversity of these groups. With authoritative texts written by leading specialists and supported by high-quality illustrations and distribution maps, this volume provides an indispensable reference for researchers, conservationists, and all those passionate about the world's reptiles.

Features:
- 17 comprehensive family chapters
- More than 600 high-quality photographs
- 400+ colour plates with detailed scientific illustrations
- 384 updated distribution maps

Contents

Foreword
Introduction

Class Reptilia
Order Testudines
    Family Podocnemididae (South American and Malagasy River Turtles) / Mario Vargas-Ramírez
    Family Pelomedusidae (African Mud Turtles) / Luca Luiselli
    Family Chelidae (South American and Australian Side-necked Turtles) / Arthur Georges, Deborah Bower, Carla Eisemberg
    Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles) / Minh Duc Le
    Family Carettochelyidae (Pig-nosed Turtle) / Arthur Georges, Deborah Bower, Carla Eisemberg
    Family Kinosternidae (Mud and Musk Turtles) / Juan Pablo Hurtado
    Family Dermatemydidae (Central American River Turtle) / Donald McKnight
    Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles) / John Carr, Michael Skibsted
    Family Cheloniidae (Hard-shelled Sea Turtles) / Roderic Mast, Ashleigh Bandimere
    Family Dermochelyidae (Leatherback Sea Turtle) / Roderic Mast, Ashleigh Bandimere
    Family Geoemydidae (Eurasian and American Pond and River Turtles) / Philipp Wagner, John Carr
    Family Testudinidae (Tortoises) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre, Francesc Muñoz
    Family Platysternidae (Asian Big-headed Turtle) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre
    Family Emydidae (Sliders, Map Turtles and allies) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre, Francesc Muñoz
Order Crocodylia
    Family Gavialidae (Gharials) / Indraneil Das
    Family Crocodylidae (True Crocodiles) / Charlie Manolis
    Family Alligatoridae (Alligators and Caimans) / Alejandro Larriera

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