A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Mayan World: by Julian C. Lee. Cornell...

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A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Mayan World by Julian C. Lee. Cornell University Press, New York. 2000. 402 pp. ISBN 0-8014-8587-8 (pbk), Price £22.95. This book provides a detailed account of the tax- onomy, distribution and natural history of all known species of amphibians and reptiles in the Yucatan peninsula. Julian Lee is without question the leading authority on the herpetology of the region, and this volume provides a much welcomed and revised ®eld ver- sion of his 1996 masterpiece (Lee, 1996). The excellent opening sections relating the species to their environ- ment and habitats raise it above many more standard faunas. Of special note is the inclusion of a preliminary section on the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, drawing the reader's attention in particular to the global plight of amphibian populations. Species accounts are given for the 188 amphibians and reptiles known (or presumed to occur) in the Yucatan peninsular. Each account is split into sections on: identi®cation, similar species, distribution, and natural history. Lee's intimate knowledge of these diverse groups is clearly shown in the morphological descriptions of each species. The avoidance of scienti®c jargon wherever possible (without sacri®cing the authoritative nature of the book) will be received gratefully by many Ð not to mention allowing it to be accessed by a wide audience. Where the use of taxonomic nomenclature is unavoid- able the reader can refer to a comprehensive glossary in the back of the book. In the case of the amphibians, equal attention is paid to describing the tadpoles, with each account being accompanied by a detailed line drawing. The only one criticism is the loss of the excellent systematic keys from his earlier volume, however having had the opportunity to ®eld test it this summer, positive identi®cation proved to be largely unproblematic from just the description and photograph. Where relevant the characteristic vocalisation of the species is described both phonetically, and by outlining calling patterns and frequency parameters (especially useful in identi®cation within a chorus). Clear maps of the peninsular easily assess the distribution of each species. A natural history section outlines the regional abundance of the species, alongside its habitat requirements, common diet, and mode of reproduction (if known). Most species are illu- strated in a series of beautiful photographs, accompanying which are nearly 180 line drawings by the author, many serving to highlight important or confusing morpholo- gical features. During the last 10 years the Yucatan has seen a number of new additions to its herpetofauna. The author's role at the forefront of these taxonomic revisions makes this the most up-to-date account of the region's amphibian and reptilian diversity. For the more interested reader, references are made to the original literature for each species. In summary this book is a must for any professional ecologist, conservationist, amateur or tra- veller who harbours an interest in the amphibians and reptiles of this remarkable region. References Lee, J.C., 1996. The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Yucatan Penin- sula. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, NY. Toby Gardner Project Anuran Institute of Ecology and Resource Management Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, UK E-mail address: [email protected] PII: S0006-3207(00)00227-5 394 Book review / Biological Conservation 99 (2001) 393±394

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