Artikelname: Amphibians and Reptiles in Bulgaria
Artikelbeschreibung:

A marvelous, well-designed full-colour guide to the Bulgarian amphibians and reptiles containig a lot of information about the history of research of these animals in Bulgaria, as well as data on taxonomy, distribution, ecology, biology and conservation of all 54 Bulgarian species.

Contents

Introduction ; The Fire Salamander; The Alpine Newt; The Smooth Newt; The Crested Newt; The Fire-bellied Toad; The Yellow-bellied Toad; The Common Spadefoot Toad; The Syrian (Balkan) Spadefoot; The Common Toad; The Green Toad; The European Tree Frog; The Agile Frog; The Common Frog; The Stream Frog; The Lake Frog; The Edible Frog; The European Pond Terrapin; The Caspian Terrapin; Hermann’s Tortoise; The Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise; Kotschy’s Gecko; The Snake-eyed Skink; The Slow Worm; The European glass Lizard; The Sand Lizard; The Meadow Lizard; The Three-lined Lizard; The Green Lizard; The Common Lizard; Erhard’s Wall Lizard; The Common Wall Lizard; The Balkan Wall Lizard; The Snake-eyed Lizard; The Vermiform Blind Snake; The Javelin Sand Boa; The European Whip Snake; Dahl’s Whip Snake; The Red-headed Whip Snake; The Aesculapian Snake; The Leopard Snake; The Four-lined Snake; The Grass Snake; The Dice Snake; The Smooth Snake; The Montpellier Snake; The Cat Snake; The Nose-horned Viper; The Adder; The Meadow Viper; The Asp Viper; The Green Turtle; The Loggerhead; References

Artikelname: Amphibians of the Russian Far East
Artikelbeschreibung:

A fundamental review of the 11 species of amphibians (2 Caudata and 9 Anura) of the Russian Far East, within Primorye and Khabarovskii regions, Amurskaya, Chitinskaya, Magadanskaya, Kamchatskaya and Sakhalinskaya provinces, Evreiskaya Autonomous Province, as well as Aginskii Buryatskii, Chukotskii and Koryakskii autonomous regions. All species and their habitats are illustrated in color and supplied with maps of records for each region, with full cadastra. Each species supplied with full list of synonyms and a detailed description of the morphology, geography, habitats, abundance, activity cycles, reproduction, ontogenesis, feeding, natural enemies and parasites, the influence of anthropogenic factors and problems of conservation. A detailed history of amphibian studies, including the description of traditional views of aboriginal people, is presented. Keys are given to eggs, the larvae and the adults of all amphibian species. Composition and history of the amphibian fauna, including the discussion on possible pathways of colonization of Pacific islands, are discussed. Full bibliography includes 841 references.

Contents

Artikelname: An Atlas of the Reptiles of North Eurasia. Taxonomic Diversity, Distribution, Conservation Status
Artikelbeschreibung:

This richly illustrated book presents up-to-date information on all the species and subspecies of turtles (7 species), lizards (112 species) and snakes (74 species) inhabiting the region of North Eurasia, which, in accordance with a decision of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) of June 2003, comprises the territory of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. An attempt is made here to reflect the results of new taxonomic and phylogenetic revisions relating to the herpetological fauna of this region, but not previously published in Russian-language monographs. Detailed information on geographical distribution, with schematic maps, data on type localities and conservation status (IUCN and regional Red Lists, CITES, Bern Convention), are included in each account. The book can be used as an illustrated reference work on the reptiles of North Eurasia, while the data provided could serve as a basis for the Global Reptile Assessment (GRA). More than 400 colour illustrations are included in the book(photographs of reptiles and habitats, and maps). The book is addressed to herpetologists and conservationists, both academics and students, and all reptile lovers.

Artikelname: Ecological Specificity of Amphibian Populations
Artikelbeschreibung:

Studies in amphibians, started long ago in the Russian Empire and especially strongly developed in the former Soviet Union (FSU), are now being continued. Without any political background whatever, a new periodical is launched, aimed at covering all aspects of batrachology concerning the territory of the FSU, but this time published solely in English so as to make information readily available to any reader. Only entirely original papers are accepted, with the following main topics involved: reviews; methods of studies; recommendations on conservation and sustainable use; information on meetings, societies, new books; systematics; distribution (including new records, maps, and cadastre); ecology; behavior; conservation; morphology; evolution; palaeontology; physiology; biochemistry; keeping and breeding in captivity.

Contents

Artikelname: Evolution of the Amphibian Skull
Artikelbeschreibung:

The book is the outcome of some twenty years of work devoted to to the study of the amphibian skull development. The aims of ths work are: (i) to study the urodelan skull onthogeny; (ii) to determine correlative relationships between different cranial elements: (iii) to study the dynamic of establishment of relationships underlying specific structural patterns in the amphibian skull; (iv) to reconstruct the scenario of the phylogenetic establishment of cranial structural patterns in early tetrapods; and (v) based on the structure and development of correlative systems in the amphibian skull, to evaluate the phylogenetic affinities of recent amphibians. The book is intended for evolutionary biologists, specialists in amphibian biology and evolution, palaeontologists and anyone interested in general biology.

Contents

Artikelname: Frogs of Australia
Artikelbeschreibung:

This book introduces the Australian frog fauna and includes a painting of, and distribution maps for each of the 213 species and 5 sub-species of Australian frogs currently recognised in 2003, mostly based on Dr. H.G. Coggers taxonomy. More than 110 new species of Australian frogs have been discovered and described since 1960. The five Families of frogs found within Australia are dealt with, followed by details of the Genera within each of the Families. The individual species are arranged in alphabetical order using their common name. However a Quickfind index is provided at the front of the book to enable those familiar with scientific names to go directly to any Family, Genus or specific species. The text on each species has clear, precise information. The information in this book is presented in such a way, so as to make of value to readers from the layperson, naturalist through to the scientist. Indeed anyone who may have an interest in learning more about the Frogs of Australia. The comprehensive reference list gives the reader access to thousands of scientific papers and articles for further reading.

Contents

Artikelname: Reptiles of the Solomon Islands
Artikelbeschreibung:

This book provides comprehensive accounts of 85 reptiles, which represent all the currently known species occurring in this island archipelago. Most importantly, the natural histories of the living animals are given in detail, and almost all species - including many colour variants - are depicted in large, full-colour photographs. While Reptiles of the Solomon Islands is essentially a field guide, it is compiled in such a way as to be of use not only for professional biologists working in the field or museum, but also for the interest of amateur naturalists and travellers in Solomon Islands. In fact anyone with an appreciation for the natural history of this group of beautiful South Pacific islands will find this book a worthwhile addition to their library. Michael McCoy lived in Solomon Islands for 26 years, working as a photographer and writer. He has published several books, worked as a consultant on a number of television documentaries, and his photographs have appeared widely in regional and international publications. He now lives in Australia.

"During the 26 years Mike McCoy lived in the Solomons, he visited nearly all the islands in the archipelago and is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on the reptile fauna of the Solomons. He is also an extraordinarily gifted photographer with a keen eye for detail, an indefatigable field worker and an old and close friend. Since the publication of the first field guide in 1980, he has continued his studies, making many additional discoveries, and this fine book is the culmination of those efforts."

Contents

Map of Solomon Islands

Introduction

Crocodiles, Family Crocodylidae

Marine Turtles, Family Cheloniidae

Leatherback Turtle, Family Dermochelyidae

Agamid Lizards, Family Agamidae

Geckos, Family Gekkonidae

Skinks, Family Scincidae

Monitor Lizards, Family Varanidae

Blind Snakes, Family Typhlopidae

Boas, Family Boidae

File Snakes, Family Acrochordidae

Colubrid Snakes, Family Colubridae

Elapid Snakes, Family Elapidae

Literature Cited and Further References

Glossary

Island Check Lists

Index of scientific names

Artikelname: The Amphibians of Belarus: Advances in Amphibian Research, vol. 10
Artikelbeschreibung:

This book summarizes the results of a long-term investigation of amphibian distribution, ecology and morphology in the Republic of Belarus. For all amphibian species, Triturus vulgaris, T. cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, B. calamita, Hyla arborea, Rana temporaria, R. arvalis, R. ridibunda, R. lessonae and Rana esculenta, geographical and habitat distribution, assemblage structure, feeding, activity, reproduction and development are described. Detailed analysis of morphological variation and the differentiation of populations by landscape regions are given. Regional problems of anthropogenic pressure and methodology of species conservation are discussed. The book may also serve a guide to the amphibians of Belarus and may well be used by both specialists and amateurs.

Contents

Chapter 1. Materials and Methods

Chapter 2. Physical and Geographical Characterization of Belarus

Chapter 3. Systematic Overview

Smooth Newt, Triturus vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)

Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768)

Fire-Bellied Toad, Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common Spadefood, Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768)

Common Toad, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)

Green Toad, Bufo viridis Laurenti, 1768

Natterjack Toad, Bufo calamita Laurenti, 1768

Common Tree Frog, Hyla arborea (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Frog, Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758

Moor Frog, Rana arvalis Nilsson, 1842

Marsh Frog, Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771

Pool Frog, Rana lessonae Camerano, 1882

Edible Frog, Rana esculenta Linnaeus, 1758

Chapter 4. Structure of Assemblages and Synecology

4.1. Dynamics of Faunistic Complexes

4.2. Structural Organization of Assemblages

4.3. Habitat Distribution and Population Number

4.4. Trophic Structure

Chapter 5. Phenotypic Variability of Populations

5.1. Intraspecific Variability of Morphometric Characters of the Moor and the Common Frogs

5.2. Interpopulation Variability of Morphometric Characters of the Moor and the Common Frogs

5.3. Analysis of Variability of Phenetic Structures of Moor and Common Frog Populations

Chapter 6. Reproduction and Development

6.1. Phenology of Reproduction

6.2. Spawning

6.3. Embryonic and Larval Development

Chapter 7. Anthropogenic Influences and Conservation

7.1. Main Anthropogenic Factors

7.2. Current State and Dynamics of Populations

7.3. Conservation Measures

Conclusions

List of Sites and Structure of Amphibian Associations

Artikelname: The Frogs of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
Artikelbeschreibung:

This is a book about the frogs of New Guinea, where they came from, how they live and why there are so many species. It is not intended to be a taxonomic treatise and no new species are described, nor are any major taxonomic changes proposed. With over three hundred species now recognised in the Papuan biogeographic region, it has not been possible to give more that a short specific description of each but a full bibliography will facilitate readers' access to original descriptions or subsequent revisions, should this be needed. References to the widely scattered literature on the frog fauna of the region is, for the first time, brought together under one cover. The author lived, taught and carried out research in Papua New Guinea for twenty-five years and is now a visiting reserach fellow at the University of Adelaide in Australia and, concurrently, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the Universty of Papua New Guinea. He has published numerous papers on the biology of New Guinea's mammals and amphibians and, in conjunction with anthropologist and botanist colleagues, on ethnozoology and flora.

Contents

The frog fauna of the New Guinea region

Diversity

Biology

Topography, geology, climate and vegetation, the background to frog diversity in New Guinea

Topography

Geology

Climate

Vegetation

The origin and biogeography of New Guineas frogs

Biogeography

Origins

Patterns in distribution

Description and identification

Systematic accounts

Bufonidae

Myobatrachidae

Ranidae

Hylidae

Microhylidae

The preservation of frogs for further study

Appendix A. Graphic illustrations of selected frog calls

Appendix B. Distribution maps for selected genera and species

Appendix C. Additional species, described in 2005, but not included in the species accounts

Glossary

Gazeteer

References

Index