Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family

Description

Turtles of the World reveals the extraordinary diversity of these amazing reptiles. Characterised by the bony shell that acts as a shield to protect the softer body within, turtles are survivors from the time of the dinosaurs and are even more ancient in evolutionary terms than snakes and crocodilians. Of more than 350 species known today, some are highly endangered. In this beautiful guide, turtle families, subfamilies, and genera are illustrated with hundreds of colour photographs. Each genus profile includes a population distribution map, a table of information, and commentary that includes notable characteristics and discussion of related species. More than 250 beautiful colour photos Each profile features a distribution map, table of information, and commentary Broad coverage includes every family and genus

Jeffrey E. Lovich is a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center. His books include two editions of Turtles of the United States and Canada. Whit Gibbons is professor emeritus of ecology at the University of Georgia and former head of the Environmental Outreach and Education program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. His books include Snakes of the Eastern United States. The species of turtle Graptemys gibbonsi is named in his honor.

"Turtles of the World is a superbly illustrated guide to the families that contain the 350 known species that are alive today. . . . These ecologically important, egg-laying creatures are obsessively interesting: and of course endangered due to habitat loss, ocean plastic, tourism and global warming. Find out everything there is to know about turtles in this wonderful guide." * Bay Magazine * "Authoritative, visually compelling, and broadly accessible, this guide will please a broad swath of readers interested in turtles."---Robert Eagan, Library Journal "This colorful and compact book by two of North America's most eminent turtle biologists is a treat for anyone's personal library."---Jacqueline D. Litzgus, Herpetological Review "I cannot heap too much praise on this book. It brings turtles to us so vividly and in such a compelling manner."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds "How best to effectively convey appreciation and awareness of a diverse global-wide segment of the biota, both ancient and imperiled by humans? Lovich and Gibbons hit the mark with Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family."---Walter E. Meshaka, CHOICE "I can thoroughly recommend this beautifully produced and interesting book to start your journey into turtle biology."---Roger Downie, Glasgow Naturalist