Arising in two separate streams high in the Rockies and flowing east across the plains to meet the Missouri near Omaha, Nebraska, the Platte River is a microcosm of the geologic, plant, animal, and human worlds. Way station for the sandhill cranes, home of the Plains Indians, and artery for the great westward migrations of the nineteenth century, the Platte Valley offers a rich diversity of life and history. Focusing on the central role the Platte has played in shaping Nebraska and its heritage, both human and natural, Paul A. Johnsgard presents in this book a ?brief and personal portrait of the river as it has existed in the past and still exists today.? ø ?My special hope in doing so,? he writes, ?is that the value of the river as a living, complex, and natural ecologic system can be more fully appreciated, and that whatever steps may be necessary might be taken to preserve the river?s integrity.? ø Johnsgard tells the story of the Platte from prehistoric times to the present and then assesses its future. A selection of photographs and checklists of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, fishes, and common plants of the Platte River and its valley enhance the book?s interest and usefulness. This Bison Books edition includes a new preface and afterword by the author.

Herpetology has always been one of the most exciting disciplines of zoology. During the past few years the field has continued to grow, yet it has been plagued by scarcity of comprehensive, up-to-date textbooks containing the most important developments. This timely book fills that void. Through skillful synthesis, the author summarizes the diversity in the biology of living amphibians and reptiles and describes the breadth of current herpetological research. Topics covered include the evolution, classification, development, reproduction, population, and environmental issues surrounding the study of amphibians and reptiles. Designed as an advanced undergraduate textbook, Herpetology is a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and interested amateurs alike. - Provides an incisive survey and much needed update of the field - Emphasizes the biological diversity among amphibians and reptiles - Details the most recent research findings, citing ke

Documents in comprehensive detail a major environmental crisis: rapidly declining amphibian populations and the disturbing developmental problems that are increasingly prevalent within many amphibian species.