This book surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, & life cycles throughout the ages. Project director of the International Wildlife Coalition, Orenstein presents a popular book about turtles, the term he uses for almost all marine, aquatic, and terrestrial species of the order Testudines. His own background is in ornithology rather than herpetology, but his work in wildlife conservation has made him aware of the plight of turtles throughout the world, and hopes people will help protect them if they get to know them a little better. He includes many color photographs. Turtles, almost alone among reptiles, have earned both human interest and affection. Our fascination with turtles, though, has not helped them much. Sought after for food, as pets, and for tortoiseshell, their habitats under attack on land and sea, turtle populations are in decline around the world. Understanding turtles is not only interesting, but also important. Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins have been on earth since the Triassic Period, approximately 200 million years ago. Their exact origins are uncertain, though - it is still unclear from which group of reptiles turtles sprang. Although the earliest fossils are clearly turtles, their anatomy has changed dramatically over time. In addition, turtle species vary greatly in such basic characteristics as anatomy and habitat preferences. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, and life cycles throughout the ages. Human activities on the land and at sea pose the greatest threat that turtles have faced in the last 200 million years. The battle to save turtles goes on, and this book provides an important voice in turtle ecology. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins is the perfect resource for anyone interested in all facets of these amazing and diverse reptiles.

Africa has a rich diversity of tortoises, terrapins and turtles. This authoritative field guide is richly illustrated with colour photographs that make for easy identification of the 46 African species; it provides accessible, up-to-date information and distribution maps, and examines how these creatures have adapted to their environments. The book offers an overview of their origins, anatomy and biology, their conservation status and the threats to their survival posed by the destruction of their habitats by man.

"Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explains the astonishing ways turtles cope with their environment, explores the debate on their origins and describes the latest discoveries about their often surprising lives ... Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explores the threats face around the world. on land and sea, and the efforts being made to conserve them. Fostering awareness about these unique and threatened creatures is among the main goals of this book."--Dust jacket wrap.

Both turtles and tortoises have shells and move pretty slowly. So what makes them different? Where to terrapins fit in? There’s much more going on with these amazing creatures than just carapaces and plastrons. From their family ties and foot size to their habitats, these animals look, live, and even eat differently. Some of these awesome animals can live for centuries. Readers will discover which of these reptiles can survive hundreds of years longer than humans, along with a host of other fun facts. Vivid photographs of turtles and tortoises in their natural habitat add further fascination for readers ready to tackle the differences between these two reptiles.

Seventy-five percent of the turtle species in the United States can be found in the Southeast. In fact, the region is second only to parts of Asia in its number of native turtles. Filled with more than two hundred color photographs and written with a special focus on conservation, this guide covers forty-five species of this nonthreatening, ancient lineage of long-lived reptiles. Heavily illustrated, fact-filled descriptions of each species and its habitat comprise the heart of the book. Species accounts cover such information as descriptions of adults and hatchlings; key identifiers including size, distinctive characters and markings; land, river, pond, and wetland habitats; behaviors and activities; food and diet; reproduction; predators and defense; and conservation issues. Also included is a wealth of general information about the importance of turtle conservation and the biology, diversity, and life history of turtles. Discussed are distinguishing turtle characteristics; differences among turtles, tortoises, and terrapins; shell structure and architecture; reproduction and longevity; turtle predators and defense mechanisms; and turtle activities such as basking, hibernation, aestivation, and seasonal movement. Useful information about the interactions of humans and turtles is also covered: species that are likely to be commonly encountered, turtles as pets, and more. Clearly written, cleanly designed, and fun to use, the guide will promote a better understanding of the habitat needs of, and environmental challenges to, this fascinating group of animals. Features: In-depth descriptions of the forty-two native species Conservation-oriented approach More than two hundred color photographs Nearly forty distribution maps Clear descriptions of each species, including differences in the appearance of young and mature turtles “Did You Know?” sidebars of interesting turtle facts Size charts; key identifiers; and information about habitat, behavior and activity, food and feeding, reproduction, predators and defense, and conservation

Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine delivers the most relevant and current information required by general veterinary practitioners and veterinary specialists in treating emergent and critical exotic patients. Covering the management of common emergency presentations in exotic companion mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, each section discusses triage and stabilization, diagnostics, nutrition and fluid therapy, analgesia, anesthesia, monitoring, CPR, and euthanasia. The book includes quick reference tables, species-specific drug formularies, and illustrations of exotic animal emergency procedures and techniques. The information contained within is based on an extensive review of the most current literature and the combined knowledge and expertise of international leaders in the field of exotic animal medicine and surgery. A one-stop resource like no other, Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine makes it easy to find the information needed to effectively treat urgent and life-threatening conditions in pet exotic animals. The book covers a wide range of species, encompassing: Exotic companion mammals, including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders Birds, including psittacines, passerines, doves and pigeons, as well as backyard poultry and waterfowl Reptiles, including turtles and tortoises, snakes and lizards Amphibians Equally useful for general practitioners, specialists in emergency and critical care and exotic animal medicine, veterinary students, and trainees, Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine is an essential resource for the emergent and critical care of exotic animals.