Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara is a remarkable compendium of chapters written by the world's leading experts from over four continents. The book begins with a chapter recounting historical discoveries in reproductive biology and a review of phylogenetics and up-to-date hypotheses concerning evolutionary relationships amon

This practical handbook of reptile field ecology and conservation brings together a distinguished, international group of reptile researchers to provide a state-of-the-art review of the many new and exciting techniques used to study reptiles. The authors describe ecological sampling techniques and how they are implemented to monitor the conservation status and population trends of snakes, lizards, tuatara, turtles, and crocodilians throughout the world. Emphasis is placed on the extent of statistical inference and the biases associated with different techniques and analyses. The chapters focus on the application of field research and data analysis for achieving an understanding of reptile life history, population dynamics, movement patterns, thermal ecology, conservation status, and the relationship between reptiles and their environment. The book emphasises the need for thorough planning, and demonstrates how a multi-dimensional approach incorporates information related to morphology, genetics, molecular biology, epidemiology, statistical modelling, animal welfare, and biosecurity. Although accentuating field sampling, sections on experimental applications in laboratories and zoos, thermal ecology, genetics, landscape ecology, disease and biosecurity, and management options are included. Much of this information is scattered in the scientific literature or not readily available, and the intention is to provide an affordable, comprehensive synthesis for use by graduate students, researchers, and practising conservationists worldwide.

This edited volume is a timely and comprehensive summary of the New Zealand lizard fauna. Nestled in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand is a large archipelago that displays the faunal signatures of both its Gondwanan origins, and more recent oceanic island influences. New Zealand was one of the last countries on Earth to be discovered, and likewise, the full extent of the faunal diversity present within the archipelago is only just starting to be appreciated. This is no better exemplified than in lizards, where just 30 species (20 skinks, 10 geckos) were recognized in the 1950s, but now 104 are formally or informally recognized (61 skinks, 43 geckos). Thus, New Zealand contains one of the most diverse lizard faunas of any cool, temperate region on Earth. This book brings together the world’s leading experts in the field to produce an authoritative overview of the history, taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, life-history, physiology and conservation of New Zealand lizards.

This two-volume set represents a second edition of the original Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles alongside a new book that covers noninfectious diseases of reptiles. Together, these meet the need for an entirely comprehensive, authoritative single-source reference. The volumes feature color photos of normal anatomy and histology, as well as gross, light, and electron microscopic images of infectious and noninfectious diseases of reptiles. The most detailed and highly illustrated reference on the market, this two-volume set includes definitive information on every aspect of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis of infectious and noninfectious diseases affecting reptiles.

A comparative view of the major features of animal social life and the evolution of cooperative group living.

Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles, Second Edition provides definitive information on every aspect of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis of infectious diseases affecting reptiles. It features stunning high-quality color photos of normal anatomy and histology, as well as gross, light, and electron microscopic images of infectious diseases of reptiles. Editor Elliott Jacobson draws on his own photography collection, and his wealth of experience spanning over 40 years in the research of infectious diseases and veterinary care of reptiles. Already a comprehensive reference, a new volume covering noninfectious diseases of reptiles has now been added to create a two-volume set, Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles. Beginning with a thorough review of the biology, anatomy, and histology of reptiles, Volume 1 covers all major systems and provides the most complete single source for color images of reptile histology, hematology, and cytology. Volume 1 addresses the mechanism of reptile immunology and the response to pathogens, and explains how immunological response is key to differential diagnosis. It provides an overview of electron microscopy, complete with electron micrographs of reptile pathogens, and introduces the necessity of molecular methods for diagnosis. Finally, this volume devotes several chapters to the viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases known to reptiles, and methods for isolating these pathogens. With up-to-the-minute data, an array of sharp and high-quality images, and a panel of expert contributors, this new edition of Infectious Diseases and Pathology of Reptiles is the definitive resource for veterinary pathologists, zoo or wildlife veterinarians, and the increasing number of private practice veterinarians seeing reptiles kept as exotic pets. It is also ideal reading for veterinary students specializing in exotics, candidates for ACZM accreditation, and private breeders and hobbyists.

Key features: Presents a contemporary snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of behavior Explores how genetics, epigenetics, development, and environment shape behavior Discusses a broad range of behavioral repertoires and responses, including those related to thermoregulatory, foraging, predatory, displaying, social and escape strategies. Examines physiological and sensory mechanisms Covers the effects of various aspects of global change on behavior, with chapters that focus on the impacts of climate change on hydroregulatory behavior and behavioral responses to the effects of habitat alteration resulting from human-mediated change and colonization by invasive species. Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards. This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.