"Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis, but getting to the facts has been difficult. "Threatened Amphibians of the World" is a visual journey through the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of the world's 6,000 known species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. All 1,900 species known to be threatened with extinction are covered, including a description of threats to each species and an evaluation of conservation measures in place or needed. Each entry includes a photograph or illustration of the species where available, a distribution map, and detailed information on range, population and habitat and ecology. Introductory chapters present a detailed analysis of the results, complemented by a series of short essays written by many of the world's leading herpetologists. Appendices include annoted lists of lower risk species and a country-by-country listing of threatened amphibians."--pub. desc.

In this comprehensive book, renowned herpetologist Ellin Beltz offers a compelling picture of the history of the frog, its anatomical makeup, its place in the natural world and the threats that are seriously reducing its numbers around the world. Today, frogs are found on most islands around the world and on all continents except Antarctica. Frogs live from the warmest and wettest tropical lowlands to about 17,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas. Some areas of Earth have more frogs than others, but frogs are true survivors. But it isn't easy being green. This hearty amphibian lives both on land and in the water and is exposed to a host of chemical and environmental threats. The frog is an animal that indicates the overall health of the environment in which it lives. It is not too much to say that "as goes the frog, so goes the swamp," and even perhaps the planet. Frogs contains a detailed look at all 31 frog families, allowing the reader to learn more about specific ones and appreciate the range and diversity of this popular amphibian. And, yes, toads are covered here, too. There is also a fascinating section on frogs in myth and culture, showing the place frogs have occupied in art and literature. This handsome book is lavishly illustrated with over 125 color photographs representing the remarkable range and world of an utterly fascinating creature. AUTHOR: Ellin Beltz is a biologist, herpetologist and author. A longtime member of the Chicago Herpetological Society, she has written extensively on reptiles and amphibians and taught at Northeastern Illinois University, the Morton Arboretum, Trinity Christian College and College of the Redwoods. 125 colour photographs

A richly illustrated guide to the world’s frogs that includes species from every family With more than 7,600 known species, frogs exhibit an extraordinary range of forms and behaviors, from those that produce toxins so deadly that they could kill a human many times over to those that can survive being frozen in ice. Frogs of the World is an essential guide to this astonishingly diverse group of animals. An in-depth introduction covers everything from the origins and evolution of frogs to their life cycles and defense strategies. Beautiful illustrations accompany profiles of species from each family, shedding invaluable light on the enormous range of appearance, habitats, and behavior of these marvelous creatures. Features hundreds of stunning color photographs Covers taxonomy, anatomy, locomotion, reproduction, diet, and more Discusses the conservation of the world’s frogs An invaluable resource for herpetologists, naturalists, and anyone interested in amphibians

Amphibia, the animal group that includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians, contains more than 4,500 known living species and new ones are being discovered continuously. This book focuses on the natural history of amphibians worldwide, how interaction with their environment over time has affected their evolutionary processes and what factors will determine their destinies. 37 photos. 52 line illus.