This new title covers the curious world of reptiles and amphibians, both common and rare, found in the Indian faunal limits. There has been no book to rival J C Daniel's earlier Book of Indian Reptiles, also published by the Bombay Natural History Society in 1983. He has now presented an entirely new text of not only a large number of reptiles, but has also described frogs, toads, and other amphibians, a much neglected group that is revealed in this book as picturesque, and biologically interesting as any other group of animals. This book contains field observations and photographs, and descriptions of 175 species including 53 snakes, 45 lizards of various groups, 31 tortoises and turtles, and 45 amphibians. Almost each species has been illustrated with the line drawings, photographs and reproductions of paintings from the Journal of the BNHS. The book satisfies professional zoologists, amateur naturalists, students and the interested general reader alike. There is a reference section with reptiles and amphibians listed separately. Photographic contributions from several members of the BNHS, add contemporary appeal to this exciting new field guide, which also contains snippets of historical information.

Rare Animals of India is a unique book that presents the biological and ecological accounts of the least known animal species of India in one comprehensive volume. The book gives comprehensive ecological accounts supported with data tables on rare and specific animal species of India and discusses the basis for their rarity and their conservation. It includes information about the Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) the endangered Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti), the Bengal Marsh Mongoose, Snow Leopards and many more. Readers are guided through several chapters each detailing a specific kind of animal, some of them being on the list of endangered species. With over 150 color illustrations, this intriguing reference will be of immense interest to zoologists, ecologists, naturalists and conservation biologists as well as general readers across the world interested in studying such rare animals found in the length and breadth of the Indian region.

This easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 reptile species most commonly seen in India (covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High-quality photographs from the region's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers climate and vegetation, snake-bite management and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the reptiles of India encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status.