Herpetology: Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians offers an extensive overview of the discipline of herpetology and incorporates the most updated information on global reptile and amphibian species. Recognizing that the fields of conservation and genomics have grown exponentially since the leading texts on this topic were last published, this book seeks to provide readers with a contemporary and comprehensive coverage of the topic.

This text examines herpetological topics, phenomena, and issues of special importance through the lens of leading subject-matter experts representing diverse voices in the field. Initial chapters introduce readers to the discipline and review evolutionary history, classification, diversity, and distributions of reptiles and amphibians. Subsequent chapters delve into the core concepts of anatomy, development, reproductive and behavioral biology, ecophysiology, and ecology. The book concludes with a discussion of key conservation concerns, including direct and indirect threats to amphibians and reptiles, relevant policy and legislation, and the future of the field.

Herpetology: Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation of Reptiles and Amphibians modernizes our understanding of reptiles by embracing birds as a crucial part of reptilian evolutionary history. This book serves as an important resource for researchers, academics, practitioners, and advanced hobbyists alike who seek a sweeping source of information about amphibians and reptiles.

Key Features

• Provides a comprehensive, updated work for Elsevier’s publications on reptiles and amphibians
• Incorporates advancements in conservation and genomics relevant to the field of herpetology
• Demonstrates the significance of birds as a crucial component of the evolutionary history of reptiles
• Discusses conservation concerns, including threats to amphibians and reptiles, as well as policy and legislation