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June's book review - A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences.


We love to read.

We own a lot of books.

We also own an online bookshop. Handy right?!

But we realise that not everyone has spare money right now, and when you do, there are so many books to choose from and you don't want to waste your money. So, Tie and I thought we would do a monthly book review so our customers could find out a bit more information on a particular title and decide if it was for their shelves or not.

 

For our sixth book review Scott thought he would share his thoughts on: A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences.



A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences.


A jewel of a book covering Malagasy herpetofauna.

Todays book we are discussing is the beautifully illustrated third edition of A field guide

to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar, by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences.

Published in 2007, it is still the most current book of Malagasy herpetofauna.


The first edition of the Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar was released in 1992. I first got the second edition back in 1996 which in

itself is an impressive book, with almost 900 images (550 in black and white), more than

450 maps, keys and chapters on both Fish and Mammals that nicely provide information

on many of the species of Malagasy wildlife.


This third edition has more than 1500 images – in colour, over 700 maps, lists of

localities, keys and much more. The 95-page introduction covers and basic introduction

to all of Malagasy animals including invertebrates, fresh-water fish, birds and mammals.

There are also excellent introductions to reptiles and amphibians of the island. These

cover the basic biology, interactions with people, chytrid fungus and much, much more.

The species accounts provide a description and an overview (where known) of the

biology of each of the 700 plus species of Malagasy herpetofauna.


Since its publication there have been some significant revisions of genera and families

such as within Microhylidae and Uroplatus (was 8 species, now 22 species). We strongly

recommend looking at the corrections/update document provided by Dr Mark D Scherz

who has conveniently summarised the changes that include 91 new or resurrected

species of frogs and 67 species of reptiles. (www.markscherz.com/changestogn07).

Regardless, this book has some amazing images of some of the world most unique

herpetofauna. Not only is it an essential guide for anyone visiting the island but it is

essential for anyone interested in herpetofauna in general.




Acranthophis dumerilli
Madagascan ground boa, Acranthophis dumerilli, picture taken by author of the blog.


The book is now out of print but we have secured limited numbers of this beautiful title – https://www.wildlifedemonstrations.com/product-page/a-field-guide-to-the-amphibians-and-reptiles-of-madagascar-3rd-edition



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The book A field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar sitting on a table with a pair of glasses and a coffee cup


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