Conservation of Mesoamerican Amphibians and Reptiles by Wilson, Larry David, Josiah H. Townsend, and Jerry D. Johnson (Eds.)
 
43 authors contributed to this impressive publication. Mesoamerica, often called Middle America, is one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. The herpetofauna of this region consists of approximately 1,900 species, of which about 1,000 are endemic to specific countries. Conservation of Mesoamerican Amphibians and Reptiles (CMAR) represents the most comprehensive compilation of conservation-related herpetological contributions ever assembled for Mesoamerica. This volume will serve as a valuable reference for most future conservation work in this region. Nearly four years in the making, CMAR contains a complete conservation assessment of the herpetofauna of this megadiverse region, in addition to distributional analyses from the perspectives of country, physiographic region, elevation, and vegetation zone. The database and wealth of information included in this work are unprecedented in the field of conservation biology. Chapters on herpetofaunal conservation are featured for each of the Mesoamerican countries, with Mexico divided into four regions. Other feature chapters include such topics as the Global Amphibian Assessment, recent taxonomic changes, herpetofaunal distribution patterns, and a closing chapter examining the biodiversity significance, conservation status, and future challenges we face in attempting to save the entire Mesoamerican herpetofauna. Several ancillary chapters on a host of conservation issues also are included. The systematics of the Mesoamerican herpetofauna is discussed and brought up to date, highlighted with extensive commentary on current taxonomic problems. An addendum provides a summary of recent taxonomic publications. This volume contains something for everyone with a serious interest in herpetology, conservation biology, zoo biology, or those involved with governmental policy structure regarding conservation and/or environmental problems. Perhaps more importantly, this book will serve as a source of inspiration for future research projects, especially for biologists and conservationists who seek to salvage as much of the spectacular diversity and endemicity of Mesoamerica as possible. A book for every serious herpetologist, conservationist, conservation organization, and zoological institution.