California Amphibians and Reptiles

Robert Hansen, Jackson D. Shedd

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Year: 2025
• Print ISBN: 9780691249070
• eBook ISBN: 9780691249087
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

A spectacularly illustrated field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of California

California is home to more than 200 species of reptiles and amphibians that can be found in an extraordinary array of habitats, from coastal temperate rainforests with giant redwoods to southeastern deserts offering dazzling wildflower displays each spring. California Amphibians and Reptiles covers every species and subspecies in this biodiverse region of the United States, with outstanding color photography and in-depth species accounts that draw on the latest findings on taxonomy and distribution. Setting a new standard for regional field guides, this state-of-the-art guide will serve as the definitive reference for California’s amphibian and reptile fauna for many years to come.

• Covers all 209 species of amphibians and reptiles found in California
• Features hundreds of stunning photos that illustrate geographic and within-species variation as well as differences among males, females, and young
• Includes first-ever color images and species accounts for newly discovered species
• Shows every species and subspecies in full color on a white background
• Depicts all amphibian larvae in breathtaking color
• Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, similar species, habitat, range and elevation, activity and behavior, diet, reproduction, and conservation
• Provides updated status of all threatened, endangered, nonnative, and special concern species
• Accurate range maps reflect contemporary and, where applicable, historical distributions in light of significant habitat loss across the state
• An invaluable resource for amateur naturalists, resource managers, and professional herpetologists

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Bioregions of California
• Biotic Communities of California
• Conservation of California Amphibians and Reptiles
• Identifying California Amphibians and Reptiles
• SPECIES ACCOUNTS
• Species Potentially Occurring in California
• Color Plates
• Larval Amphibian Identification
• Range Maps
• Taxonomic Notes
• Glossary
• Resources
• Venomous Snakebite
• Rattlesnake Myths
• Index
• Species Checklist