This book surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, & life cycles throughout the ages. Project director of the International Wildlife Coalition, Orenstein presents a popular book about turtles, the term he uses for almost all marine, aquatic, and terrestrial species of the order Testudines. His own background is in ornithology rather than herpetology, but his work in wildlife conservation has made him aware of the plight of turtles throughout the world, and hopes people will help protect them if they get to know them a little better. He includes many color photographs. Turtles, almost alone among reptiles, have earned both human interest and affection. Our fascination with turtles, though, has not helped them much. Sought after for food, as pets, and for tortoiseshell, their habitats under attack on land and sea, turtle populations are in decline around the world. Understanding turtles is not only interesting, but also important. Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins have been on earth since the Triassic Period, approximately 200 million years ago. Their exact origins are uncertain, though - it is still unclear from which group of reptiles turtles sprang. Although the earliest fossils are clearly turtles, their anatomy has changed dramatically over time. In addition, turtle species vary greatly in such basic characteristics as anatomy and habitat preferences. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, and life cycles throughout the ages. Human activities on the land and at sea pose the greatest threat that turtles have faced in the last 200 million years. The battle to save turtles goes on, and this book provides an important voice in turtle ecology. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins is the perfect resource for anyone interested in all facets of these amazing and diverse reptiles.

Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise Create the perfect home for your pet Understand your turtle's nutritional requirements Discover how to care for your pet turtle This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it needs to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your chelonian. With descriptions of over 80 species of turtles and tortoises and information on everything from heat lamps to photoperiods, you'll find all you need to keep your reptilian companion safe and happy throughout its life. Inside... Provide a suitable environment Care for a variety of species Supply a satisfying and healthy diet Maintain your pet's health Breed your turtle or tortoise Learn more with helpful top ten lists

"One animal has a lightweight shell. The other animal's shell is heavy. Do you know the differences between a turtle and a tortoise?"--P. [4] of cover.

Packed with tips to care for your special critter Choose the right lizard, turtle, or snake - and give your pet the best care Fanatical about frogs? Gaga over geckos? This essential guide tells you what you must know before you own a reptile or amphibian, with authoritative advice on everything from proper caging and feeding to health care, socializing, transporting, and more. You'll find out about the different species, normal and abnormal behavior, the basics of breeding, and complying with laws. The Dummies Way * Explanations in plain English * "Get in, get out" information * Icons and other navigational aids * Tear-out cheat sheet * Top ten lists * A dash of humor and fun

Each species of turtle and tortoise has its own complex needs, from the right environment and the right food to the right temperature and humidity. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Turtles & Tortoises is full of comprehensive information on every aspect of turtle and tortoise care, presented in an easily accessible, quick, fun format, with care tips, pitfalls to avoid, and interesting facts.

Tortoises is a TFH Publication.

Get your one-stop guide for understanding and raising this popular pet lizard. Reptiles are now kept in one out of every seven pet homes, so it's no surprise that millions have gone gaga for geckos. This fun, easy-to-follow guide provides the scoop on caring for these colorful, gentle creatures, with savvy tips on everything from diet and exercise to housing and veterinary care. The book covers how to properly handle a gecko, what to do if a gecko drops his tail, how to keep the right cage temperatures, ways to protect geckos from other pets, and where to find the best supplies. Liz Palika (Oceanside, CA) is an award-winning pet writer with more than 45 books to her credit, including Turtles & Tortoises For Dummies.

Reach for this book whenever a sick or injured tortoise comes into the surgery. Essentials of Tortoise Medicine and Surgery is designed as a concise and practical quick reference for the busy practitioner seeing chelonians as part of their caseload. Covering everything from species identification to common basic surgery for tortoises and freshwater turtles, the emphasis is on the more common and likely diagnoses. The first section of the book gives an overview of the basics of tortoise and semi-aquatic/ aquatic freshwater turtle husbandry and keeping, as well as a guide to general investigation and diagnostic techniques open to clinicians. The second section provides a clinical guide based on clinical signs and differential diagnoses. Based upon the experience of authors who have been practicing with these species for several decades, this book is a useful guide to veterinarians, students, veterinary nurses and technicians new to working with these fascinating creatures. It will also serve as a useful aide memoire to more experienced clinicians.

This comprehensive reference text provides information on the captive maintenance of tortoises and turtles. It contains detailed sections on housing, feeding, diseases and treatments.