Florida contains more exotic amphibians and reptiles than any other U.S. state. Illustrated species accounts detail the history and nature of each, the mode of dispersal, natural history, and present-day habitat and geographic distribution in the state. The impact of these animals is measured by their presence in natural systems of Florida and predator-prey interactions with native and other exotic species. The authors update the list of the documented exotic species in Florida and provide a progress report on new and published natural history information for each established species. An afterword examines the role people have played in the success of these species.

The first complete field guide to the exotic amphibians and reptiles established in the continental United States and Hawaiʻi, this volume covers 74 species that are not native to the country and 29 species that are native but occur beyond their original geographic range. Dispersed from their former habitats by human activity, many of these species are invasive in their new environments, causing ecological or economic harm. Ideal for naturalists of all levels, Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of the United States details each species’ taxonomy, distribution, history, and ecology and portrays each one with vibrant photographs. Drawing on county-level distribution maps from 2,908 published records, this guide provides an in-depth understanding of local factors that drive the success of exotic species. It connects species-specific information to conservation issues as it explores human causes of exotic and invasive establishment. The book also includes eight invited essays which provide regional perspectives on scientific, economic, and management-related aspects of this phenomenon. As ecological pressures on native species and habitats increase, understanding the histories and roles of exotic species is becoming more and more important for conservation efforts. Providing practical identification skills and an awareness of the environmental impacts of these amphibians and reptiles, this indispensable guide equips readers to confront the unusual biodiversity crisis of exotic species.

Describes the most common exotic animals on the loose in Florida--species like green iguanas, Burmese pythons, Nile Monitor lizards, and Rhesus monkeys.

This meticulous book summarizes all available information on West Indian herpetofauna. Using data from more than 6,000 pages of field notes and 1,000 literature sources, Schwartz and Henderson present a detailed account of every known reptile and amphibian species existing on the numerous islands of the West Indies. For each (almost 600), they offer a complete synopsis, including description, holotype, source of illustrations, and range map. A section on natural history summarizes what is known about the habitat, microhabitat, economic bearing, food habits, and reproduction of each animal, and in some cases it shows how these traits change from island to island. In opening remarks, the authors plead eloquently for awareness of the rampant environmental degradation taking place on the islands. For every herpetologist, biologist, ecologist, or biogeographer with an interest in the Antillean biota, Amphibians and Reptiles will become the source from which all future research proceeds.

This book details the natural history and distribution of native and established nonnative amphibians and reptiles in Florida. It provides extensive information on Florida biodiversity, herpetology and specimen collection, major contributors to Florida herpetology, taxonomy, environmental setting, status of each species, population trends and impacts, survey and research methods, and source of mapped locality records.--

The reference source that biologists interested in West Indian herpetofauna have been waiting for.--Steven Reichling, curator, Memphis Zoo A state-of-the-art compendium. The West Indies is one of the hottest of the world's biodiversity hot spots and will continue to be a focus of ecological research, now invigorated by this definitive synthesis.--S. Blair Hedges, Pennsylvania State University The West Indies have become a major focus for biologists and conservationists. Its herpetofauna is considered one of the richest and most vulnerable in the world. These fragile natural environments are home to many unique animals that occur only on these islands. Loss of habitat, development of scenic areas for a burgeoning tourist industry, and the introduction of invasive species have contributed to an already tenuous situation for many of the region's native species. This volume summarizes the natural history of each of the more than seven hundred species of frogs and reptiles that live in the West Indies. Sure to be the starting point for all future research on West Indian amphibians and reptiles, it will be an essential companion to the biologist contemplating or conducting research in the area.

Transportation of species to areas outside their native ranges has been a feature of human culture for millennia. During this time such activities have largely been viewed as beneficial or inconsequential. However, it has become increasingly clear that human-caused introductions of alien biota are an ecological disruption whose consequences rival those of better-known insults like chemical pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Indeed, the irreversible nature of most alien-species int- ductions makes them less prone to correction than many other ecological problems. Current reshuffling of species ranges is so great that the present era has been referred to by some as the “Homogocene” in an effort to reflect the unique mag- tude of the changes being made. These alien interlopers often cause considerable ecological and economic d- age where introduced. Species extinctions, food-web disruptions, community alte- tions, ecosystem conversion, changes in nutrient cycling, fisheries collapse, watershed degradation, agricultural loss, building damage, and disease epidemics are among the destructive – and frequently unpredictable – ecological and economic effects that invasive alien species can inflict. The magnitude of these damages c- tinues to grow, with virtually all environments heavily used by humans now do- nated by alien species and many “natural” areas becoming increasingly prone to alien invasion as well. Attention to this problem has increased in the past decade or so, and efforts to prevent or limit further harm are gaining wider scientific and political acceptance.

Discover the amazing world of our cold-blooded friends in this book all about frogs and amphibians for kids. Embark on a fun, fact-filled dive into the world of frogs and amphibians with Everything You Need to Know About Frogs. Children will love to learn all the basics of reptile and amphibian anatomy in this beautiful and informative book on frogs. Packed with vibrant pictures and lots of fascinating facts, kids can enjoy learning all about a frog’s habitat and behavior. Discover how these amphibians survive in lakes and rivers, forests and deserts, and how these clever creatures have adapted to live in seemingly inhospitable habitats. Alongside, in between, and on top of all that, this riveting frog book also provides ideas for things to make, games to play, quizzes, and amazing facts to share with friends! Inside the pages of this frog book for children, you’ll find: A whole host of amphibians and reptiles including toads, snakes, lizards, salamanders, turtles, newts, tortoises and crocodiles. Close-ups, quizzes, and games with an exciting take on the amazing world of our cold-blooded friends. A look at these creatures from all angles – information on habitat and breeding habits, as well as oddities such as how to survive a crocodile’s attack, how a frog’s legs influenced Frankenstein, or how to play snakes and ladders. Children aged 7+ can learn all about frogs and amphibians from the very first page of this book, which combines little-known information with engaging text and an exciting design. Each page contains everything kids need to know, and everything they WANT to find out about frogs!. Complete the series This delightful frog book is part of the Everything You Need to Know series of educational books for children and also includes Everything You Need to Know About Snakes and Everything You Need to Know About Dinosaurs!