num_pages: 682
description: Ernst and Lovichs thoroughly revised edition of this classic reference provides the most updated information ever assembled on the natural histories of North American turtles. From diminutive mud turtles to giant alligator snappers two of North Americas most prominent experts describe the turtles that live in the fresh brackish and marine waters north of Mexico. Incorporating the explosion of new scientific information published on turtles over the past fifteen yearsincluding the identification of four new speciesErnst and Lovich supply comprehensive coverage of all fifty-eight species with discussions of conservation status and recovery efforts. Each species account contains information on identification genetics fossil record distribution geographic variation habitat behavior reproduction biology growth and longevity food habits populations predators and conservation status. The book includes range maps for freshwater and terrestrial species a glossary of scientific names an extensive bibliography for further research and an index to scientific and common names. Logically organized and richly illustratedwith more than two hundred color photographs and fifty-two maps Turtles of the United States and Canada remains the standard for libraries museums nature centers field biologists and professional and amateur herpetologists alike.
language: English
title: Turtles of the United States and Canada
publisher: Smithsonian Inst Pr