A guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Egypt

Reptiles and amphibians are among Egypt’s most successful wildlife, found in almost every habitat in the country, from homes to fields and the desert itself. For the first time, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt provides concise, reliable, and up-to-date information on all of Egypt’s principal species, with detailed material on their taxonomy, identification, natural history, and ecology. Based on fifteen years of fieldwork, this guide is a valuable tool for experts and amateurs alike in the identification, study, and conservation of these fascinating animals. With an easy-to-use key, high-quality maps, and over 100 color illustrations, this field guide covers 110 species―including tortoises and turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles―found in Egypt. Each entry contains concise information about the species, including English, Latin, and Arabic names; world and Egypt distribution; distinguishing features; habitat and ecology; behavior; and conservation status. Included too are line drawings to illustrate key identification features and differences between species. With a comprehensive bibliography for further research, the guide supplies the accuracy and scientific rigor that scientists look for, while providing an accessible approach for generalists and amateurs. For biologists, nature lovers, and anyone interested in Egypt’s rich natural heritage, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt is an ideal reference tool. This Book Provides Concise, Reliable, And Up-to-date Information On All 118 Species Currently Recognized From Egypt, With Detailed Review Of Their Taxonomy, Identification, Natural History, Ecology, And Conservation. This Volume Is Based On The Author's Twenty-year Experience With The Reptile And Amphibian Fauna Of Egypt And The Middle East, Which Includes Extensive Fieldwork And Research. In Total, The Current Work Adds Almost 20 Percent To The Previously Reported Fauna From Egypt, And Presents Many Taxonomic Innovations That Are Reported And Elaborated Here For The First Time. Each Species Entry Contains Concise Information, Including Synonymy, Tanxonomic Notes, World And Egypt Distributions, Distinguishing Features, Habitat, Ecology And Conservation Status. Over 130 High-quality Color Photographs And Line Drawings Illustrate All The Species Dealt With. With Easy-to-use Keys, Accurate Distribution Maps, Diagnostic Illustrations, A Comprehensive Bibliography, This Guide Is A Valuable Tool In The Identification, Study, And Conservation Of The Animals.--book Jacket. The Egyptian Setting -- Evolution Of Egypt's Landscape And Its Herpetofauna -- The Contemporary Egyptian Herpetofauna -- Herpetofaunal Habitats Of Egypt -- Conservation -- Methodology -- Amphibia: Order Anura (frogs And Toads) -- Reptilia: Order Squamata: Suborder Sauria (lizards) ; Order Squamata: Suborder Serpentes (snakes) ; Order Crocodylia (crocodiles) ; Order Testudines (turtles And Tortoises). Sherif Baha El Din. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [330]-355) And Indexes. Reptiles and amphibians are among Egypt's most successful wildlife, found in almost every habitat in the country, from homes to fields and the desert itself. For the first time, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt provides concise, reliable, and up-to-date information on all of Egypt's principal species, with detailed material on their taxonomy, identification, natural history, and ecology. Based on fifteen years of fieldwork, this guide is a valuable tool for experts and amateurs alike in the identification, study, and conservation of these fascinating animals. With an easy-to-use key, high-quality maps, and over 100 color illustrations, this field guide covers 110 species including tortoises and turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles found in Egypt. Each entry contains concise information about the species, including English, Latin, and Arabic names; world and Egypt distribution; distinguishing features; habitat and ecology; behavior; and conservation status. Included too are line drawings to illustrate key identification features and differences between species. With a comprehensive bibliography for further research, the guide supplies the accuracy and scientific rigor that scientists look for, while providing an accessible approach for generalists and amateurs. For biologists, nature lovers, and anyone interested in Egypt's rich natural heritage, A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Egypt is an ideal reference tool. Contents Acknowledgments Foreword Introduction Chapter 1 The Egyptian Setting Chapter 2 Evolution of Egypt's Landscape and Its Herpetofauna Chapter 3 The Contemporary Egyptian Herpetofauna Chapter 4 Herpetofaunal Habitats of Egypt Chapter 5 Conservation Chapter 6 Methodology Chapter 7 Amphibia Chapter 8 Bufonidae Chapter 9 Ranidae Chapter 10 Hylidae Chapter 11 Reptilia Chapter 12 Gekkonidae Chapter 13 Agamidae Chapter 14 Chamaeleonidae Chapter 15 Lacertidae Chapter 16 Varanidae Chapter 17 Scincidae Chapter 18 Order SQUAMATA: Suborder SERPENTES (Snakes) Chapter 19 Typhlopidae Chapter 20 Leptotyphlopidae Chapter 21 Boidae Chapter 22 Colubridae Chapter 23 Elapidae Chapter 24 Atractaspididae Chapter 25 Viperidae Chapter 26 Order CROCODYLIA (Crocodiles) Chapter 27 Order TESTUDINES (Turtles and Tortoises) Chapter 28 Testudinidae Chapter 29 Chelonidae Chapter 30 Dermochelyidae Chapter 31 Trionychidae Chapter 32 Emydidae Gazetteer of Egyptian Localities Glossary Bibliography Index