Book Review - California Reptiles and Amphibians - Princeton Field Guides

      It seemed absolutely appropriate that hot on the heels of the review of a book on deserts and drylands that I should receive this work on California reptiles and amphibians. The desert environment looms large in California, and of course drought and wildfires have plagued the state for several years. 

     Over the past twenty-five to thirty years I have made several visits to California. My arsenal of natural history resources would have been greatly enhanced by this impressive work. It covers all 209 species of amphibians and reptiles found in the state, with meticulous detail and informed facts. 

     Many species are endemic.

     Generally, for each species, a standard format is used, with information on identification, similar species, habitat, range/elevation, activity/behaviour, diet, reproduction, and conservation/remarks.

     As might be expected, many species are facing threats of various kinds, generally related to habitat loss, environmental degradation, fragmentation, roadkill, and human indifference or hostility. Wildfires are eliminating coastal chapparal and other habitats, which are replaced by grassland. Climate change - or climate breakdown as Adam Welz terms it - is affecting populations of many species with ever decreasing options in the face of rising temperatures. Increased aridity is a challenge on the one hand and cataclysmic floods a potential death sentence on the other.

     The illustrations are first rate from an ID standpoint, with plain, morphologically accurate depictions on a white background, unadorned by details of vegetation or other habitat features.

     Each species account provides a link to the plate where the species is displayed and another link to a map. This I find quite cumbersome. It would have been far better to have the range map and image opposite the text in the common practice of modern field guides.

     When seeking information on a given taxon one has to refer to the plate in another section, and the map in yet another. Obviously one cannot have the book open at all three positions at the same time. This unwieldiness is compounded when comparing two species with each other; then one is at times compelled to juggle two species accounts, two maps and two plates - and that's just about impossible.

     If while performing this dexterous operation the species account has been closed, there is no cross reference back to the text on either the map page or the plate, so the only solution is to refer to the index again - yet another step. Be sure to have two or three bookmarks in use! 

     There are perhaps production reasons why this method is used, but it is not readily apparent to me, My misgiving is in no way related to the information provided, but concerns the awkwardness in accessing all the components for each species.

     The section on amphibian larvae (which is superb) is better treated, because the species description is on the left page and the plate on the right. One still has to go to a different section for the map, however.

      May I repeat, the quality of the information is impeccable - detailed, informative, laudatory, complete, from the introductory segments to the taxonomic notes, from the discussion of threats to the last page of the index.

      Whether your interest is as a professional herpetologist or as a novice embarking on the study of a realm of nature previously unexplored you will derive great benefit from this book.

     Arm yourself with patience and forbearance and you will be in for a treat as you explore the exciting world of reptiles and amphibians, some of which may not be extant for much longer. 

     This is a book for its time. Let us earnestly hope it is not a requiem for too many species.

California Amphibians and Reptiles - Princeton Field Guides

Robert W. Hansen and Jason D. Shedd

Paperback - US$49.95 - ISBN: 9780691249070

528 pages - 5.875 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.625 cm)

Publication date: 14 January, 2025