California is home to more than 200 species of reptiles and amphibians that can be found in an extraordinary array of habitats, from coastal temperate rainforests with giant redwoods to southeastern deserts offering dazzling wildflower displays each spring. California Amphibians and Reptiles covers every species and subspecies in this biodiverse region of the United States, with outstanding color photography and in-depth species accounts that draw on the latest findings on taxonomy and distribution. Setting a new standard for regional field guides, this state-of-the-art guide will serve as the definitive reference for California’s amphibian and reptile fauna for many years to come.
- Covers all 209 species of amphibians and reptiles found in California
- Features hundreds of stunning photos that illustrate geographic and within-species variation as well as differences among males, females, and young
- Includes first-ever color images and species accounts for newly discovered species
- Shows every species and subspecies in full color on a white background
- Depicts all amphibian larvae in breathtaking color
- Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, similar species, habitat, range and elevation, activity and behavior, diet, reproduction, and conservation
- Provides updated status of all threatened, endangered, nonnative, and special concern species
- Accurate range maps reflect contemporary and, where applicable, historical distributions in light of significant habitat loss across the state
- An invaluable resource for amateur naturalists, resource managers, and professional herpetologists
Robert W. Hansen is an affiliated researcher with the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as editor of the Herpetological Review from 1991 to 2021. Jackson D. Shedd is a scientific illustrator, herpetologist, wildlife photographer, and independent researcher. He is a departmental associate with the San Diego Natural History Museum.
“California Amphibians and Reptiles sets a new, exceptionally high bar for natural history guides. California encompasses spectacularly different landscapes, ranging from coastal dunes to alpine meadows, and is inhabited by more than 200 species of frogs and toads, salamanders, turtles and tortoises, lizards, and snakes. With this scholarly and well-designed volume, readers can confidently identify and learn about these animals. An amazing book!”—Harry W. Greene, author of Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature and Tracks and Shadows: Field Biology as Art
“This is unequivocally the most in-depth and comprehensive work on California’s amphibian and reptile diversity that has ever been produced. The full-color photographs and illustrations invite any budding herpetologist to become captivated by this group of fascinating animals while biologists, grad students, and field workers will appreciate the up-to-date species accounts with current conservation concerns.”—John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada
“A comprehensive field guide to California reptiles and amphibians has been sorely needed by students and naturalists for a very long time, and it is finally here! Hansen and Shedd’s collective knowledge about these animals is unparalleled, and it shines through on every page.”—Emily Taylor, California Polytechnic State University
“I can’t remember when I’ve seen a better field guide. The pages truly reflect a lifetime of work by Hansen and Shedd. Not only are the photographs glorious and informative, but here we see color variations by region, descriptions of California’s wide-ranging habitats, and the threats they face. For anyone who cares about all creatures great and small, this monumental book is a must.”—Joel Sartore, founder and photographer, National Geographic Photo Ark
