Books in Tales of the World series

Human interest in lizards is not new. These reptiles have been the subject of superstition and speculation for thousands of years, and their remarkably diverse forms, colors, and behavior continue to fascinate us today. We know comparatively little aboutlizards, however, and the data produced by increasing scientific study is often impenetrable or inaccessible to the interested general reader. Written as an introduction to the natural history of lizards, this book helps to answer the many questions thatboth amateur and professional naturalists ask about these animals. The first seven chapters cover the origins, form, function and color, environment, feeding, defense, reproduction, movement, and distribution of lizards -- from tiny tropical geckos to the huge Komodo dragon. The author also discusses lizards in captivity and their relationship to humans and describes the entire range of the lizard families. The book concludes with a chapter on the curious group of burrowing "worm lizards," the amphisbaenians. The highly readable and informative text is beautifully illustrated with line drawings and superb black-and-white color photographs of the spectacularly varied lizard families.

Perceived for too long as predatory killers, crocodilians face their gravest danger--extinction--with little human help and sympathy. As this volume proves, alligators and crocodiles can be extremely fascinating. Examine this creature's anatomy to see why it makes such a fine hunter: its almost fully submerged body remains nearly invisible, its slit eyes help it see in the dark and judge distance precisely, and its tough skin protects it against the salt water. Many societies viewed crocodiles with awe because of their power and size, and even made them a part of their folklore and religion. Information on origins, evolution and distribution, courtship, reproduction, and many individual species paint a thorough portrait. Maps of their habitats, disappearing swiftly because of environmental damage, trace their presence worldwide, and excellent color photos bring these sometimes scary reptiles up close and personal. Blandford 192 pages, 40 color illus., 80 b/w illus., 6 x 9.