The Yucatn Peninsula is today divided among Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Travelers to this region discover both astonishing archaeological sites and a stunning array of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. This book--written by the world's leading authority on the herpetology of the lowland Maya area--is the only comprehensive field guide to all the species of amphibians and reptiles found there.

This field guide allows identification of all native and introduced species of amphibians and reptiles of the region.

features nearly 180 color photographs and 180 drawings.

offers valuable techniques for field identification, and a glossary of herpetological terms.

provides in each species account: description, natural history, similar species, and geographic distribution (complete with maps of each animal's range).

includes suggested readings for those who want to know more about a particular species.

illustrates all tadpoles.

describes the most characteristic vocalizations of the reptiles and amphibians in the volume.

introduces the physical geography, climate, and vegetation of the region, with emphasis on the habitats of amphibians and reptiles.