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Full Description
Around the world, many reptile and amphibian species—from the iconic Komodo dragon to the unglamorous Telfair's skink—are facing grave threats to their survival. For many, like the Belalanda chameleon of Madagascar and Mexico's beloved axolotls, habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and development poses the greatest peril. Some, such as Galápagos giant tortoises, have been slaughtered wholesale by humans. Others, like Caribbean rock iguanas, have been driven to the brink of extinction by the introduction of new species to their island homes. Commercial exploitation is another risk to animals like the ploughshare tortoise, in high demand in the global black market pet trade, and the Cuban crocodile, prized for its skin. Still more, like Yosemite toads, face new threats as climate change accelerates.
In Cold-Blooded Murder, Craig Stanford tells the captivating stories of dozens of endangered reptiles and amphibians, depicting the ecological roles and unique characteristics of each species. He takes readers on a globe-spanning journey, revealing the diversity and beauty of the creatures with whom we share our world. Stanford considers the commonalities and differences in how these species came to be threatened with extinction, underscoring human culpability as well as the complexity of each situation. He also highlights conservation projects that are protecting critically endangered animals, sharing inspiring success stories while acknowledging the difficulty of saving species. This gripping and poignant book shows why we should be fascinated by reptiles and amphibians—and strive to prevent their extinction.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Lizards
1. House of Dragons
2. Resurrection Island
3. The Disappearing Quick-Change Artists
4. Tropical Paradise, Extinction Hell
5. Beautifully Beaded Monsters
6. Caribbean Dinosaurs
7. Iguanid Glories of the Galápagos
Part II. Snakes
8. Back from the Caribbean Dead
9. Tree Boas Lost and Found
10. The Rarest Rattlers
11. Bay Area Beauty
12. Cockpit Country Constrictor
Part III. Turtles
13. Rolls Royce in a Shell
14. On the Brink
15. Four Swamps and One Very Rare Turtle
16. Turtles in the Time of Climate Change
17. Restoring the Glories of the Galápagos
18. Jewels of the Fynbos
19. The Tourists and the Turtle
Part IV. Crocodilians
20. The King Croc of Siam
21. In Fidel's Swamps
Part V. Frogs and Toads
22. Threatened Treasure of the Sierra Nevada
23. Leopard Spots
24. A Warty Treasure in John Muir's Paradise
25. Poisoned by Their Own Appeal
Part VI. Salamanders
26. Aztec Walking Fish
27. Mountain Giants
Concluding Thoughts
Further Reading
Index
