Frogs And Toads Of The World

An illustrated introduction to the natural history of frogs and toads

Covering all 101 species of frogs in the United States and Canada, this book contains natural history information, identification tips, range and habitat information, summaries of behavior, and descriptions of calls. A 70-minute audio compact disc includes the calls of nearly every species.

In this comprehensive book, renowned herpetologist Ellin Beltz offers a compelling picture of the history of the frog, its anatomical makeup, its place in the natural world and the threats that are seriously reducing its numbers around the world. Today, frogs are found on most islands around the world and on all continents except Antarctica. Frogs live from the warmest and wettest tropical lowlands to about 17,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas. Some areas of Earth have more frogs than others, but frogs are true survivors. But it isn't easy being green. This hearty amphibian lives both on land and in the water and is exposed to a host of chemical and environmental threats. The frog is an animal that indicates the overall health of the environment in which it lives. It is not too much to say that "as goes the frog, so goes the swamp," and even perhaps the planet. Frogs contains a detailed look at all 31 frog families, allowing the reader to learn more about specific ones and appreciate the range and diversity of this popular amphibian. And, yes, toads are covered here, too. There is also a fascinating section on frogs in myth and culture, showing the place frogs have occupied in art and literature. This handsome book is lavishly illustrated with over 125 color photographs representing the remarkable range and world of an utterly fascinating creature. AUTHOR: Ellin Beltz is a biologist, herpetologist and author. A longtime member of the Chicago Herpetological Society, she has written extensively on reptiles and amphibians and taught at Northeastern Illinois University, the Morton Arboretum, Trinity Christian College and College of the Redwoods. 125 colour photographs

“A huge, beautiful compendium of 600 frogs from around the world, from the famed poison-arrow variety on up to the intriguingly named plaintive rain frog.” —Wired With over 7,000 known species, frogs display a stunning array of forms and behaviors. A single gram of the toxin produced by the skin of the Golden Poison Frog can kill 100,000 people. Male Darwin’s Frogs carry their tadpoles in their vocal sacs for sixty days before coughing them out into the world. The Wood Frogs of North America freeze every winter, reanimating in the spring from the glucose and urea that prevent cell collapse. The Book of Frogs commemorates the diversity and magnificence of all of these creatures, and many more. Six hundred of nature’s most fascinating frog species are displayed, with each entry including a distribution map, sketches of the frogs, species identification, natural history, and conservation status. Life-size color photos show the frogs at their actual size—including the colossal seven-pound Goliath Frog. Accessibly written by expert Tim Halliday and containing the most up-to-date information, The Book of Frogs will captivate both veteran researchers and amateur herpetologists. As frogs increasingly make headlines for their troubling worldwide decline, the importance of these fascinating creatures to their ecosystems remains underappreciated. The Book of Frogs brings readers face to face with six hundred astonishingly unique and irreplaceable species that display a diverse array of adaptations to habitats that are under threat of destruction throughout the world. “If you are a serious (and I mean serious) fan of the frog, you are in for a real treat.” —Boing Boing

Collects essays of thirty-seven European scientists on the biology and ecology of the Amphibian species, from tree frogs to sand toads.

Describes the origins, classification, size and shape, colors, enemies, food, reproduction, life-cycle, and habitat of frogs and toads from around the world.

Presents a comprehensive overview of the more than 3,500 species of frogs and toads that have colonized all continents except Antarctica.

Frogs and toads are some of the most confusing amphibians to classify. While some of their physical attributes are easy to tell apart, if we take a deeper look at these animals we find it’s not quite that simple. From poisonous skin and bulging eyes to their amazing life cycles, these creatures are as interesting to study as they are difficult to categorize. Once we break down the difference between "true" frogs and "true" toads, it’s easy to see why so many have trouble telling the two creatures apart.

"Frog is a frog and Toad is a toad. They are clearly totally different from each other. So when an unlucky fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two frogs, the two are determined to set the record straight. After all, Toad is obviously stronger, while Frog is unmistakably the superior hopper . . . and before long, things start to get a bit heated among the amphibian population in the swamp. But when the two rivals have a close encounter with a snappy alligator, both Frog and Toad see the benefit of joining forces. Perhaps they're not so different after all?"--Publisher's description.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of various frogs and toads.