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Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles.
An amphibian is defined as a cold-blooded vertebrate
animal with moist skin that is hairless and without scales.
There are three main groups: Anura (tailless amphibians: e.g.
frogs and toads), Caudata (tailed amphibians; e.g. salamanders,
newts, sirens) and Gymnophiona (worm-like caecilians). More
than 4,000 species have been identified, of which frogs and
toads make up the majority.
Amphibians are found on all continents except Antarctica.
They inhabit diverse environments (e.g. forests, alpine areas,
grasslands, deserts), but most species require freshwater
habitats or wet environments for breeding.
The word amphibia derives from the Greek words amphi (both)
and bios, (life): the amphibian lays its eggs in water, where
the young hatch. In their larval stage, they are usually tadpoles
and breathe through gills. As they mature, most develop lungs
(with the exception of some salamanders) and legs.
Amphibians are the ancestors of reptiles.
A reptile is defined as a cold-blooded vertebrate
animal with horny skin with scales or plates; it is air-breathing
and lays eggs on land. Most reptiles (with the exception of
snakes) are four-legged, and most (with the exception of turtles)
have teeth. Today, there are four main groups: Chelonia (e.g.
turtles and tortoises), Crocodilia (e.g. crocodiles, alligators),
Squamata (e.g. lizards and snakes) and Rhynchocephalia (Tuatara,
two species of lizard-like reptiles that are found on islands
off the coast of New Zealand; they are the only surviving
species of an order that flourished during the Jurassic period,
200 million years ago). The class reptilia once included the
dinosaurs, pterodactyls (probable ancestors to birds), and
the Therapsida (the ancestors of mammals).
There are approximately 7,000 reptile species; they inhabit
all ecosystems with the exception of frozen polar regions.
Reptiles and amphibians face serious challenges to their
survival; habitat loss or fragmentation, air and water pollution,
trade in endangered or protected species and exposure to pesticides
through bioaccumulation in the food chain are responsible
for their decline. In addition, there has recently been a
precipitous decrease in the number of frogs over extensive
areas of the world; the cause(s) of their decline are under
active investigation.
Amphibian Species of the World database, publications and
links.
The Center for North American Herpetology serves as a data
bank for information about North American amphibians, turtles,
reptiles, and crocodilians, and promotes the study and conservation
of them.
This site contains information and links for both herpetology
and herpetoculture. HerpWeb data base, books and reviews,
virtual library.
The Herplit Database consists of approximately 50,000 citations
dating from 1586 to the present. Approximately 35% of the
publications listed were published prior to 1980. About 17%
of the publications have been published since 1996.
SSAR, a not-for-profit organization established to advance
research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians
and reptiles, was founded in 1958. It is the largest international
herpetological society, and is recognized worldwide for having
the most diverse program of publications, meetings and other
activities. The society publishes a journal that is a benefit
of membership.
(Australia)
The Australian Herpetological Directory has been set up as
a repository for information on Australian herps and Australian
herpetological research.
/European Herpetological
Society
Societas Europaea Herpetologica has a Pan-European herpetological
network that provides an exchange of information. Membership
is open worldwide to individuals and institutions interested
in the study of amphibians and reptiles and their conservation.
The working language of the Society is English, with contributions
of news items in French, German and Spanish.
A herpetology course outline: downloadable PDF files (see
Lab Notes), links, course material.
CH was found by Southeastern Louisiana University in 1997.
CH is a nonprofit, electronic journal designed to facilitate
the dissemination of herpetological information. CH publishes
articles covering all aspects of herpetology, including ecology,
ethology, systematics, conservation biology, and physiology.
Free online from issues 1998-2001.
The European Herpetological Society publishes a quarterly
journal that offers papers, notes on new techniques and ideas,
book reviews and SEH News. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA is indexed in
Current Contents; indexes and abstracts for the recent issues
of Amphibia-Reptilia and contents for issues from 1980 to
the present. Journal is a benefit of membership.
: free online newsletter dedicated to reptile and
amphibian conservation and science
:
free herpetogolical “ezine” in both English and
Dutch language.
: each full color issue covers captive
care, breeding, natural story, and research topics. One free
issue with subscription.
Hands-On Herpetology:Exploring Ecology and Conservation
by Rebecca L. Schneider, Marianne E. Krasny, Stephen J. Morreale
Paperback
National Science Teachers Association
ISBN:0873551974
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Herpetology:2nd Edition
by F. Harvey Pough (Editor), Robin M. Andrews, John E. Cadle, Mart Crump
Hardcover: 612 pages
Prentice Hall
ISBN:0130307955
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Herpetology:An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles,
Second Edition
by George R. Zug, Laurie J. Vitt, Janalee P. Caldwell
Hardcover: 630 pages
ISBN:012782622X
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