Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family

by Jeffrey E. Lovich, Whit Gibbons

Overview

A lavishly illustrated guide to the world's turtles that covers every family and genus

Turtles of the World reveals the extraordinary diversity of these amazing reptiles. Characterized by the bony shell that acts as a shield to protect the softer body within, turtles are survivors from the time of the dinosaurs and are even more ancient in evolutionary terms than snakes and crocodilians. Of more than 350 species known today, some are highly endangered. In this beautiful guide, turtle families, subfamilies, and genera are illustrated with hundreds of color photographs. Each genus profile includes a population distribution map, a table of information, and commentary that includes notable characteristics and discussion of related species.

• More than 250 beautiful color photos
• Each profile features a distribution map, table of information, and commentary
• Broad coverage includes every family and genus

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691223223
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	12/07/2021
Series:	A Guide to Every Family , #3
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	310,425
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jeffrey E. Lovich is a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center. His books include two editions of Turtles of the United States and Canada. Whit Gibbons is professor emeritus of ecology at the University of Georgia and former head of the Environmental Outreach and Education program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. His books include Snakes of the Eastern United States. The species of turtle Graptemys gibbonsi is named in his honor.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

The Turtle Families 46

Suborder Cryptodira 48

Suborder Pleurodira 186

Appendices 230

Glossary 232

Resources 234

Turtle Classification 235

Index 236

Picture Credits 239

Acknowledgments 240

Editorial Reviews

"Authoritative, visually compelling, and broadly accessible, this guide will please a broad swath of readers interested in turtles."—-Robert Eagan, Library Journal

"This colorful and compact book by two of North America's most eminent turtle biologists is a treat for anyone's personal library."—-Jacqueline D. Litzgus, Herpetological Review

"I cannot heap too much praise on this book. It brings turtles to us so vividly and in such a compelling manner."—-David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds

"How best to effectively convey appreciation and awareness of a diverse global-wide segment of the biota, both ancient and imperiled by humans? Lovich and Gibbons hit the mark with Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family."—-Walter E. Meshaka, CHOICE

"I can thoroughly recommend this beautifully produced and interesting book to start your journey into turtle biology."—-Roger Downie, Glasgow Naturalist

From the Publisher

"Turtles of the World is a superbly illustrated guide to the families that contain the 350 known species that are alive today. . . . These ecologically important, egg-laying creatures are obsessively interesting: and of course endangered due to habitat loss, ocean plastic, tourism and global warming. Find out everything there is to know about turtles in this wonderful guide."

Bay Magazine

★ 02/01/2022

More than 60 percent of the world's turtle species are either threatened or extinct; experts Lovich (Turtles of the United States and Canada) and Gibbons (Snakes of the Southeast) provide graphic proof of what we would lose in case of the complete extinction of turtles, these creatures of singular beauty and odd appeal who "plodded along beside dinosaurs." The comprehensive introduction explores chelonian evolution and taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior, feeding habits, reproduction, ecological and cultural importance, and conservation status. The synoptic material is framed around two suborders, hidden-necked and side-necked turtles, comprising 14 families and 95 genera. Each genus profile, averaging two pages in length, includes a population distribution map, a table of information (habitat, lifespan, size), and commentary that includes notable characteristics and discussion of related species. The trim size (larger than a field guide) suits the crisp layout and design; striking color photographs (mostly stock) are superbly curated to show subjects doing all manner of turtle things (e.g., basking en masse; oceanic deep-diving; lumbering across terrestrial habitats). Readers will be dazzled by the turtles' splendid coloration, patterns, and shapes. The volume closes with a helpful glossary and index, a list of references, and a chart showing classificatory and phylogenetic details. VERDICT Authoritative, visually compelling, and broadly accessible, this guide will please a broad swath of readers interested in turtles.—Robert Eagan

Library Journal