A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles achieves the objectives that Donald and Lillian Stokes outlined in their distinctive series. In their note to the reader, the Stokes write, “We know from our own experience how exciting it is to learn about the lives of the plants and animals right around us. We find it adds immeasurably to the richness of our lives and makes nature a never-ending source of discovery and pleasure. Through Stokes Nature Guides, we have tried to share our excitement about the natural world and our enjoyment of science’s discoveries.” This book fully engages the reader in the animals’ daily lives.
Focusing on amphibians and reptiles of North America, Thomas Tyning divides the guide’s two major sections further into Amphibians: Frogs, Salamanders, and Reptiles: Turtles, Lizards, Crocodilians, and Snakes. Focusing on animals that a reader would readily encounter on a nature walk, the author tells stories about the animals and gives details about their lives. Mr. Tyning provides drawings of the animals found in their typical places. He has an “adult American toad searching for food in a garden”, a “green anole resting after rainstorm”, and an “American alligator in a gator hole.” For each animal, the author divides the information he gives into three sections: “How to Recognize”, “How to Find”, and “What You Can Observe”. He describes for each animal, their courtship and mating, the life of the young, spring activity, and wintering. Mr. Tynings rounds out this information with topics particular to that animal. He discusses basking behavior for the turtles, tail function for the lizards, and emergence and migration for the salamanders. Each chapter ends with a quick reference chart for each animal.
The guide is an enjoyable beginning to a nature walk or for looking up an animal encountered on the walk. With the information provided, the reader can readily observe the animals going about their daily activities. For readers outside North America, the guide provides a glimpse into the continent’s richness of reptile and amphibian life.
Excerpts for “American Alligator”
“In a pond adjacent to a busy walking trail, an American alligator began thrashing about with enough vigor to attract a small crowd of onlookers. Though several egrets, ibis, and herons were only a few yards away, they paid only occasional attention to the big reptile. The rest of us were transfixed. An eight-foot-long male was scouring out a winter refuge: we were watching a “gator hole” in the making.”
From “How To Recognize”:
“The wider snout, hidden lower teeth (when the mouth is closed), and overall dark coloration will help identify the alligator.”
From “How To Find”:
“Alligators are easily found during the daytime, especially on sunny mornings. Look for the fully exposed adults and especially the young basking on logs, shorelines, or each other. You must look carefully to discover them in water, however.”
From “What You Can Observe”:
Feeding: “Keep your eye on any animal that is approaching a seemingly lethargic alligator. Passively hunting alligators remain partly hidden and motionless and wait for potential prey to come close enough to attack. Some alligators may choose particular places to lay in wait --- such as the outfall of a culvert, an isolated watering hole, or a well-used trail.”
Purchase this book used from Barnes and Noble.
Va. Carper
June 4, 2007