Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Britain and Europe (Helm Field Guides)
$22.88
Pros
- logical layout for each species including the description, illustrations, photographs, and range maps, all on the same spread
- outstanding illustrations
- adequate number of high quality photographs
- identification keys for similar species, such as the wall lizards
Cons
- limited number of photographs for each species
- limited number of tab colors
“The latest field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Europe (and Britain) is a state of the art, modern field guide by Jeroen Speybroeck, Wouter Beukema, Bobby Bok, and Jan Van Der Voort. The guide provides stunning illustrations by Ilian Velikov for each species and quality photos by the coauthors and other contributors, including representative habitat shots and examples of the species. Content includes keys, tables, current taxonomy, and species descriptions with range maps for quick species identifications. An elaborate series of keys allow a user to work through more challenging identifications. The “How to Watch..” and “Where to Watch…” sections are a huge bonus. Color coded tabs allow quick flipping to the intro, amphibians, reptiles, and index sections. Field portability is good for a printed guide: it won’t fit in your jeans pocket, but can be slipped into cargo pant pockets or a pack. This is a must get for anyone that is traveling to Europe and interested in herps.
Reviews of this guide have been solid. A couple quotes are provided from printed magazines.
Jules Howard of BBC Wildlife Magazine said of the guide,
“The result is a book that is eminently enjoyable to flick through, yet provides arguably the best modern account of Europe’s most hidden, most ancient and most spectacular land-living vertebrates.”
Howard Inns said the following in his review of the field guide in British Wildlife Magazine:
“… this new, well-written, superbly illustrated book sets the new standard. It is a book for all naturalists, both dedicated and casual, so buy it and take it to Europe alongside your bird, butterfly, and wildflower guides.”
Additional details of these reviews can be viewed at the following American field herp forum site:
…or the Facebook page for the guide.
Suggestions to make the guide even better are tough to come up with. One suggestion is to expand the color tabs and stagger them on the page. Expand to have separate colors for the groups (frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes) instead of just amphibians and reptiles. Minor point, so get this guide if you are even remotely interested in Old World herps. ”
Review of theField Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Britain and Europe (Helm Field Guides)
December 20, 2016
FGR Team (FieldGuideReview.com)
Publisher’s Description:
The taxonomy and systematics of European reptiles and amphibians have changed a lot in recent years, yet there is no modern, up-to-date field guide available that comprehensively covers all the species. The last illustrated field guide to European reptiles and amphibians was first published 38 years ago, and remains outdated despite occasional reprints and new editions. This major new field guide addresses this deficiency. Every species will be covered in detail with a focus on identification and geographical variation; species texts also cover distribution, habitat and behavior. A detailed up-to-date map is also included for each species. Superb color illustrations by talented artist Ilian Velikov depict every species and all major variations, and color photographs are also included for most species.
This groundbreaking new guide will become the definitive field reference for these two groups of animals.