Frogs: Inside Their Remarkable World

by Ellin Beltz

Frogs and toads provide one of the great animal success stories on Earth. 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Animals

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Lára · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only one negative thing to say about this book: the author never mentioned Hymenochirus boettgeri (African Dwarf Frog). That´s sad. These little frogs should have been at least mentioned. Such an amazing creatures. Funny as well. I had one at home as pet for quite a long time and he was hilarious. Male, that´s right. You can see by the white spot just behind their front legs (?) what sex the African dwarf frog is. And no, African Clawed Frogs are not the same as African Dwarf´. They can look similar but Clawed are bigger and ... well, they´re actually not similar to dwarfs at all. People, however, tend to see them as one frog.

Anyway, great book with lots of information and excellent photographs. Text is not too hard for reading, it´s interesting but informative.

I got this book for my birthday last year and I can tell you it´s definitely one of the best birthday presents ever.
I adore frogs and toads, my favourite animals.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The photographs in this book are superb but the writing lags because of a lack of organization. Concepts are named and commented on but then not actually described until many pages later leaving the reader totally confused.