Amphibians and Reptiles of Northern Guatemala, the Yucatan, and Belize

Book excerpt: Frogs, toads, salamanders, caecilians, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, and numerous species of snakes in the Petén region of northern Guatemala and adjacent terrain in Mexico and Belize are illustrated and profiled in this first field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the area. The 160 species of creatures range from the enormous, dramatic, and potentially dangerous--such as the common venomous snake called the barba amarilla (yellow beard) and the now endangered American crocodile--to diminutive tree frogs, anoles, geckos, and skinks, and the secretive snakes of the forest floor. With 176 color photographs plus line drawings and maps, this guide is designed for use both by scientists and by interested tourists and armchair travelers. Notes on where animals are likely to be found and English and Spanish identification keys help anyone wishing to spot and recognize animals in the field.