FIELD GUIDE TO REPTILES OF THE SAN DIEGO REGION

FIELD GUIDE TO AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF THE SAN DIEGO REGION By Jeffery M. Lemm

Field guides can be a difficult thing to review. They do not read like most books, and are tedious at best to read through cover to cover. Nonetheless, certain aspects can be taken into consideration when evaluating such a book, and as a result, one can get a good idea of the caliber of said text.

In the case of Jeff Lemm’s new guide, it was immediately apparent to me that the quality of this work was high. The production values are superb, the species accounts thorough, and many additional features were added by the author resulting in a very complete work on the herpetefauna of San Diego.

The guide begins with an introduction to the geography and climate of the region with specific sections devoted to the details of many of San Diego’s micro-habitats. We are then guided through the inner workings of the book, at which time the reader is familiarized with how best to use the book and why it is arranged the way it is.

The next section offers detailed diagrams illustrating the major identifying features of all major orders of reptile to be covered. This aids greatly in sub-specific identification, or differentiating between similar species. This is followed by a key to species (by Jay Savage) which is a powerful tool used to identify unknown animals staring with obvious traits and systematically focuses on more specific ones until a positive identification can be made.

The bulk of the book consists of the actual species accounts. The accounts are broken down by order, and include: salamanders, frogs and toads, turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes. For each species, a color photo is provided, along with a range map and data on natural history, and a detailed description of the animal as well as any recognized subspecies. Where applicable, taxonomic notes are included, as is information pertaining to conservation status and potential threats to the population of a given animal.

The data provided is thorough and accurate. No doubt a result of Lemm’s many years of filed herping the area himself. It should be noted than in addition to being an accomplished conservation biologist and herpetologist, Jeff Lemm is also a good friend and supporter of LLLReptile.

This book is ideal for anyone interested in the diverse reptiles and amphibians of the San Diego Region. If you live in southern California, and are interested in native herps, then this book is simply a must have. Sure to become a classic work, this book gets my highest recommendation.

Paperback, 326 pages, full color photos throughout. In stock and ready to ship from www.LLLReptile.com. A bargain at only $29.95. Order your copy today!