The first, definitive reference on the natural history and ecology of every one of the known 6500+ species of lizards, spanning the entire globe.

Our planet is literally crawling with lizards. More than 6500 species are known to science, and new species are being discovered annually. In this monumental work, eminent researcher Gordon Rodda has created the first compilation of the natural histories of all the world's lizards and amphisbaenians, as well as the Tuatara. Although other books have attempted to survey the scope of adaptations present in the world's lizards, only Rodda has been able to quantify and summarize all species or higher taxa.

Analyzing the relationships among traits such as morphologic characteristics, reproductive strategies, and food sources, Rodda uncovers novel insights into reptile ecology. Identifying 14 recurring character syndromes across all the world's lizards, he proposes a new lens for categorization. He also touches on

* common names
* geographic range
* length
* mass
* age
* maturation
* differences between the sexes
* nominal variables, including diel activity cycle and foraging mode
* home range
* predator avoidance tactics
* thermal biology
* social spacing
* climate envelope
* habitat and microhabitat
* reproduction
* parental care
* diet
* population density
* conservation status
* ecological business models

Rodda's alphabetical taxon accounts provide an instantly retrievable sketch of every species, genus, and family. Outlining more than 1500 statistically significant associations extracted from a data matrix composed of more than 300 conditions tabulated-to the extent known-for all 6528 species of lizards, Lizards of the World will be the go-to source for the next generation of reptile ecologists, as well as herpetology students and serious herpetoculturists.

The first, definitive reference on the natural history and ecology of every one of the known 6500+ species of lizards, spanning the entire globe.

About the Author

Gordon H. Rodda is a zoologist emeritus at the United States Geological Survey's Fort Collins Science Center. He is a coeditor of Problem Snake Management: The Habu and Brown Treesnake.

Reviews
Rodda has given us a new framework for thinking about lizard natural history . . . Any scholar of lizard biology or natural history should think of adding this book to their library. It will be a wonderful resource for years to come.
-Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Anyone who wants to deeply understand the true nature of what makes a lizard a lizard will be left in awe of the level of scholarship, detailed research, thought, and creativity that went into this unique contribution . . . It absolutely belongs on the shelf of any lab with even a passing interest in herpetology and in every university library, if only for the sheer number of masters and doctoral theses it is sure to inspire.
-Herpetological Review
Lizards of the World is an absolute must for any serious lizard biologist or graduate student planning to work with lizards. The price is hefty, but accounting for the time it would require to track down natural history data for any single species without this book makes it worth every cent . . . Serious readers will learn a lot of ecology and evolutionary biology from the text and should come away with a nearly unlimited set of ideas for future research.
-ICHTHYOLOGY & HERPETOLOGY
From Ablepharus to Zygaspis this book was a massive, unparalleled undertaking. The result is indisputably the most thorough coverage ever published of the biology of every known lizard in the world . . . This volume will be an essential reference for anyone conducting research on any species of lizard anywhere in the world. Its value as a source of natural history information cannot be overstated.
-Quarterly Review of Biology



Book Information
ISBN 9781421438238
Author Gordon H. Rodda
Format Hardback
Page Count 832
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 2495g
Dimensions(mm) 279mm * 216mm * 57mm