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Rating: 
Summary: Finally!!
Review: Finally! After all of these many many years there is a book that helps identify amphibians and reptiles in the field in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has become a very popular destination for eco-travel and research, yet there was previously no guide book to the more common amphibians and reptiles. Until now, one had to be content either with German Language books on all of middle america (well done though they are) OR dichotomous keys to specific taxa, or keys to some of the regions of the country. Worse yet, one would have to carry around in the field a complete library of orignal taxonomic descriptions. None of those options really worked well for most herpetologists and even less effective for the casual observer on eco-tour.This book does not attempt to cover all of the species of amphibian and reptile in Costa Rica, but does cover the commonly seen species, and many others. I have already used my copy to identify some of the lizards I photographed in Costa Rica several years ago. It is a welcome addition to my library and I am sure that I will use it with much regularity. One thing is oddly missing from this book. There are no range maps for the species covered. The distributions may be discussed in text, but a nice map illustrating where each species is known to occur would be very useful. This book is not intended for the serious field herpetologist likely to encounter rare or new taxa in the forests of Costa Rica. It is intended for use by those who see an interesting lizard or snake along the trails of Selva Verde and want to know what it is. Anyone in need of an absolutely complete guide book to all of the known herpetofauna of Costa Rica may need to wait either for the second edition, or for Savage's book. Personally, I am enjoying this book now AND looking forward to the others (and even considering learning to read German for Gunther Kohler's books). I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: steven and william
Review: I would like to say that this is the best book ever written. I know Twan personally and he is one of the smartest most expeirenced people i know. We wish him best of luck in his upcoming books and many more to come. big fans,
steve and will
Rating:
Summary: Like a Reps & Amps Bible
Review: Twan Leenders has used his extraordinary knowledge and cool wit to create what is truly a revised Bible for the herpetological world. I recently ventured to Costa Rica on a field expedition in attempts to create an inventory of species in a certain area of rainforest, and had Twan's book with me 24/7. Not only is the information detailed and well-thought out; it is interesting to read and inspiring to the naturalist. I have had the pleasure of meeting Twan Leenders and can say with all honesty that he is one of the most respectable and knowledgable herpetologists in the field. Thank you Twan for your talent and depth of character, and for understanding and promoting the integrity of our living resources.
Rating:
Summary: Like a Reps & Amps Bible
Review: Twan Leenders has used his extraordinary knowledge and cool wit to create what is truly a revised Bible for the herpetological world. I recently ventured to Costa Rica on a field expedition in attempts to create an inventory of species in a certain area of rainforest, and had Twan's book with me 24/7. Not only is the information detailed and well-thought out; it is interesting to read and inspiring to the naturalist. I have had the pleasure of meeting Twan Leenders and can say with all honesty that he is one of the most respectable and knowledgable herpetologists in the field. Thank you Twan for your talent and depth of character, and for understanding and promoting the integrity of our living resources.
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