Conservation Genetics of New World Crocodilians


Book Description

This book aims to be a comprehensive review of the literature on the conservation genetics of the New World crocodilians, from the biological and demographical aspects of the living species to the application of molecular techniques for conservation purposes. It covers the current status of the molecular genetics applied to phylogenetics, phylogeography, diversity, kinship and mating system, and hybridization, as well its implications for decision making with regards to the conservation of these species at academic and governmental levels. This book can be used as a guide for graduate and undergraduate students to understand how conservation genetics techniques are carried out and how they can help preserve not only crocodilians but also other living species.




Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 3


Book Description

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 3: Reptiles is the third of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of reptilian reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on reptiles. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as it relates to testicular and ovarian function. Subsequent chapters examine hormones and reproduction of specific taxa, including turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and snakes. The book concludes with an examination of endocrine disruption of reproduction in reptiles. Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 3: Reptiles is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in reptiles, as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and a presentation of our understanding of reproductive events gained over the past decade. It may serve as a stand-alone reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of herpetology or as one of five coordinated references aligned to provide topical treatment across vertebrate taxa for researchers, practitioners, and students focused on vertebrate endocrinology. - Covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of reptile reproduction - Includes pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones - Focuses on turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and snakes - Provides new coverage on environmental influences on reptiles




Crocodiles


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive reference work on the biology, management and health of crocodiles, alligators and gharials. It is applicable to both farmed and captive animals.The introductory chapter describes crocodilian anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and behaviour. One chapter is devoted to important aspects of crocodile farming, namely nutrition; incubation of eggs; rearing; breeding; slaughter; and welfare. Subsequent chapters cover transmissible, nontransmissible and organ diseases, and diseases of eggs and hatchlings.




Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians


Book Description

Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians is a comprehensive review of current knowledge about the world's largest and most famous living reptiles. Gordon Grigg's authoritative and accessible text and David Kirshner's stunning interpretive artwork and colour photographs combine expertly in this contemporary celebration of crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. This book showcases the skills and capabilities that allow crocodylians to live how and where they do. It covers the biology and ecology of the extant species, conservation issues, crocodylian–human interaction and the evolutionary history of the group, and includes a vast amount of new information; 25 per cent of 1100 cited publications have appeared since 2007. Richly illustrated with more than 500 colour photographs and black and white illustrations, this book will be a benchmark reference work for crocodylian biologists, herpetologists and vertebrate biologists for years to come.




The Chinese Alligator


Book Description

Illustrated throughout and featuring the most up-to-date biological information available, this volume is a complete overview of the Chinese alligator, a conservation and cultural icon.




Tropical Conservation


Book Description

The tropics and subtropics are home to about 75% of the global human population. Cultural, economic, and political circumstances vary enormously across this vast geography of some 170 countries and territories. The regions not only harbor the world's poorest countries but their human populations are growing disproportionally faster than in temperate zones. Some countries are developing rapidly -- Brazil, China, India, and Mexico being obvious examples, while others still remain in the poverty trap. This region contains an astonishing proportion of global biodiversity; some 90% of plant and animal species by some measures. Its contribution to human well-being is astounding. It was the birthplace for our species; and it hosts a myriad of plant and animal species which products feed us, keep us healthy, and supply us with a variety of material goods. The tropics and subtropics are also a natural laboratory where some of humanity's most important scientific discoveries have been made. Such biodiversity has enormous implications for research priorities, capacity building, and policy to address the challenges of conserving this region. Tropical Conservation: Perspectives on Local and Global Priorities drew the majority of its contributors from this growing pool of scientists and practitioners working in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It introduces important conservation concepts and illustrates their application as the authors directly capture real world experiences in their home countries in preventing biodiversity loss and sustaining ecological health. Today, no part of the world can be viewed in isolation, and we further codify and integrate a range of approaches for addressing global threats to nature and environmental sustainability, including climate change and emerging diseases. Five sections structure the major themes.




Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians


Book Description

Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians is a comprehensive review of current knowledge about the world's largest and most famous living reptiles. Gordon Grigg's authoritative and accessible text and David Kirshner's stunning interpretive artwork and colour photographs combine expertly in this contemporary celebration of crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. This book showcases the skills and capabilities that allow crocodylians to live how and where they do. It covers the biology and ecology of the extant species, conservation issues, crocodylian–human interaction and the evolutionary history of the group, and includes a vast amount of new information; 25 per cent of 1100 cited publications have appeared since 2007. Richly illustrated with more than 500 colour photographs and black and white illustrations, this book will be a benchmark reference work for crocodylian biologists, herpetologists and vertebrate biologists for years to come.




Fundamentals of Conservation Biology


Book Description

In the new edition of this highly successful book, Malcolm Hunter and new co-author James Gibbs offer a thorough introduction to the fascinating and important field of conservation biology, focusing on what can be done to maintain biodiversity through management of ecosystems and populations. Starting with a succinct look at conservation and biodiversity, this book progresses to contend with some of the subject's most complex topics, such as mass extinctions, ecosystem degradation, and over exploitation. Discusses social, political, and economic aspects of conservation biology. Thoroughly revised with over six hundred new references and web links to many of the organizations involved in conservation biology, striking photographs and maps. Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/hunter and by request on CD-ROM.







Turtles of the World


Book Description

A lavishly illustrated guide to the world's turtles that covers every family and genus Turtles of the World reveals the extraordinary diversity of these amazing reptiles. Characterized by the bony shell that acts as a shield to protect the softer body within, turtles are survivors from the time of the dinosaurs and are even more ancient in evolutionary terms than snakes and crocodilians. Of more than 350 species known today, some are highly endangered. In this beautiful guide, turtle families, subfamilies, and genera are illustrated with hundreds of color photographs. Each genus profile includes a population distribution map, a table of information, and commentary that includes notable characteristics and discussion of related species. More than 250 beautiful color photos Each profile features a distribution map, table of information, and commentary Broad coverage includes every family and genus