This easy-to-use photographic identification guide to all 141 reptile and amphibian species of New Zealand is perfect for residents and visitors alike. High-quality photographs from the author and the region's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitats, and conservation information. There is also a distribution map for each living terrestrial species. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, habitats, reptiles and amphibian identification and a glossary. The final section contains an all-important checklist of all of the herpetofauna of New Zealand encompassing, for each species, its risk category and New Zealand conservation status.
Samuel Purdie is a herpetologist, science educator and award-winning wildlife photographer from Rotorua. He received a BSc in zoology and ecology and a PGDip in wildlife management from the University of Otago and is currently pursuing an MSc in wildlife management. He spends much of his time researching native alpine lizards and advocating for New Zealand's lesser-known wildlife.