<DIV><BR><BR>Tennessee’s biotic diversity has been well documented in field guides dedicated to its<BR><BR>wildflowers; trees, shrubs, and woody vines; mussels; fishes; amphibians; and birds.<BR><BR>Glaringly absent from this assemblage, however, is an equivalent statewide guide to<BR><BR>the remarkably diverse reptiles of the Volunteer State. This book fills that void by<BR><BR>offering the first authoritative overview of all sixty native species of reptiles occurring in<BR><BR>Tennessee. Both a field guide and a scientific reference, this definitive work will prove<BR><BR>useful to professionals who work with reptiles for a living as well as those just curious<BR><BR>about the various creatures living in their own backyards.<BR><BR>The bulk of the book is devoted to individual species accounts, each of which includes<BR><BR>a detailed range map and comprehensive information on identification, natural history,<BR><BR>and conservation of the lizards, snakes, turtles, and alligator native to Tennessee. Also<BR><BR>included is information on known introduced species and species whose presence in<BR><BR>Tennessee is questionable. Vivid color photographs illustrate each species’ various life<BR><BR>stages. Introductory chapters provide an overview of reptile anatomy and life history,<BR><BR>and of the geography, climate, and habitats in the state. Giving special attention to<BR><BR>reptile conservation, the book highlights various threats to Tennessee’s reptile species—<BR><BR>including the destruction of their habitats, malicious killing, the pet trade, hunting, and<BR><BR>pollution—and describes the most common methods employed by herpetologists and<BR><BR>wildlife biologists to safely capture and document reptiles in nature.<BR><BR>Complete with a checklist that will help readers keep track of reptiles they<BR><BR>discover, a glossary, and a list of recommended readings, organizations, and websites for<BR><BR>those seeking additional information, <I>Reptiles of Tennessee</I> will prove an essential<BR><BR>resource for teachers, biologists, and anyone having a stake in the conservation of<BR><BR>biodiversity and the natural heritage of the Volunteer State and the nation.<BR></DIV>