Deforestation now threatens the magnificent ecosystem of the Yucatan Peninsula - an area including northern Guatemala, Belize, and southeastern Mexico. This splendidly illustrated book by the world's leading authority on Yucatan herpetology documents the natural history of all native and introduced species of reptiles and amphibians and provides a guide to identifying them.

The only comprehensive treatment available, it will be the definitive resource for amateur naturalists as well as professionals with an interest in this rapidly changing biogeographical region.

Julian C. Lee begins with a description of the environment and habitats of the Yucatan Peninsula, followed by a history of the herpetological research there. He then describes 182 species of frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles, detailing the features that characterize each species and distinguish it from similar species.

Lee completes the book with an unusual chapter on the ethnoherpetology of the region - the significance of amphibians and reptiles in the culture of both ancient and contemporary Maya. An extensive bibliography, a glossary, and a gazetteer help make his research accessible to everyone interested in the wildlife of the Yucatan.