Chameleons - Hardcover

Mattison, Chris; Garbutt, Nick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1770851216 ISBN 13: 9781770851214

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2012

Synopsis

A comprehensive introduction to their biology, natural history and classification.

With flattened bodies, opposed feet, independently swiveling eyes, a prehensile tail, and the ability to change color to match their environment, chameleons are both fascinating and charismatic. Chameleons is the first popular authoritative guide to this extraordinary animal group.

This fully illustrated book begins by exploring chameleon evolution and classification, describing how they fit into life's evolutionary tree and revealing their close relations.

Covering all of the 192 species of chameleon, the book reveals:

• Species variation in size, shape, color and markings
• Why chameleons look like they do
• Reproduction and development
• Food and feeding
• Habitat and distribution
• Defense against predators
• Chameleons and humans, mythology, superstition
• Worldwide conservation efforts
• Keeping chameleons as pets, care and breeding in captivity.

Drawing on their vast experience, the authors provide an illuminating insight into the lives of these unusual animals. As the first authoritative guide to chameleons written for the lay reader, this will be a popular choice for dedicated owners of pet chameleons.

About this title

About the Author:

Chris Mattison is a natural history writer and photographer whose specialty is reptiles and amphibians. He has written and illustrated more than 20 books and his photography appears regularly in book and magazines throughout the world. He has been a runner-up in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and is a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society. He lives in Sheffield, UK.

Nick Garbutt is an award-winning wildlife photographer, author and lecturer. He has written numerous natural history books and regular contributes articles and photographs to a wide range of magazines, including National Geographic. He has had several winning and commended images in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He lives in Cumbria, UK.

Review:

Most of the creatures here--and there are over 100 wonderful shots--are pretty startling. (Thierry van Zuelon Ralph Magazine 2012-10-30)

The text is concise, and the authors do a good job of covering the diversity within chameleons with interesting and easy-to-read descriptions and explanations. Enemies and Defence is an interesting chapter with fairly detailed information on the many predators and parasites of chameleons, and the varied strategies the lizards employ to avoid them. As in most other parts of the book, there is good coverage not only of the larger, more colorful, and more familiar "typical" chameleons, but also the small, drab leaf-litter inhabitants...Overall, this is a well-researched and very readable introduction to chameleons, at a reasonable price.... the photography is excellent, the information largely current, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get a good general overview of these fascinating lizards. (Ted Townsend, Biology, San Diego State University, Quarterly Review of Biology 2014-03-01)

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1770851216
• ISBN 13: 9781770851214
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 112