The South African Tortoise Book: A Guide to South African Tortoises, Terrapins and Turtles

8vo; laminated pictorial boards; pp. (x) + 148, incl. index; illustrations and distribution maps in the text; colour plate section. Boards ever so slightly rubbed; occasional fox spot. Very good condition. 'South Africa boasts the richest diversity of tortoises, turtles and terrapins in the world - including the largest turtle, the leatherback, and the smallest tortoise, the Namaqualand speckled padloper. This is the first book examining in detail all 26 species and subspecies occurring here, giving conservation status, distribution and habits. Fine colour portraits and a pictorial key for identifying species make this a valuable field guide. It also offers the tortoise owner long-needed guidance on care of the animals in captivity. By broadening awareness about them, authors Richard Boycott of the Transvaal Snake Park and Ortwin Bourquin of the Natal Parks Board aim to help stem declines in the numbers of these harmless and fascinating animals.'.