Turtles: An Extraordinary Natural History 245 Million Years in the Making - Hardcover

Franklin, Carl J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0760329818 ISBN 13: 9780760329818

Publisher: Voyageur Press, 2007

Synopsis

Turtles are a species of reptile at its evolutionary zenith, with an ancient lineage stretching back over 200 million years. Under their unmistakable shells, testament to their survival, they harbor a natural history of epochal proportions. This is the engrossing story Turtles tells.

The book offers a full account of the evolution, history, diversity, ecology, and behavior of the turtle, and of the problems facing these reptiles worldwide. The book describes the important role turtles play in their ecosystems, as well as the pressures put upon current populations by habitat destruction, over-collection for the pet trade, and increasing consumption for food.

Accompanying Franklins text are photographs and illustrations testifying to the colorful diversity of the 300 species of turtle known to inhabit forest, mountains, prairies, rivers, lakes, and oceans of the world--70 within the United States alone. Appendices provide contact information for turtle organizations, as well as a listing of all extant chelonians.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Turtles tells the extraordinary story of the ancient shelled reptiles of the order Testudines. Highlighting exciting new discoveries, this book explores the remarkable adaptations that have allowed these creatures to survive millennia. The second part profiles the 15 diverse turtle families. Popular pet turtles such as red-eared sliders are explored alongside endangered species such Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Throughout, color photographs display the beauty and diversity of turtles. Featuring range maps and a complete listing of the 296 living species, Turtles is an essential addition to the library of any turtle lover!

 

Author and herpetologist Carl J. Franklin is the curator of the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington. His writings on turtles and other herpetological subjects have appeared in both popular and technical publications. A boundless enthusiast, Carl spends an inordinate amount of time in the field collecting specimens from the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. He lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, with his wife, son, dogs, and turtles.

From the Back Cover:

In stunning images and fascinating text, Turtles tells the extraordinary story of the ancient shelled reptiles of the order Testudines.

 

Highlighting exciting new discoveries about these prehistoric animals, this book explores the remarkable physical and ecological adaptations that have allowed these resourceful creatures to survive millennia. The second part profiles the 15 diverse turtle families. Popular pet turtles such as red-eared sliders and river terrapins are explored alongside endangered species such Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and ploughshare tortoises.

 

Throughout, color photographs display the beauty and diversity of turtles. Intriguing behavior shots show turtles hatching, nesting, swimming, basking, and ambushing prey. Featuring range maps and a complete listing of the 298 living species, Turtles is an essential addition to the library of any turtle lover!

 

Author Carl J. Franklin is the curator of the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington. He lives in Grand Prairie, Texas.

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Voyageur Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0760329818
• ISBN 13: 9780760329818
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160
• Illustrator: Killpack David C.