seaturtle.org : MTN : ARCHIVES : Sign In

Year: 2014


Authors: Charles LeBuff & Chris Lechowicz


Publisher: Amber Publishing and Ralph Curtis Publishing

ISBN: 9780962501340

Pages: 304 (soft cover)


Price: $29.95 USD

<http://www.sanybel.com/amber_publishing.htm>

Charles LeBuff & Chris Lechowicz share their decades of experience on the turtles, frogs, lizards and snakes of southwest Florida in “Amphibians & Reptiles of Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Florida: A Natural History.” This easy to follow guide provides a detailed description of the area’s native, as well as invasive species.

The book begins with a background on the ecosystem and history of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, including threats to island’s declining amphibians and reptiles. For each of the nearly 100 species, the authors provide physical descriptions, life history, and how non-native species were introduced to this unique environment. The great photographs of each species, including juvenile versus adult when appropriate, really make this book worth the $29.95 price tag. Additionally, LeBuff & Lechowicz include maps indicating where significant events such as first sighting or nesting of each species were observed, and describe the population status and specific threats to each species.

While green, loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill sea turtles make up a small portion of the book, LeBuff & Lechowicz include valuable details such as local nesting data, stranding events, and estimated global population.

Overall, the authors provide a straightforward and informational guide, which would benefit both the local backyard enthusiast and professional herpetologist alike. They successfully illustrate that the delicate ecosystem of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and their unique inhabitants, are in need of our continued protection to ensure their future presence.

Reviewed by: Ainsley Smith, Duke University, Charleston, SC 29412 USA (E-mail: Ainsley.Smith@duke.edu)