Overview

Around the world, many reptile and amphibian species-from the iconic Komodo dragon to the unglamorous Telfair's skink-are facing grave threats to their survival. For many, like the Belalanda chameleon of Madagascar and Mexico's beloved axolotls, habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and development poses the greatest peril. Some, such as Galápagos giant tortoises, have been slaughtered wholesale by humans. Others, like Caribbean rock iguanas, have been driven to the brink of extinction by the introduction of new species to their island homes. Commercial exploitation is another risk to animals like the ploughshare tortoise, in high demand in the global black market pet trade, and the Cuban crocodile, prized for its skin. Still more, like Yosemite toads, face new threats as climate change accelerates. In Cold-Blooded Murder, Craig Stanford tells the captivating stories of dozens of endangered reptiles and amphibians, depicting the ecological roles and unique characteristics of each species. He takes readers on a globe-spanning journey, revealing the diversity and beauty of the creatures with whom we share our world. Stanford considers the commonalities and differences in how these species came to be threatened with extinction, underscoring human culpability as well as the complexity of each situation. He also highlights conservation projects that are protecting critically endangered animals, sharing inspiring success stories while acknowledging the difficulty of saving species. This gripping and poignant book shows why we should be fascinated by reptiles and amphibians-and strive to prevent their extinction.

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9780231223126

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Reviews

Cold-Blooded Murder is a beautifully written series of accounts about the rarest and most fascinating reptiles and amphibians on the planet, written by a well-known authority on the world’s turtles and tortoises. I highly recommend it as a great natural history read. -- Russell A. Mittermeier, chief conservation officer, Re:wild Cold-Blooded Murder examines some of the world’s most endangered reptiles and amphibians, revealing the forces driving them toward extinction. This book translates complex scientific issues into engaging narratives for any audience. -- Mark O'Shea, author of <i>The Book of Snakes: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from Around the World</i>

Cold-blooded Murder is a beautifully written series of accounts about the rarest and most fascinating reptiles and amphibians on the planet, written by a well-known authority on the world’s turtles and tortoises. I highly recommend it as a great natural history read. -- Russell A. Mittermeier, Chief Conservation Officer, Re:wild

Cold-Blooded Murder examines some of the world’s most endangered reptiles and amphibians, revealing the forces driving them toward extinction. Stanford translates complex scientific issues into engaging narratives for any audience. -- Mark O'Shea, author of <i>The Book of Snakes: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from Around the World</i> Cold-Blooded Murder is a beautifully written series of accounts about the rarest and most fascinating reptiles and amphibians on the planet, written by a well-known authority on the world’s turtles and tortoises. I highly recommend it as a great natural history read. -- Russell A. Mittermeier, chief conservation officer, Re:wild

Author Information

Craig Stanford is professor of biological sciences and anthropology at the University of Southern California. He is chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and has conducted field studies of tortoises, turtles, and primates in South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, China, and Mexico. Stanford is the author of twenty books, including Planet Without Apes (2014) and The Last Tortoise: A Tale of Extinction in Our Lifetime (2010).

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