Amphibians of Malawi

📖 The Scoop

A handbook for the herpetologist--professional, student, or amateur--anxious to acquaint himself with African Amphibia. The geographic location and climatic variety of Malawi make it possible for this small country to support a large number of frogs and toads, many of them representative of much of sub-Sahara Africa. This book contributes greatly to the relatively sparse literature on African Amphibia.

Professor Stewart bases her book on extensive field notes made during a year's stay in Malawi, supplemented by museum and literature research. A talented draftsman as well as a trained biologist, she has provided over sixty detailed drawings to accompany her species descriptions. In addition, twenty full-color photographs illustrate some of the more striking varieties. The species descriptions note not only distinguishing features for identification, but provide full information on life history and habits. The book contains a key for identification of the species covered, generic characteristics, a glossary, a bibliography, a systematic index of species as well as a general index.

The student and amateur herpetologist will be particularly interested in Dr. Stewart's introduction which discusses the background of amphibian studies in Malawi and the "whys and hows" of amphibian studies in general. This includes "what an amphibian is," notes on classification, and how to collect, record, and identify frogs. Throughout the book, she points the student to area where more knowledge is needed and unsolved problems remain.

Genre: Religion / Religion & Science (fancy, right?)