Amphibians and Reptiles of New England: Habitats and Natural History

Although numerous species of amphibians and reptiles live in New England and the northeastern Untied States, few people are aware of their existence of know much about their life histories, habitats, or distributions. This illustrated work provides such information, compiling the latest data on nearly sixty species. Included is a detailed account of each species' range, relative abundance, habitat, breeding period (from egg deposition through larval period), home range and movements, and food habitats. Additional comments and selected references are provided throughout.

The book is designed specifically for use in New England. The regional approach makes it possible to examine the details of distribution and habitat preference, important factors because many of these species have local, disjunct populations. The authors stress that these species constitute a valuable resource requiring and deserving conservative measures and urge that reptiles and amphibians be considered in wildlife-managment policy.

Richard M. DeGraaf is principal research wildlife biologist and leader of the U.S. Forest Service’s wildlife habitat research unit in Amherst. He is coauthor of Tree Birds: A Manual for the Northeast.

Deborah D. Rudis is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Juneau, Alaska.

Among the many books Abigail Rorer has illustrated are The Ecology of a Summer House; Freshwater Wetlands: A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast; Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Attracting Birds; and The World of the Tent-Makers: A Natural History of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar, all published by the University of Massachusetts Press.