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Amphibia-Reptilia 30 (2009): 446 Franzen, M., Bußmann, M., Kordges, T., Thiesmeier, B. (2008): Die Amphibien und Reptilien der Südwest-Türkei . Supplement 14 der Zeitschrift für Feldherpetologie (in Ger- man). Laurenti Verlag, Bielefeld. 328 pages, ISBN 978-3- 93306-638-1. Price 49.00 euros (http://www.laurenti.de). Anatolia or Minor Asia as politically repre- sented mainly by the current borders of Turkey is a herpetologically fascinating zoogeographi- cal area in which fauna elements from east Eu- rope, the Caucasus, the Near East as well as the Arabian deserts meet. In southwest Turkey 65 distinct amphibian and reptile species oc- cupy a broad range of habitats spanning from costal habitats near the Mediterranean over step like environments up to mountainous forests in the central parts. Franzen and colleagues now provide a detailed and comprehensive book on the herpetofauna of southwest Turkey in Ger- man that for the first time depicts all species in high quality colour photos in combination with species-specific up to date point-distribution maps. In separate chapters this book nicely in- troduces underlying climatic conditions, vege- tation, special aspects of the zoogeography and conservation/environmental problems of this re- gion. The description of species follows a sys- tematic approach and starts with an overview providing information on the general biology as well on the current taxonomy and system- atics of distinct amphibian and reptile species groups. Every species is then characterized in great detail by morphological grounds and pos- sible species that could be mixed up are explic- itly named. Moreover, for each species the dis- tribution as well as details on habitat charac- teristics and associated life styles are presented and completed for many species by published as well unpublished original data on morphology and ecology, too. Furthermore, a special focus is put and many data are presented on the pro- tected Area Dalyan-Köycegiz that represents an outstanding nature reserve area in Europe and Near East. In my view this book is a must for everyone that is capable of German and interested in the herpetology of the Near East. Given that this book – based on high quality photographs as well as detailed distribution maps – represents so far the only complete and comprehensive documentation of amphibian and reptile species in this area, it might be also indispensable for everyone that would like to have a reliable all in one amphibian-reptile field guide when trav- elling in and exploring southwest Turkey. How- ever, in order that the valuable information pro- vided by such a detailed and nice book can be shared by a larger community and especially by those that live in countries on which the book is about, it would be desirable that future books of such kind would be published in English. Sebastian Steinfartz University of Bielefeld © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009. Also available online - www.brill.nl/amre
Amphibia-Reptilia – Brill
Published: Jan 1, 2009
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