Handbook of the Reptiles of the World: Turtles and Crocodiles Vol.1

Handbook of the Reptiles of the World: Turtles and Crocodiles is the first volume of a landmark multi-volume reference conceived as the definitive resource on reptile diversity.

It covers every family of turtles (Testudines) and crocodilians (Crocodylia), presenting the most current information on taxonomy, morphology, distribution, habitats, ecology, and conservation status. Richly illustrated with hundreds of plates and photographs, the book offers a detailed treatment of these ancient reptilian lineages—from their evolutionary history and ecological significance to the conservation challenges they face today.

Highlights include iconic reptiles such as sea turtles, tortoises, and the Saltwater Crocodile, as well as many lesser-known but equally fascinating species that exemplify the diversity of these groups.

With authoritative texts written by leading specialists and supported by high-quality illustrations and distribution maps, this volume provides an indispensable reference for researchers, conservationists, and all those passionate about the world’s reptiles.

The complete series will include:

• Turtles and Crocodiles
• Geckos, Blind Lizards and Tuatara
• Skinks
• Lizards
• Iguanas and Anguimorph Lizards
• Snakes I: Colubrids
• Snakes II

Each volume of the Handbook of the Reptiles of the World is organized into chapters, with one chapter devoted to each reptile family.

Every chapter consists of two complementary parts:

Family Text
An illustrated overview describing the family’s systematics, morphology, habitats, ecology, and conservation. The Family Text also includes a summary box with diagnostic features, distribution, habitat, and conservation status, while the main text is complemented by color photographs that illustrate the subjects covered and the diversity of the group.

Species Plates
A comprehensive set of color plates that present every genus and species in the family. Genera are introduced by genus boxes, and each species entry provides the scientific name with author and date, English common name, illustration with key ID traits, distribution map with range summary, conservation status, standard measurements, and concise notes on habitat and activity pattern.

Lynx Edicions are known for their previous ambitious series Handbook of the Birds of the World and Handbook of the Mammals of the World