The Natural History of Amphibians and Reptiles in Sabah
By Robert F. Inger & Tan Fui Lian – (2010)
121 pages; matt art paper, with 169 colour photographs, 9 illustrations, 1 map and 1 graph.
Soft Cover: 21.5cm x 15.2cm.
ISBN: 978-983-812-129-3
Natural History Publications (Borneo) Kota Kinabalu
This is a very informative and well-illustrated synopsis of the history, biology, diversity, habits and habitats of the frogs, turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes of Borneo. It covers a wide range of aspects including the numerous types of forest, microclimates and habitats these fauna occur, including a selection of the species likely to be found in those habitats.
The book further illustrates quite clearly the integral importance they play in the complex ecosystems of Borneo and in fact many of them are entirely dependent on the forests remaining intact to ensure their longevity. A wide range of species are covered including some rather rare taxa to the even quite bizarre or unusual such as the ‘Bornean Horned Frog’, ‘Smooth Guardian Frog’ and the ‘Cat Gecko’’. The photos in this book are excellent some of them outstanding especially some of the lizards and the many frogs covered including one in particular of a Draco sp. (flying lizard) captured in midflight.
This book is very nicely written in simple terms which anyone can understand and has in fact been constructed specially for the nonscientific community. It serves as a field guide as well as a great introduction to this group as a whole and reiterates quite clearly that many of these amazing animals and not dangerous and indeed should be admired and conserved while still treated with respect. You will not regret finding room for this on your book shelves, as it is not only beautifully photographed and nicely presented but also an essential reference for anyone interested in the fauna of Borneo and Southeast Asia.
Rod Rice
Principal Reviewer
Nature & Travel Books