The first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, this book includes detailed accounts of New York's 69 native species along with supporting chapters on threats, legal protections, and habitat conservation guidelines, as well as the rich folklore of New York State as it pertains to these creatures, particularly rattlesnakes.
A companion to the unique traveling exhibit--one of the most popular ever at museums throughout the nation--pays long-overdue homage to the fascinating frog. With richly colorful photos and compelling, informative descriptions, John and Deborah Behler have carefully crafted a wonderful tribute to the amazingly complex frog. With decades of expertise in conservation, the Behlers are unequaled in their ability to capture the wild and ever-changing world of these amphibians--all 5,000 species. They reveal an unexpected diversity of form, lifestyle, and ecology, and take readers on a magical journey that makes vibrantly clear why these creatures are so important. Breathtaking and brilliant images show tadpoles in water and on leaves; a many-hued variety of frogs (bright blue, golden yellow and black, red and turquoise) in their environment; African sand frogs and chirping frogs; Oriental fire-bellied frogs; and tiny three-toed toadlets--among the smallest that exist. It's a vision not to be missed.
The lands and waters of the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) have changed significantly since before the 16th century when the Susquehannock lived in the area. Much has changed since Captain John Smith penetrated the estuaries and rivers during the early 17th century; since the surveying of the Mason-Dixon Line to settle border disputes among Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware during the middle of the 18th century; and since J. Thomas Scharf described the physiographic setting of Baltimore County in the late 19th century. As early as 1881, Scharf provides us with an assessment of the condition of the aquatic ecosystems of the region, albeit in narrative form, and already changes are taking place – the conversion of forests to fields, the founding of towns and cities, and the depletion of natural resources. We have always conducted our work with the premise that “man” is part of, and not apart from, this ecosystem and landscape. This premise, and the historical changes in our landscape, provide the foundation for our overarching research question: how do human activities impact the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and the ecosystem services that they provide, and how can we optimize this relationship?
Safe Passages brings together in a single volume the latest information on the emerging science of road ecology as it relates to mitigating interactions between roads and wildlife. This practical handbook of tools and examples is designed to assist individuals and organizations thinking about or working toward reducing road-wildlife impacts. The book provides: an overview of the importance of habitat connectivity with regard to roads current planning approaches and technologies for mitigating the impacts of highways on both terrestrial and aquatic species different facets of public participation in highway-wildlife connectivity mitigation projects case studies from partnerships across North America that highlight successful on-the-ground implementation of ecological and engineering solutions recent innovative highway-wildlife mitigation developments Detailed case studies span a range of scales, from site-specific wildlife crossing structures, to statewide planning for habitat connectivity, to national legislation. Contributors explore the cooperative efforts that are emerging as a result of diverse organizations—including transportation agencies, land and wildlife management agencies, and nongovernmental organizations—finding common ground to tackle important road ecology issues and problems. Safe Passages is an important new resource for local-, state-, and national-level managers and policymakers working on road-wildlife issues, and will appeal to a broad audience including scientists, agency personnel, planners, land managers, transportation consultants, students, conservation organizations, policymakers, and citizens engaged in road-wildlife mitigation projects.
