Turtles and Crocodiles is the first volume of the Handbook of the Reptiles of the World, 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.
Table of Contents
Foreword – Russell A. Mittermeier
Introduction – Ruchira Somaweera
Class Reptilia – Roderic B. Mast & Ruchira Somaweera
Order Testudines
Family Chelidae (South American and Australian Side-necked Turtles) – Arthur Georges, Deborah S. Bower & Carla C. Eisemberg
Family Pelomedusidae (African Mud Turtles) – Luca Luiselli
Family Podocnemididae (South American and Malagasy River Turtles) – Mario Vargas-Ramírez
Family Cheloniidae (Hard-shelled Sea Turtles) – Roderic B. Mast & Ashleigh N. Bandimere
Family Dermochelyidae (Leatherback Sea Turtle) – Roderic B. Mast & Ashleigh N. Bandimere
Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles) – John L. Carr & Michael Skibsted
Family Dermatemydidae (Central American River Turtle) – Donald T. McKnight
Family Kinosternidae (Mud and Musk Turtles) – Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gómez
Family Emydidae (Sliders, Map Turtles and allies) – Alejandro García-Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre & Francesc Muñoz-Muñoz
Family Platysternidae (Asian Big-headed Turtles) – Alejandro García-Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre & Francesc Muñoz-Muñoz
Family Geoemydidae (Eurasian and American Pond and River Turtles) – Philipp Wagner, John L. Carr & Santiago Poch
Family Testudinidae (Tortoises) – Alejandro García-Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre & Francesc Muñoz-Muñoz
Family Carettochelyidae (Pig-nosed Turtle) – Arthur Georges, Deborah S. Bower & Carla C. Eisemberg
Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles) – Minh Duc Le
Order Crocodylia
Family Alligatoridae (Alligators and Caimans) – Alejandro Larriera
Family Crocodylidae (“True” Crocodiles) – Charlie Manolis
Family Gavialidae (Gharials) – Indraneil Das
