The Field Herping Guide - (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Books) by Mike Pingleton & Joshua Holbrook (Paperback)

About the Book

"Herping is the observation of amphibians and reptiles for recreation or for the production of citizen science--the cold-blooded equivalent of birding. [This volume] is the first book to explore the ... world of observing herpetofauna across North America"--

Book Synopsis

Herping is the observation of amphibians and reptiles for recreation or for the production of citizen science--the cold-blooded equivalent of birding. The Field Herping Guide: Finding Amphibians and Reptiles in the Wild is the first book to explore the fun and fascinating world of observing herpetofauna across North America. The natural world holds an amazing diversity of herps, some as close as our own backyards. This guidebook is geared toward new field herpers and uses proven methods from professional herpetologists Mike Pingleton and Joshua Holbrook.

The guide addresses basic questions new field herpers have about amphibians and reptiles: What do I need to know about their biology? Where do I look for them, and when? These topics are covered in a straightforward manner, with images, a glossary of essential terms, personal anecdotes, and informational vignettes that support the subject material.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
Getting Started
Understanding Herp Behavior
Finding Herps
Catching and Handling Herps
Safety in the Field
Ethics and Etiquette, Rights and Responsibilities
Classification, Taxonomy, and Species Identification
Citizen Science and Data Collection
Herp Photography
Social Aspects of Field Herping
A History of Field Herping

Review Quotes

The Field Herping Guide by Pingleton and Holbrook is a refreshing response to the widespread and burgeoning interest in herpetology among all age groups. As the best practical how-to guide yet written for discovering and enjoying reptiles and amphibians in their natural settings, the book will enhance the enjoyment of herp enthusiasts and bolster conservation efforts at many levels. The personal experiences of the authors coupled with down-to-earth presentations of where and when to find these fascinating creatures in the wild will inspire any promising herpetologist to take the next step to enjoy them. This well-written book provides useful herpetological information for hobbyists, professionals, and casual observers alike.--Whit Gibbons "author of Snakes of the Southeast"

About the Author

Mike Pingleton (Author)
MIKE PINGLETON is the author of The Redfoot Manual, a how-to book concerning the care and conservation of the South American red-footed tortoise. He has also written for Herp Nation and his field herping blog at fieldherping.org. Pingleton has served on the board of directors for the World Chelonian Trust and is an administrative project manager for HerpMapper (herpmapper.org), a global data collection project powered by citizen science.

Joshua Holbrook (Author)
JOSHUA HOLBROOK teaches herpetology at Montreat College and is the author of A Field Guide to the Snakes of Southern Florida. He has also written for Herp Nation and such scientific publications as Freshwater Biology, IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians, and the Herpetological Review.