This edited volume is a timely and comprehensive summary of the New Zealand lizard fauna. Nestled in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand is a large archipelago that displays the faunal signatures of both its Gondwanan origins, and more recent oceanic island influences. New Zealand was one of the last countries on Earth to be discovered, and likewise, the full extent of the faunal diversity present within the archipelago is only just starting to be appreciated. This is no better exemplified than in lizards, where just 30 species (20 skinks, 10 geckos) were recognized in the 1950s, but now 104 are formally or informally recognized (61 skinks, 43 geckos). Thus, New Zealand contains one of the most diverse lizard faunas of any cool, temperate region on Earth. This book brings together the world’s leading experts in the field to produce an authoritative overview of the history, taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, life-history, physiology and conservation of New Zealand lizards.
This edited volume is a timely and comprehensive summary of the New Zealand lizard fauna. Nestled in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand is a large archipelago that displays the faunal signatures of both its Gondwanan origins, and more recent oceanic island influences. New Zealand was one of the last countries on Earth to be discovered, and likewise, the full extent of the faunal diversity present within the archipelago is only just starting to be appreciated. This is no better exemplified than in lizards, where just 30 species (20 skinks, 10 geckos) were recognized in the 1950s, but now 104 are formally or informally recognized (61 skinks, 43 geckos). Thus, New Zealand contains one of the most diverse lizard faunas of any cool, temperate region on Earth. This book brings together the world’s leading experts in the field to produce an authoritative overview of the history, taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, life-history, physiology and conservation of New Zealand lizards.
Provides complete overview on the New Zealand lizard fauna Brings together the world’s leading experts to produce an authoritative overview of the history, taxonomy, biogeography, ecology, life-history, and conservation of New Zealand lizards Broadens your understanding of one of the most diverse lizard fauna of any cool, temperate region on Earth
David G. Chapple
Fossil record of New Zealand lizards Lizard behaviour Lizard conservation New Zealand lizard taxonomy Reptile biogeography rainbow skink biogeography conservation Diplodactylidae ecology gecko life history lizard physiology plague skink
“In this comprehensive and authoritative volume, David Chapple and co-authors have compiled a fascinating overview of the New Zealand lizards. … the book excels and will provide a notable point of reference for both current and future reptile researchers. … this book would provide a useful additional resource for university taught courses in fields such as ecology, evolution and conservation. … I would definitely recommend the book in its entirety … .” (Oliver J. S. Tallowin, Frontiers of Biogeography, Vol. 9 (1), 2017)