| Serie | Handbook of the Reptiles of the World |
| Authors | Russell A. Mittermeier, Alejandro Larriera, Charlie Manolis, Roderic Mast, Anders G.J. Rhodin & Craig B. Stanford |
| Language | English |
| ISBN | 9788416728817 |
| Publisher | Lynx Ediciones |
| Pages | 500 |
| Size | 24 x 31 cm |
| Format | Hardcover |
| Images | Illustrations and distribution maps |
| Year published | 2026 |
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.
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Class Reptilia
Order Testudines
Family Podocnemididae (South American and Malagasy River Turtles) / Mario Vargas-Ramírez
Family Pelomedusidae (African Mud Turtles) / Luca Luiselli
Family Chelidae (South American and Australian Side-necked Turtles) / Arthur Georges, Deborah Bower, Carla Eisemberg
Family Trionychidae (Softshell Turtles) / Minh Duc Le
Family Carettochelyidae (Pig-nosed Turtle) / Arthur Georges, Deborah Bower, Carla Eisemberg
Family Kinosternidae (Mud and Musk Turtles) / Juan Pablo Hurtado
Family Dermatemydidae (Central American River Turtle) / Donald McKnight
Family Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles) / John Carr, Michael Skibsted
Family Cheloniidae (Hard-shelled Sea Turtles) / Roderic Mast, Ashleigh Bandimere
Family Dermochelyidae (Leatherback Sea Turtle) / Roderic Mast, Ashleigh Bandimere
Family Geoemydidae (Eurasian and American Pond and River Turtles) / Philipp Wagner, John Carr
Family Testudinidae (Tortoises) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre, Francesc Muñoz
Family Platysternidae (Asian Big-headed Turtle) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre
Family Emydidae (Sliders, Map Turtles and allies) / Alejandro García Salmerón, Albert Martínez-Silvestre, Francesc Muñoz
Order Crocodylia
Family Gavialidae (Gharials) / Indraneil Das
Family Crocodylidae (True Crocodiles) / Charlie Manolis
Family Alligatoridae (Alligators and Caimans) / Alejandro Larriera
