A complete guide to the frogs of Southern Africa / Louis du Preez & Vincent Carruthers"These foul and loathsome animals are abhorrent because of their cold body, pale colour, cartilaginous skeleton, filthy skin, fierce aspect, calculating eye, offensive smell, harsh voice, sqaulid habitation, and terrible venom; and so their Creator has not exerted his powers to make many of them" Carolus Linnaeus (father of modern taxonomy and one of the great naturalists of his time), referring to amphibians, 1758
Harmless, colourful, melodious and ecologically vital, frogs are the antithesis of Linnaeus's disdain. Some 6 000 species of amphibians are known worldwide and more are discovered every year. At the same time, the decline and extinction of species is occurring at a disturbingly high rate, indicating widespread environmental malaise.
This beautiful and authoritative book is the most comprehensive treatment of frogs of the region ever produced. A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa covers frog and tadpole biology and behaviour. All 160 frog species (with their tadpole stages) are fully described, giving conservation status, calls, habitat and habits. To aid identification, there are large, full-colour images of each species, detailed keys and clear summary panels showing 'Distinctive characters' and 'Key ID points'. Calls for most species are recorded on the accompanying CD, and spectrograms are provided, offering the surest method of identifying these secretive and often cryptic creatures.
For all nature lovers, amateur 'froggers', students, as well as professional scientists, this is an inspiring and significant guide.
Source : A Complete guide to the frogs of Southern Africa / Louis du Preez & Vincent Carruthers 2009
