Herpetology of Nepal : A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Trans-Himalayan Region of Asia

Contents: 1. Introduction to Nepal. 2. How to study amphibians and reptiles. 3. How to use the book. 4. Field study and observation. 5. History of herpetology of trans-Himalayas. 6. Amphibian and reptile Species in Red Data Book. 7. Amphibians and reptiles of Nepal. 8. Finding reptiles and amphibians. 9. Distribution of amphibians of Nepal. 10. Ecology and natural history of amphibians of Nepal. 11. Important frogs and toads of Nepal. 12. Contribution of amphibians to mankind. 13. Distribution of reptiles of Nepal. 14. Crocodiles of Nepal. 15. Ranching crocodiles in the Water of Himalayan Rivers. 16. Tortoises and Turtles in Nepal. 17. Ecology and natural history of lizards. 18. Ecology and natural history of snakes. 19. Directions for preserving amphibians and reptiles for scientific study. 20. Care of amphibians and reptiles in captivity with Basic Hygiene. 21. Field study, collection and special methods for preservation of snakes. 22. Snakes in religion art and culture. 23. Concise atlas of the snakes. 24. Identification of snake by reading scale. 25. Diagnosatic feature of venomous or nonvenomous snake. 26. How snake bite can be avoided in rural nepal. 27. Venomous snakes of nepal and snake bite problem. 28. Snake venom-biochemical nature of poisionous snake. 29. Management of snake bites. 30. Biochemical composition of snake venom. 31. Contribution of snakes to mankind. 32. National serpentarium in nepal: a new look. 33. Handling amphibians and reptiles in captive condition. 34. Diseases and parasites of snake. 35. Checklist of important families of amphibians and reptiles. Index.

In spite of diverse environmental gradient, vegetation and climate, Nepal harbour a varied and rich amphibians and reptiles. There is no well illustrated book on herpetology of this country. With its unique flora and fauna, Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is one of the most interesting destinations for professional and amateur naturalists and herpetologists. This work is a very accessible guide to the herpetals in wild and captivity. Newts, frogs, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles are described and illustrated with photographs and drawings. For each species, the description includes information on distribution, habitat, characteristic features as well as some general comments one ecology and natural history and conservation. Thirty-two colour and one hundred high quality black and white photographs are provided to simplify identification. The book also highlights role of terrarium, vivarium and nature parks for the conservation of declining herpetofauna. The role of amphibians and reptiles in myth and legends is also described giving insight into how man's awe of these powerful animals dates from earliest times. Dr. Shrestha's book provides a picture of habits and behaviour of these animals which will increase our respect for them and alert at general public about to the importance of protecting the future of many rare and endangered species.