Under The Microscope

ATLAS OF THE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF NEW ZEALAND, by C. R. Pickard & D. R. Towns; Dept of Conservation; 60 pages; $10.00;
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LIZARDS OF NEW ZEALAND, by D. R. Towns; Dept of Conservation; 28 pages; $6.00.

These booklets are for the serious herpetologist, not the backyard admirer of frogs, geckos and skinks. They're crammed with Latin names, scholarly references, and instructions on how to correctly identify your wee beastie.

The bulk of the atlas is taken up with maps showing where various frogs and lizards have been spotted. The field guide contains all you need to know to tell Mcgregor's skink from Whitaker's.

The speed and elusiveness of the herpetofauna means that relatively little is known concerning their habitat requirements and distribution.

The endangered or protected status of many makes identification a potentially hazardous affair.

The Department of Conservation has reissued these books as part of its attempt to expand its database on the species spread of amphibians and reptiles around New Zealand. A comprehensive sighting form is included to encourage competent spotters to get involved in the distribution scheme.

The professional frog spotter would probably appreciate the department's efforts, particularly in enclosing the volumes in a waterproof cover for protection in the field.

(Both books are available from the department for $2 postage and handling.)