Monitors: The Biology of Varanid Lizards
J Herpe Med Surg 12[4]:33 Winter'02 Book Review 0 Refs

"... The book is divided into 11 chapters: introduction, taxonomy and phylogeny, feeding, breeding, general behavior, thermal biology, respiration, water use, energy use, parasites, and conservation and management. Unfortunately, many of the excellent references listed in the suggested reading section by chapter, were not associated directly with the information that was drawn from them. But it does allow the book to flow better. As usual, the chapter on taxonomy is confusing and seems to say that more changes are likely to occur in the future. There are many excellent anatomical drawings, even to the microscopic level of various structures such as some of the hemipenes, the upper respiratory system, and the salt glands. The chapters on feeding, thermal biology, respiration, water use, and energy use are all excellent review of general reptile physiology (with the various Varanid exceptions pointed out) but are also explained in an easy to understand way so lacking in many texts. The thermal biology and water use chapters especially stand out for explaining difficult concepts. The reviewer was disappointed that there was no section on each of the Varanid species. Nor were there color plates representing each species, only select ones. It is a rather small text at 100 pages, yet it provides excellent and concise information on monitor and reptile physiology. This book is highly recommended for the veterinarian, herpetoculturist, or anyone with any level of interest in these fascinating lizards or reptiles in general. Reviewed by Nancy Carpenter, DVM