Frogs and Toads of Alabama is the most comprehensive taxonomy of the anuran fauna gathered since Robert H. Mount's 1975 volume on the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This richly illustrated guide provides an up-to-date summary of the taxonomy and life history of both native frogs and toads and those introduced to the state.
Alabama possesses one of the most species-rich biotas of North America, and this richness is reflected in its frogs and toads. The authors examine all known species within the state and describe important regional variations in each species, including changes within species across the state's many habitats. Significant field studies, pertaining especially to species conservation, inform each account.
The life history entry for each species consists of scientific and common names, full-color photographs, a morphological description, discussion of habits and life cycle, and a distribution map depicting areas in which the species is located throughout the state, as well as notes on conservation and management practices. The illustrated taxonomic keys provided for families, genera, species, and subspecies will be an invaluable resource to herpetologists.
This extensive guide will serve as a single resource for understanding the rich natural history of Alabama by shedding light on this important aspect of its biodiversity, especially in light of ongoing changes in the habitats of many of Alabama's herpetofauna. Accessible to all, this volume is valuable for both the professional herpetologist and the general reader interested in frogs and toads.
Craig Guyer is an emeritus professor of biological sciences at Auburn University, with special concentrations on herpetology, tropical ecology, and biogeography. He has authored or co-authored many scientific journal articles and is coauthor, with Maureen A. Donnelly, of Amphibians and Reptiles of La Selva, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean Slope: A Comprehensive Guide. In concert with Mark A. Bailey and Robert H. Mount, Guyer was the lead author of Turtles of Alabama and Lizards and Snakes of Alabama.
Mark A. Bailey is a senior biologist with Conservation Southeast Inc., a resource management firm specializing in native habitats and species of the southeastern US. He has authored and co-authored many conservation strategies and plans, most notably, the PARC Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeastern United States, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Wildlife Federation. He is also a co-author of Turtles of Alabama and Lizards and Snakes of Alabama.
"It has been over forty years since the previous scientific treatment of these animals in the state was published, Mount's 1975 The Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama. Numerous significant changes or advancements of knowledge in species distribution, conservation status, taxonomy, and natural history of Alabama herpetofauna have taken place since then, certainly enough to warrant the series of books that started with Turtles of Alabama and the more recently released Lizards and Snakes of Alabama. I have enjoyed both of those books and know they have been well received by others I've interacted with, and I have no doubt Frogs and Toads of Alabama will be too."
– John B. Jensen, coeditor of Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia