Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family

Book by Jeffrey E. Lovich and Whit Gibbons

Princeton University Press. 2021.  240p. Hardbound. $29.95. 

More than a guide to “families”, since some families consist of only 1-3 species, there is often information down to individual species or else to genus level.  Over 250 excellent color photographs accompany this admirable title.  An overview of the world’s 354 species.

For each entry there is information on distribution (with a map in most cases), genera, habitats, size, life span, activity (diurnal vs. nocturnal, etc.), reproduction, and diet.  “Size” always lists length with respect to “CL”, carapace length, but lacks weight for smaller taxa.

Some extremes listed here: Alligator Snapping Turtles can reach 249 lbs., Eastern Box Turtles can live to be over 100, some Galapagos Tortoises get up to 882 lbs. and some recent ones were probably alive when Darwin visited.  Leatherback Sea Turtles can reach 2,016 lbs.

Detailed introductory material describes turtle anatomy, physiology, global and regional distribution, behavior, feeding habits, extinct turtles, reproduction, evolution, systematics, taxonomy, growth, longevity, ecological and cultural importance, and conservation.

Full of interesting facts.  Ranges of some species are restricted to small river systems in Australia and Africa.  Some species have only been discovered in the past few decades.  Burrows of Gopher Tortoises are used by “over 250 species of vertebrates and invertebrates” (p. 153).

Helpful are appendices with a 72-term glossary, a list of 7 turtle conservation organizations, 18 general books, and 15 relevant journal articles.  Reference is made at several spots on the deleterious effects of the pet trade, often an illicit phenomenon. There is a large sub-culture of illegal reptile captivity.

This book is solid and well-reproduced.  Highly recommended.

Henry T. Armistead
March 3rd, 2023