As threats to Florida's environment escalate, the value and the critical applications of this revised series increase, too. Considered a fundamental resource from the time of its first publication in 1978, this edition of ""Amphibians and Reptiles"" contains new data that reflect the most complete and current summary of the status, natural history, and management needs of the state's endangered and threatened herpetofauna. The book is arranged in order of species status: endangered, threatened, rare, special concern, and status undetermined. For the 50 vulnerable species discussed, the work includes such information as geographic status, habitat requirements, and population size and trend. Since the 1978 edition, the status of several taxa has changed and seven species have been added. Additions to the rare category are the Florida bog frog and the Flatwoods salamander. Added species of status undetermined are the Pickerel frog, Eastern tiger salamander, Mimic glass lizard, South Florida rainbow snake, and Florida pine snake. The American alligator, previously listed as a species of special concern, was removed from that classification due to its recovery from the low population levels of the 1960s and the mechanisms now in place to control its harvest. In addition, the book notes other progress: Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge on the Key Largo now provides protection to the American crocodile (still classified endangered); state acquisitions of the Big Bend Preserve will help to protect the Gulf salt marsh snake as well as other species; and the proposed Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge will provide nesting protection to four of the five species of marine turtles found in Florida waters, all of which appear in this edition.
