Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. Mike Dorcas and Wit Gibbons. 238p. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2008. 978–0–8203–2922–2; 2008–13582. $22.95.

Frogs and toads have long attracted the attention of scientists. In addition to the benefits of eating insects, frogs provide some measure of the health of ecosystems. Dwelling at the intersection of aquatic and land environments, frogs and other amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental change. In recent years, climate change, habitat destruction, chemical pollution, introduced pests, increases in ultraviolet radiation and diseases have all contributed to the decline in the numbers of amphibians world–wide. Thus, the study of existing species of frogs provides warnings of local environmental issues. Of the 96 known species of North American frogs and toads identified north of Mexico, at least 42 inhabit the southeastern United States. Biologists Dorcas and Gibbon provide a comprehensive portrait of frogs in this environmentally diverse region. Following an overview of the differences between frogs and toads and a summary of their shared characteristics, the scientists provide accounts of each species in the region. The entries vary from 3-5 pages in length and are well-illustrated. Physical descriptions include mature adults, tadpoles and similar species. Distinctive features and typical sizes also are noted in table form in the margins. Discussion of distribution and habitat feature maps of ranges in both the southeast and the United States. The commentary also covers behavior, feeding and reproduction patterns, calls, chief predators and defense mechanisms. Each entry concludes with an assessment of the conservation status of the species. One species not included is the newly discovered Cajun chorus frog (Pseudacris fouquettei) found in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The guide concludes with a brief introduction to herpetology, a summary table of the calling months for all species and a summary of the distribution of species by state. The accompanying cumulative distribution map for all species reveals a surprising density of species not in major wetland areas, but the upland coastal plains area of the southeast. The indexes list species by common and scientific names. With its excellent descriptions of each species, this guide will serve a wide audience, beyond its area of focus from Louisiana to Virginia.