Turtles and tortoises are fascinating survivors from an ancient world of reptiles that reach back to the age of the dinosaurs. Today they rank among the most threatened species on the planet. Their slow movement on land and lack of defenses combine with habitat destruction to make them vulnerable everywhere in the world. This guidebook describes in detail the appearance and behavior of 190 land, marine and freshwater species of turtle. The concise, informative text is supplemented by a wealth of drawings and photographs which show the individual forms, patterns, coloration and habitat adaptation of each turtle. This handy guidebook will prove invaluable to the student, naturalist and anyone interested in this fascinating creature. Each species of turtle is covered in detail - name, species, habitat, food, range, and a thorough description are provided for each entry. 190 species are covered and illustrated with 400 color photographs and 250 drawings and charts to provide a unique look at turtles and tortoises. An ideal book for anyone interested in marine life, it provides up-to-date information, clear color photographs in a handy format for use in the field or at a desk. Readers who need essential facts quickly will be pleased with the orderly presentation of information, the completeness of the entries and the accuracy of the information. The color photographs help in identifying species as well as providing a visual reference for the information presented. illustrated