Chameleons of Africa – An Atlas including the chameleons of Europe, the Middle East and Asia

Frankfurt 2018, geb., Großformat (21 × 29,7 cm), 643 Seiten, 816 Farbfotos, 142 Zeichnungen, Verbreitungskarten für alle Arten. Mit einem Vorwort von Bill Branch. This second edition “is written by a leading expert on the group, so that means it’s up to date and comprehensive. The success of the first edition (2010) meant that the book was very soon ‘out of print’ […]. However, the revision was no simple task as a lot has happened in chameleon biology and taxonomy in the eight years between this revision and its original. As usual Colin has summarised and integrated all of this into the species accounts, many of which have been rewritten. Everywhere we look in Africa, new reptilian novelties are turning up. Over 20 new taxa have been added to chameleon diversity since Colin’s 2010 ‘summary’, and their rate of description shows no sign of abating. One Rhampholeon was even named in his honour; perhaps, surprisingly, it is neither shaggy nor robust, but it is nonetheless appropriately named, as it is a handsome little fellow with an unassuming air and a large rostral projection. It is probable that another 20–30 species await discovery and description, assuming we discover them all before their forest habitats are cleared for wardrobes, wood carvings and charcoal. Your interest in this book means that you probably have a passion for these jewelled gems. Let that love drive you to understand and protect them, and to save them for future generations. Colin’s monumental book is the vehicle they need.  Its size and the stunning array of beautiful images will mean that it will grace more coffee tables than bookshelves. This is only fitting as its beauty, combined with its up to date science, means that it will serve as both a bedrock of knowledge as well as a printed ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’. It will, and indeed must, serve as a beacon for the future study and conservation of these African gems.”
Was als erweiterte und aktualisierte Neuauflage geplant war, ist zu einem komplett neuen Buch geworden. Das liegt zum einen am größeren Format, zum anderen aber auch daran, dass seit Erscheinen der ersten Auflage 2010 weitere 20 Chamäleonarten auf dem Kontinent be­schrieben wurden und hier gezeigt werden können. Rund 30 % des verwendeten Bildmaterials sind neu. Da etliche der bunten Kreaturen dank des Formates auch sehr viel größer abgebildet werden können als in der ersten Auflage, macht der neue Tilbury noch einmal so viel Spaß wie der alte.

ISBN 978-3-89973-115-6

Frankfurter Beiträge zur Naturkunde Band 77