Handbook of Amphibians of French Guiana

Description:

This handbook of Amphibians of French Guiana follows the Atlas des Amphibiens de Guyane, first published in French in 2000.

It incorporates the considerable progress in knowledge achieved over the last 20 years on the taxonomy, distribution, ecology and conservation of the 137 species in French Guiana.

The distribution maps are based on more than 22,000 verified data points that extend well beyond the borders of French Guiana. These maps also highlight the fragility of the species.

Particular focus is drawn to the evolutionary history of each species. Furthermore, their phylogenetic position and taxonomic status (and eventual uncertainties attached to it) are highlighted.

The biogeography of French Guiana’s amphibians cannot be interpreted outside the Neotropical and Amazonian contexts. The extreme richness and diversity of Guiana’s fauna is the result of complex evolutionary processes. The history of Guiana’s amphibians spans tens of millions of years during which drastic changes in climate and vegetation have at times isolated or favoured dispersion of species and shaped one of the richest amphibian communities in the world.