Beijing is blessed with a surprising amount of biodiversity. More than 500 species of bird have been recorded, around 70 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) and more than 1,500 native plants. This also holds true for reptiles and amphibians, with 25 reptiles (including 17 snake species) and eight species of amphibian. These totals compare favourably with the six species of reptile and seven species of amphibian that can be found in all of the UK.
English language resources about Beijing’s wildlife are still scarce, so it is wonderful to see the publication of the terrific “A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Beijing” by W. Scott Lupien, a Beijing-based herpetologist.
This book is a comprehensive guide to identifying all 33 species of reptile and amphibian to be found in Beijing Municipality. For each species there are stunning photographs, detailed descriptions, including how to distinguish from similar species, and maps with range information. Videos are available by scanning QR codes.
The book is a very reasonable CNY 288 and can be purchased directly from the author via the website beijingherps.com. Payment via PayPal is accepted.
Scott is to be congratulated on a book of the highest quality that will serve as THE reference for anyone with an interest in these magnificent creatures. And all the more appropriate that is has been published in the Year of the Snake!
Go and buy it!
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