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Synopsis This book is the first ever field guide in Orissa covering 81 species of amphibians and reptiles found in Similipal Biosphere Reserve. The book contains 160 colour photographs of all the species of herpetofauna found in the Reserve. The descriptions given in the book are for easy identification of species by readers. The species description begins with a header containing the common English name followed by scientific name. The vernacular name, if available, is given below the scientific name. The maximum size of the animals are given. In the book the potentially dangerous snakes are indicated by a red marking on the upper left corner of the page. At the beginning of the book the annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of Similipal is given with their legal status under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. There is an useful section on snakebite covering updated first aid, treatment and snake management. The suggested reading section covers other relevant source of information regarding natural history, ecology, systematics and conservation of herpetofauna. A glossary of technical terms, which has been used in the text, is given. An index of common English names and scientific names are provided for quick access to the species described in the book.

The book can be used by field biologists, visitors, researchers, doctors and general public as a source of information on the little known animals.