Contents: 1. Introduction to Nepal. 2. How to study amphibians and reptiles. 3. How to use the book. 4. Field study and observation. 5. History of herpetology of trans-Himalayas. 6. Amphibians and reptiles of Nepal. 7. Finding reptiles and amphibians. 8. Distribution of amphibians of Nepal. 9. Ecology and natural history of amphibians of Nepal. 10. Important frogs and toads of Nepal. 11. Contribution of amphibians to mankind. 12. Distribution of reptiles of Nepal. 13. Crocodiles of Nepal. 14. Ranching crocodiles in the Himalayan waters. 15. Tortoises and turtles in Nepal. 16. Ecology and natural history of lizards. 17. Ecology and natural history of snakes. 18. Directions for preserving amphibians and reptiles for scientific study. 19. Care of amphibians and reptiles in captivity. 20. Field study, collection and special methods for preservation of snakes. 21. Snakes in art and religion. 22. Identification of snake by reading scale. 23. Is snake venomous or nonvenomous. 24. Identification of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. 25. How can snake bite be avoided? 26. Venomous snake of Nepal: what about snake bite problem? 27. Typical poisonous and non-poisonous snakes of Nepal and management of snake bite. 28. Treatment of snake bite. 29. Biochemical composition of snake venom. 30. Contribution of snakes to mankind. 31. Conservation strategies for snakes. 32. Checklist of amphibians and reptiles reported from Nepal. References. Index.
"In spite of diverse environmental gradient, vegetation and climate, Nepal harbour a varied and rich amphibians and reptiles. There is no well illustrated book on herpetology of this country. With its unique flora and fauna, Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is one of the most interesting destinations for professional and amateur naturalists and herpetologists. This work is a very accessible guide to the herpetals in wild and captivity. Newts, frogs, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles are described and illustrated with photographs and drawings. For each species, the description includes information on distribution, habitat, characteristic features as well as some general comments one ecology and natural history and conservation. Thirty-two colour and one hundred high quality black and white photographs are provided to simplify identification. The book also highlights role of terrarium, vivarium and nature parks for the conservation of declining herpetofauna. The role of amphibians and reptiles in myth and legends is also described giving insight into how man’s awe of these powerful animals dates from earliest times. Dr. Shrestha’s book provides a picture of habits and behaviour of these animals which will increase our respect for them and alert at general public about to the importance of protecting the future of many rare and endangered species."
