Contents: Foreword. Authors Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Description of reptiles: i. Crocodiles. ii. Turtles and tortoises. iii. Lizards. iv. Snakes. 3. Suggested reading. 4. Economic importance, threats and protection.

"There is an increasing demand for the reader-friendly books on Indian reptiles. This book, written in an easy-to-understand language and format, describes a majority of the most abundant and otherwise typical representatives of crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes that any citizen of the Republic of India is likely to encounter. The descriptions of reptiles are supplemented by as many illustrations as possible. Each species account, which pinpoints the distinctive features, colour, size, habitats, habits and distribution, is preceded by a brief summary of the classification upto the generic level and salient features of the group to which it (the species) belongs.

Additional information is given through remarks on the economic importance, threats and conservation of reptiles. For those who wish to extend their knowledge, a list of books has been suggested.

If this slender volume contributes in a small way to further the interest of Indians in reptiles which are becoming scarce due to human interference, it will have fulfilled its objective."