Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards: From Black Caimans to Komodo Dragons

With detailed captions explaining the origins, habitat, and behavior of these fascinating species, Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards is a vivid pictorial guide in brilliant photographs.

Crocodiles, alligators, caimans, Gila monsters--these creatures all have dinosaur ancestries dating from 94 million years ago. There is something elemental and scary about a crocodile, with its tough scaly skin, long powerful tail, conical, peg-like teeth, and vicious bite. And these creatures can still be found in every part of the world. Divided by continent, Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards introduces the American alligator, an apex predator that swims the coasts, estuaries, and swamps of the southeastern USA feeding on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; the black caiman, which can grow up to an enormous 20 feet in length and prefers the habitat of the slow-moving rivers and lakes of the Amazon basin; the frilled lizard, which spreads its frilly neck when threatened or to impress other lizards; the Gila monster, whose two-tone camouflage allows it to easily blend into its desert habitat; and the Komodo dragon, which can run up to 13 mph over short distances and has a venomous bite that can paralyze large animals.

David Alderton has enjoyed a lifelong interest in wildlife and has traveled widely, studying a variety of creatures in their natural habitats throughout the world. His books have sold more than six million copies and been published in over 30 languages.