Zoology of Egypt: Volume First, Reptilia and Batrachia

Abstract

WHEN, some six years ago, Dr. Anderson undertook the investigation which has resulted in the noble work now published, our knowledge of the herpetological fauna of Egypt was very meagre indeed, and could not compare with that of the neighbouring countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Syria. A list of the reptiles and batrachians of Egypt showed an imposing array of species, many of which now prove to be merely nominal, but these were represented in museums by a small number of specimens, few of which bore indications of exact localities. In fact, such material as then existed was quite inadequate for a study of the distribution as required by modern zoology, and the most important subject of variations and delimitation of species could not be attacked.

Zoology of Egypt: Volume First, Reptilia and Batrachia.

By John Anderson Pp. lxv + 371; 59 Pls. (London: Quaritch, 1898.)