The South Asian region can be considered a herpetofaunal "hotspot" with its high degree of species richness and diversity of amphibian and reptilian fauna. Unfortunately, high population density and population growth are putting enormous pressure on the region's natural resources and ecosystems, and as a result five amphibian species and 31 reptilian species from this region are listed as globally threatened in the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The West Indian Iguanas form a unique group of species inhabiting tropical dry forests throughout the Bahanas and the Greater and Lesser Antilles. They are among the most endangered of the world's lizards, primarily because much of their fragile island habitat has been eliminated by human developemnt or severely degraded by exotic species. The Jamaican iguana, considered by some to be the rarest lizard in the world, may number no more than 100 adults.
Vol. 1 (Northern hemisphere)
Vol. 2 (South America)
Vol.3 (Central and South America)
Vol.4 (South and South East Asia)
Vol.5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines)
Vol.6 (Africa)
Vol.7 (Australia, Papua New Guinea)
Vol.8 (Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands; New Zealand and Pacific Ocean islands)
Vol.9 (extinct animals and index)