Compiles recent data and reviews past information to provide annotated species lists of all amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of Lao People's Democratic Republic. Each species account considers seasonal status, distribution in the country, altitude range, and habitats used. Species of national conservation concern are identified and the account is expanded to a synthesis of recent and historical status information.
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.
Grouse have long attracted and fascinated people. Their display behaviour, and their traditional communal mating grounds or "leks", have inspired poetry and folklore as well as scientific theories on sexual selection and mating systems. Im many parts of their range, hunting plays a major role in the culture, economy, and subsistence of local communities.
