Book excerpt: This easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 reptile species most commonly seen in India (covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High-quality photographs from the region's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers climate and vegetation, snake-bite management and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the reptiles of India encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status.