Book excerpt: An illustrated guide to over 650 amphibians, reptiles and mammals of the United States, Canada, Central and South America, detailing distribution, habitat, food, size, life span and conservation status. A natural history section explains how these animals are adapted to their habitat and food sources, with information about anatomy, reproduction, ecology, migration, hibernation, biomes, endangered species and wildlife conservation. Over 900 color photographs and specially commissioned illustrations and maps for each of the species featured--Cover.