The first book dedicated entirely to the fascinating ecology of the world's tortoises. Tortoises of the World is the only book to offer a comprehensive exploration of the biology, natural history, and conservation of the fascinating family Testudinidae. Renowned reptile scientist George R. Zug and acclaimed science writer Devin A. Reese bring a wealth of research to life in this beautifully illustrated volume, the first dedicated wholly to tortoises. Focusing on the diversity of the 47 known tortoise species and their evolution from ancestral turtles, this approachable and informative work explores: • Tortoise adaptations, their unique body plan, and their behavioral ecology • The odd anatomy and physiology that enables tortoises' life in shells • Their resilience to extreme temperatures and aridity • Tortoises' role as ecosystem engineers in the diverse habitats they occupy • Their intricate life cycle, from mating rituals and nesting to the tenuous survival of eggs and hatchlings Zug and Reese also examine the challenging nature of interactions between tortoises and humans while highlighting ongoing conservation efforts to secure their futures. Tortoises of the World is elegantly written and summarizes in an easily comprehensible way the scientific knowledge on tortoises, including the newest insights. It is an outstanding work that should be on the bookshelf of anybody interested in tortoises. ―Uwe Fritz, Senckenberg Society for Nature Research Zug and Reese have produced an exemplary natural history book. The superb mix of entertaining and informative writing coupled with exquisite photographs will mesmerize all readers―children to adults, amateurs to professionals. It is destined to become the consummate authority on these appealing creatures. ―Whit Gibbons, author of Their Blood Runs Cold: Adventures with Reptiles and Amphibians This is an excellent introduction with wonderful photos. Tortoises of the World will no doubt become a classic overview of these iconic and threatened animals. ―Anders Rhodin, Founder/Director, Chelonian Research Foundation The first book dedicated entirely to the fascinating ecology of the world's tortoises. George R. Zug , emeritus research scientist of reptiles and amphibians at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, is an award-winning herpetologist, the author of Reptiles and Amphibians of the Pacific Islands , and the coauthor of Herpetology: An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles . Devin A. Reese is the executive editor of Natural Histor y magazine. An award-winning science writer who earned her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, she has written for the Smithsonian, PBS, the World Wildlife Fund , Science News , and elsewhere.