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 This book is about the amphibians and reptiles native to Missouri. As a group, the salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes are the least known and understood of all the vertebrate animals in this region. One reason is that few Missourians come in direct contact with the majority of these animals: amphibians and reptiles have secretive habits and are inactive during the winter. Fear and myth still surround many amphibians and reptiles, due largely to a lack of knowledge. It is my hope that the availability and use of this book will reduce negative attitudes and replace them with understanding, tolerance and an appreciation of amphibians and reptiles as a natural part of outdoor Missouri. An informed public is vital to a successful wildlife conservation program. A variety of individuals from the casual amateur naturalist to the serious student and professional biologist should benefit from this book.

Scientists currently recognize 3,266 species of amphibians and 5,954 reptile species living on earth (Duellman, 1979). Approximately 460 species of amphibians and reptiles are known to occur within the continental United States. At present, a total of 107 species of amphibians and reptiles are native to Missouri. Of this total, only five species (venomous snakes) are considered dangerous to humans. The majority of Missouri's amphibians and reptiles are benign creatures of little direct economic consequence to people, but add immeasurably to the complexity, diversity and esthetics of our region.

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