The Reproductive Biology of the Chelonia [1999]
J Herpe Med Surg 11[3]:33 Summer'01 Book Review 0 Refs

"... The book begins with a succinct account of chelonian phylogeny and anatomy, but quickly gets into the "meat" of the subject at hand. Chapter two, Methods to Study Reproduction, describes procedures for, and the relative merits of radiography, ultrasound, laparoscopy, and blood sampling. Kuchling has been a vocal critic of the use of radiography as the primary research tool in chelonian reproductive research, citing potential harm to developing ova. As expected from his prior publications, he produces nice discussions and images of ultrasonography throughout the text. ... The bulk of the text summarizes known reproductive physiology data including ovarian cycles and egg production, testicular cycles and sperm production, sperm storage, reproductive behavior, nesting behavior, hormones and reproduction, and egg physiology and embryonic development. ... While the author's primary research subjects form the basis of much of the text, numerous chelonian species are discussed, representing most of the extant (and some extinct) families. The bibliography of approximately five hundred references is a valuable asset in itself. The sonograms, photos of ovarian structures, and images of egg candling are good enough to serve as an initial self-teaching guide to ovarian sonography, ovarian evaluation at necropsy, and monitoring of egg development by candling. ... The text, although an excellent reference, is very overpriced at approximately $150. It is hardcover, but at 10 x 5 inches and only two hundred pages, lacks any other characteristics to justify its price. ... Despite the price, The Reproductive Biology of the Chelonia should be in the library of serious students of chelonian biology, including veterinarians, curators, academic herpetologists, and serious private keepers." Reviewed by Charles Innis, VMD