Amphibians and Reptiles of the Rainforests of Southern El Petén, Guatemala

In the early months of 1960 a small scientific team found themselves stationed at a remote oil‑company camp deep within the southern Guatemalan rainforest of El Petén. From the makeshift bases at Chinajá and Toocog they followed the progress of road crews, seizing every felled tree as an opportunity to uncover the hidden world of amphibians and reptiles that cling to the canopy. The narrator’s vivid field notes convey the challenges of tropical heat, the rhythm of daily collecting, and the camaraderie that turns a rugged expedition into a lively exploration.

The resulting study presents a meticulous inventory of more than seventy species, accompanied by detailed descriptions, habitat notes, and illustrative plates. Readers will travel through the region’s physiography, climate, and vegetation while gaining insight into the ecological relationships that bind these cold‑blooded inhabitants to their environment. It is a clear, engaging snapshot of mid‑century herpetological research, offering both scientific rigor and the palpable excitement of discovery.