BOOK REVIEW by Barry Bevin
MANTELLAS 
by Marc Staniszewski 
Price £ 
Publisher: Andreas S. Brahm 
ISBN 3-930612-54-2 

Having kept Mantellas for about ten years, I am quick to snap up any information I can obtain and have closely followed the work of Marc Staniszewski whose books and articles have helped to educate hobbyists who want to keep and breed these frogs. 
His latest book has 229 pages and draws on the knowledge of specialists, from zoos, field researchers, veterinarians and private keepers, and his own ex-periences of keeping and breeding Mantellas. The book covers all aspects, including classification, history & genus, physiology, behaviour, including feeding habits and territorial and reproductive behaviour. Also covered are Zoogeography and conservation, acquisition and initial care. Marc covers in great detail housing, food & feeding, breeding, sexing, longevity, health & disease, all-important information for anybody thinking about keeping these frogs. My favourite section sets out the latest information on species identification, covering all aspects, including size, habitat, suitability for captive care, breeding, eggs and tadpoles. From the outset this work is thorough, well written and produced to an extremely high standard. The quality, detail, photographs, illustrations and logical sequence, will ensure that it will become a reference work for anybody who keeps or has an interest these species. 
The book pulls no punches making it clear that, pollution, massive deforestation, natural habitat loss and over collection for the pet trade, are all factors which combine to seriously threaten the wild populations of Mantellas. Marc points out that we all have a responsibility to ensure the correct acquisition, handling and captive care of these wonderful creatures and that to some extent the future of our hobby is in our own hands. With the help of literature like this and articles from experts and keepers alike, the sharing of knowledge about Mantellas can only help establish an active captive breeding programme, so far only enjoyed by the keepers of Dendrobatid species and which will help to minimise the loss and collection of wild populations. 
The book is completed by a comprehensive glossary, listing other publications, Internet resources, and places to see and learn more about Mantellas before making your purchase, a list of equipment suppliers as well as personal communications and references used to complete this book. If you keep Mantellas this book is one you can't afford to be without. For further information visit the web site or write to Marc Staniszewski, 56, Baldwin Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire. DY10 2UA