Herpetologist

Adding Scientific Expertise to Nearly Two Decades of Field Experience

Dr. Walter E. Meshaka, Jr., is a professional herpetologist with 40 years of experience in field- and museum-based research in the biology of amphibians and reptiles, especially those species native and exotic to North America. With nearly 300 published papers primarily in herpetology, many of his publications relate to the herpetofauna of his home state of Florida. He is lead or sole author of 10 herpetology-related books, including The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of the United States, The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida, and The Cuban Treefrog in Florida: Life History of a Successful Colonizing Species as well as two monographs, A Runaway Train in the Making: The Exotic Amphibians, Reptiles, Turtles, and Crocodilians of Florida and The Herpetology of Southern Florida. Meshaka also co-edited Amphibians and Reptiles: Status and Conservation in Florida. Meshaka is a co-editor of the Journal of North American Herpetology, a member of the board of advisors of the Institute of Natural History Arts, and recipient of The Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology.