Crocodilians is the scientific name for crocodiles, alligators, gharials and caimans. Collectively they area walking, breathing link to the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth 240 million years ago. And they look even more fierce as long as a pickup truck, and with giant mouths full of razor-sharp teeth.

Loathed for their eating habits and adored for their skins, alligators and crocodiles were hunted almost to extinction. But thanks to some creative conservation efforts the status of crocodilians has improved dramatically. Even though some populations are thriving, others are still at risk. Eight species remain on the endangered list, and some hover on the edge of extinction.

Alligator and Crocodile Rescue profiles the major programs and people around the world who are active in the conservation efforts to help these animals:

• Rene Hedegaard founded Denmark's Krokodille Zoo, which breeds and cares for 70 crocs from 19 species
• Christine Brewton is a member of Louisiana Fur and Alligator Advisory Council, which actually protects wild gators and their habitat
• Yosapong Temsiripong is a conservationist from Thailand who works to introduce captive-bred Siamese crocodiles into the wild.

Illustrated with 50 color photographs, Alligator and Crocodile Rescue covers the people, the issues and the challenges involved in preserving a future for endangered wildlife.

About the Firefly Animal Rescue series:

The Firefly Animal Rescue identifies endangered and threatened species and what is being done to protect them. Combining lively, accessible text and stunning color photographs, each book provides a detailed overview of the species, describing its characteristics, behavior, habits, physiology and more.

"These attractive books are a call to action... fascinating readable accounts."
- School Library Journal

"Succinct introductions to the science and practice of wildlife conservation... written in accessible, lively language."
- Booklist

Trish Snyder is a journalist and award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in a variety of magazines and newspapers.

Trish Snyder's profile page

Clearly outlines the various threats... and introduces readers to organizations and individuals trying to save them... effective overviews.

School Library Journal

Award winning... With beautiful photography and inspiring examples of individuals passionately devoted to wildlife conservation, these are excellent resource for the classroom or school library.

Green Teacher

Author Trish Snyder has an engaging, easy-reading style that will appeal to young readers as well as adults. As expected with this series, the photographs are top quality and enhance the information in the text.

Canadian Materials, Vol. 13, No. 9

Starred Selection

Canadian Children's Book Centre

[reviewed with Bear Rescue and Rainforest Bird Rescue] Suitable for gifts to reading age children and as communication tools for all ages. Nicely done.

Wildlife Activist

Starred selection, Our Choice, 2007, Canadian Children's Book Centre Meet people around the world who are trying to ensure a future for those living links to dinosaurs.

Canadian Children's Book Centre

H Alligator & Crocodile Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife (Firefly Animal Rescue)