Exploring Environments: Reptiles

Reptiles is one of four programs in the Exploring Environments series, an Australian production which examines animals in various environments. In Reptiles, wildlife ranger Tina Dalton looks at eight species of reptiles, including the black-headed python, the shinglebacked lizard, the poisonous tiger snake, and the fresh water crocodile, in their native habitats: sandy dunes, verdant forests, open hills, and ponds. Each reptile is discussed briefly, with emphasis on how it interacts with its environment. While Dalton is a fine host, and the tech credits are good, this series has a couple of drawbacks: first, the program seems more like an ersatz compilation of clips rather than a thematic whole, and second, as is to be expected in a series from Australia, the reptiles shown are, by and large, indigenous to that country. Suitable for elementary schools, this might serve as supplementary material for a basic introduction to reptiles. But it's not a necessary purchase. The other titles in the series are: Frogs and Toads, At Home in the Rainforest, and At Home on the Barrier Reef. (See BREAD AND HONEY for availability.)