Alligators and crocodiles are among the oldest largest and most advanced reptiles on earth. Lurid accounts of encounters between humans and crocodilians have fascinated and horrified people over the centuries, and some truly monstrous creatures exist today.

John and Deborah Behler have spent more than twenty years working with reptiles, and describe the history, habits and prospects for survival of the remaining twenty-three species of alligator, caiman, crocodile and gharial. Here too are breathtaking pictures of these awesome creatures by some of the world’s leading wildlife photographers.