The Passing Of A Legendary Herpetologist

17d6112f7c32f26ae9515d4fd15f4bbf.jpgTwo days ago, Hobart Smith died at the age of 100. Hobart was among the most prolific herpetologists of all time, with more than 1,500 publications to his name. Included among his publications are several classic monographs such as the Handbook of Lizards (1946) and the Checklist and Key to Amphibians of Mexico (1948). Hobart is the namesake for numerous species of reptiles and amphibians, including Anolis hobartsmithi, an endangered species endemic to the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. May he rest in peace.

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7 Comments

  1. Roberto Langstroth

    A role model for us all!!! I was just looking at the introduction to his Handbook of Lizards this morning for some clarity on scale terminology. There are great links on his Wikipedia page for further reading about this remarkable scholar and gentleman.

  2. Jonathan Losos

    I can’t find his bibliography online, but a quick search on Google Scholar yields many papers he wrote on anoles, including the description of a number of new species.

  3. Hobart Smith was my major professor for my MS degree and a wonderful mentor and friend. We were in e-contact up until a few months ago: great guy! What a great life! Skip

  4. Ramon E. Martinez-Grimaldo

    His personal library, now available for those who want to consult in Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM. Check the catalog on line:

    http://repositorio.fciencias.unam.mx:8080/xmlui/handle/11154/43327

  5. 220mya

    Wow – I knew Hobart was prolific, but had no idea he had surpassed Cope in number of publications.

  6. Great photo of Hobart from 1998 is on Facebook.

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