By Prof. Muhammad Sharif Khan

Since 1963, when I started working in field of herpetology, I enjoyed support of my family. None except me, were lovers of frogs and lizards, especially my late wife Rashida Tasnim (Professor of Persian language), with neat and clean habits, tolerated the smell of formalin, scattered jars and papers at my table, and dust everywhere in my study; over several years of our relationship. She generously Okayed devoting much of my time in the field and laboratory, taking care of four kids single handedly. Her protests had always been short-lived. I am thankful for her immense understanding and meticulous care. Nobody in the family objected to live under the same roof, in the neighborhood of a herp collection. Thank you all very much!

My special thanks go to my mentor late Professor Dr. Ahsan ul Islam (1927-1974), my university professor and guide, who suggested herpetology of Pakistan for my lifelong project. And also to late Professor Dr. Robert Mertens (1894-1975), curator Natur-Museum and Forschungs-Institute Senckenberg, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and to late Professor Dr. Sherman A. Minton, Jr. (1919- 1999), Department of Microbiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA, for their help with literature and identifications and understanding of various morphological terms used in herpetological studies. They taught how to tread safely through maze of synonymy, and identify amphibians and reptiles correctly. I specially acknowledge support of my countless students in field collections, translations, typing of manuscripts and for valuable gifts, all were always so ready to help, thank you very much you all.

Read further: A herpetologist in the making