The lowland rainforest of Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. This lavishly illustrated book provides a fascinating, up-to-date, and accessible introduction to the natural history of this forest and its flowering plants, ferns, fungi, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, fishes, and insects. The book focuses on La Selva Research Station, one of the best-studied tropical forests in the world, but it applies to all of Costa Rica鈥檚 lowland rainforests, and the species it covers are common throughout much of Central America and the Neotropics.
More than an identification guide, the book tells the stories of the many plants and animals of the rainforest, explains how they interact with each other, and describes how and where to find and observe them in the forest. A comprehensive account of how plants and animals sustain the rainforest ecosystem, Costa Rica鈥檚 Rainforests is the perfect companion for anyone visiting these spectacular natural wonders.
- Features more than 800 stunning color photographs
- Covers flowering plants, ferns, fungi, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, fishes, and insects
- Essential for anyone visiting the Costa Rican rainforest
- Accessible to ecotourists, students, and scientists alike
Scott Wesley Shumway is an authority on Costa Rica’s rainforests and has visited the country more than thirty times over three decades to study and teach tropical ecology. He is professor emeritus of biology at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and the author of A Naturalist’s Guide to the Atlantic Seashore.
“This is a fabulous introduction to La Selva, skillfully covering plants, animals, habitats, and their relationships. Whether you are a researcher, student, or visitor to this extraordinary place, Scott Shumway’s engaging book will be an indispensable guide to its biodiversity. I highly recommend it!”—Carlos L. de la Rosa, former director of La Selva Research Station
“Without even getting your boots muddy, this book immerses you in little-known details of natural history and personal field experiences while providing a panoramic overview of the rich biological diversity and scientific legacy of La Selva’s rainforest and research community. Nature and natural history come alive through engaging writing and breathtaking photos, providing an entry point for readers to launch their own experience of La Selva’s fascinating web of life.”—Robin Chazdon, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
“Tiny Costa Rica is a biodiversity powerhouse. The entire Amazon harbors about 150 species of palms, but Costa Rica, which is less than 1% of the Amazon’s size, is home to more than 100. This wonderful new book by Scott Shumway and colleagues documents and explains this Costa Rican biodiversity with a focus on the extraordinary La Selva rainforests. The accuracy of the information, the clarity of the writing, and the beauty of the photographs and maps make this a book that belongs on every nature lover’s shelf!”—Mark J. Plotkin, cofounder and president of The Amazon Conservation Team
“Much more than an identification guide, this book explains what rainforest plants, animals, and insects are doing in the wild—how they grow, reproduce, and interact with other species. It brings together a wealth of information that will stimulate and enthrall amateur and professional naturalists alike. Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, it is the book I wish I had had during my first trip to Costa Rica.”—Robbin Moran, curator emeritus of the New York Botanical Garden
