Iguazu Falls, an extensive series of 275 waterfalls on the Brazil-Argentina border, described by one naturalist as an ocean pouring into an abyss
Here are breathtaking locations on every continent—sites so spectacular that once seen they are never forgotten. Hundreds of full-color photos.
Customer Reviews:
Not a sit down and read book.........2007-07-26
I found this not to be a sit down and read book but a dream, reference book. It takes many visits, each one a brain adventure. Great book.
Best Buy on Travel books!.......2007-03-18
This book was amazing... I wasn't expecting it to be 3inches thick! It is chock-full of beautiful pictures and helpful discussion on destinations all over the world. A must for any curious traveler!
1001 Natural Wonders.......2007-01-18
Very useful if you are going to do some traveling or are just interested in the natural wonders around the world. Many beautiful pictures with details and stories about the area.
Could be better, but..........2007-01-14
Given the enormity of the task of identifying 1,001 of the world's greatest wonders, the authors did a pretty good job. But they were clearly biased in their selections. This book was originally published in England. Not coincidentally, 54 pages are devoted solely to the British Isles. This represents about 6% of the book. This may not seem like that much until you consider that the Britsh Isles have about 0.2% of the world's land mass. Likewise, about 170 pages were devoted to Western Europe ... 19% of the book for 2.5% of the world's land mass. Other sections of the book seemed to be given disproportionate coverage as well. 10% of the entire North America section was devoted to New Mexico. The whole of Canada barely got more coverage than this. The enormous country of Russia got just 7 pages. New Zealand - an incredibly scenic country - got just 13 pages. The breathtaking islands in French Polynesia got 2 pages of coverage (and they completely ignored Moorea Island).
All of this being said, this is still a fairly impressive book that can be used to get a general idea of places you might like to visit. It has nearly 1,000 pages, so even with the disproportionate coverage, it still provides a pretty good glimpse at a lot of the natural wonders around the world. And there are some pretty nice photos, though I do wish there was a photo of every place, rather than a photo of about 1 in every 2 or 3 places. Photos can say more about a natural wonder than a couple paragraphs of text. Hopefully, the authors will someday come out with a new edition with more photos and less biased coverage of places throughout the entire world.
Very highly recommended indeed.......2007-01-07
Some of the world's leading explorers lend their contributions and advice to the extensive travel reference 1001 NATURAL WONDERS YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE, which holds very nearly 1,000 pages packed with photos and descriptions of such wonders. From Loch Ness in Scotland to Lake Natron in Tanzania or Daisetsu in Japan, the world's wilderness places are all under one cover, with extensive descriptions charting why they stand out. While some of these places pepper other books, no other coverage is so extensive - or so well laid out, blending modern color photos with cultural and natural insights. Very highly recommended indeed; way above any other 'natural wonders' guides, and perfect for both armchair travelers and travel planners alike.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
The Rough Guide to Climate Change is a complete, unbiased guide to one of the most pressing problems facing humanity. From the current situation and back ground science to the government sceptics and possible solutions, this book covers the whole subject. The guide looks at: Visible symptoms of change from a warming planet How global warming works. The evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years What computer simulations of climate reveal about our past, present, and future The sceptics: Who are they? What are their grounds for disagreeing with the crowd? Battle of the titans: The oil industry vs. the global commons Global warming in the media: A review of the last few decades. Global solutions: What governments and scientists are doing to try and solve the problem Plus much, more. The guide also includes lifestyle advice and tips for consumers who want to make a difference in tomorrowÂ's climate, and comes complete with a gloassary of websites for further information.
Customer Reviews:
Encyclopaedic, yet readable.......2007-03-10
It seems almost extravagant to publish yet another book on climate change. This one, however, bears the benefit of being almost extravagantly comprehensive. Henson has assembled a wealth of data, presenting it in a superbly organised and accessible account. Although the term "Rough Guide" might imply a superficial approach to the topic, this book is anything but that. In slightly over three hundred pages, the author covers the current conditions, the history leading up to those and what processes are in place to influence climate. He also deals with how the sciences investigating climate change work, and why we should pay attention to them.
His analysis of policies addressing climate change, in particular his descripton of the Kyoto Protocols, is unsurpassed. He even includes how the arts, well and poorly, have adopted climate themes into their productions. Although he recognises the failings of such films as "The Day After Tomorrow", he accepts their role in raising public consciousness. This enlarged awareness has been manifested [...]which uses idle computers to assess data used in modelling climate change. Henson's explanation of computer modelling is on a par with the rest of his presentation; clear and informative.
The author repeatedly stresses that while climate change is a global phenomenon, it is individuals who will make a difference in its onset and impact. Accordingly, his suggested solutions will bear close scrutiny. As well as Kyoto's broad view, Henson examines the alternatives or enhancements for their likely effectiveness. The recent initiative by The Asia-Pacific Partnership, based on voluntary controls and shared technologies, is covered, as is the Contraction and Convergence model. Most importantly, the author's coverage of personal changes in energy consumption and pollution reduction is very helpful. He makes clear that none of the steps requires drastic change in lifestyle nor the outlay of substantial funds. To this end he closes with a list of useful resources of information on all aspects of the topic. If there is a shortcoming in this book, it is the process used to save paper and money. The reduced size of the volume means packing all that information into a small space. The typeface is miniscule and the reading can be excruciating. Energy-saving lightbulbs in your house may lead to impaired vision from sifting through so much information. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Clarity about Climate.......2007-01-19
This book is well organized and well written. The subject of climate change is not an easy one, and here Robert Henson has given explanation that any thoughtful reader should be able to understand. Maps, graphs, and pictures help to give life to the text. Short biographies of some of the main participants in the debate about global warming are interesting and revealing. On a subject so important, the book is an important contribution to citizens who want to be better informed. The print is very small, so people with eye-strain need to be warned, but even for that part of the audience, there are sections of the text that can stand alone and still be interesting and informative.
Excellent, but some rough spots........2006-11-30
Though small in size, this book is thorough and packed
with the latest information about climate change. The
margins are not overly generous. The typography is tight.
The binding is excellent, with informative fold-out
graphics on the front and back covers. A bargain price
for such a well-edited, well-researched and well-constructed book.
Although the book may be intended for the non-specialist,
I would recommend that all university students of
atmospheric sciences read this book. I will be
recommending this book as a supplementary text in
university courses -- a purpose probably not intended
for this sort of book. The book is not mathematical.
Nevertheless, many issues are raised that will invite
formal mathematical analysis in the classroom.
The book has some rough spots. Indeed the rough spots
provide the invitations for a mathematical re-examination.
page 16: "Even if we turned off every fuel-burning
machine on earth tomorrow, climate modellers tell us
that the world would warm at least another 0.5 C
(0.9 F) as oceans slowly release the heat they've
collected in recent decades." This should be stated as
"...as oceans slowly warm and adjust toward the new
radiative equilibrium state with higher greenhouse gas concentrations."
page 100: "Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases
tomorrow, we're committed to some amount of warming...as
the heat tucked away from the deep oceans gradually seeps
upward." This is the same mistake as on page 16. Even
with CO2 fixed at the current 380 ppmv the oceans and
atmosphere would warm for decades, with heat seeping
downward into the oceans. The warming will be caused by
more radiation entering the atmosphere than leaving.
Another way to repair the sentence is to state: "Even
if we returned greenhouse gases to preindustrial values
tomorrow, we're committed to elevated temperatures for
many decades...as the heat tucked away from the deep
ocean gradually seeps upward."
page 36: "...greenhouse gases carry several times more
punch when they are emitted at altitude". The word
should be "exist" rather than "emitted". The lifetime
of a CO2 molecule in the atmosphere is a "century" (p. 24).
And on page 29: "the gas should be well mixed throughout
Earth's atmosphere". On page 172: "Longer-lived greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide, are thoroughly mixed across
the troposphere, both horizontally and vertically". For a
greenhouse gas molecule that will exist in the atmosphere
for 100 years, what difference does it make as to where
it was released?
page 166: "Nobody doubts the existence of the heat-island
effect, by which dense buildings and paved areas of cities
absorb heat and ricochet it through the the city air."
A more rigorous explanation of the heat-island effect is
warranted, preferably one that doesn't use the word
"ricochet", and one that uses energy balance principles.
The wikipedia has a decent summary of the physics.
page 172: "Since ozone absorbs sunlight, its partial loss
in the lower stratosphere for the last twenty years or so
has allowed temperatures there to plummet..". It would
be worthwhile to mention that declining tempertures in
the upper stratosphere are primarily attributable to
increasing carbon dioxide. The cooling is happening
right on schedule, and accord with our theories of
atmospheric radiation. Indeed, radiative energy balance
analysis (of the sort that exists in all climate models)
shows that a cooling of the stratosphere amplifies the
warming of the troposphere and surface.
page 304: "Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element
on Earth...". Geology classes teach 34.6% Iron, 29.5% Oxygen,
15.2% Silicon, ... If we substitute "in the universe" for
"on Earth", the statement is true.
Book Description
Covering every worthwhile destination in California, this is the hiker's guide to finding the best hikes in the Golden State. Families, day-trippers, and seasoned hikers looking for a change of pace will all find the perfect trail among the options selected by renowned outdoor enthusiasts Tom Stienstra and Ann Marie Brown. Destinations include hikes close to Los Angeles and San Francisco, or treks through the Sierra Nevadas or up the coast. This guidebook provides updated, easy-to-use region and trail maps, descriptive keynotes for every geographical region, and steepness and skill ratings for each hike. Detailed descriptions let hikers know when a trail visits a waterfall, scenic overlook, or wildflower field. Foghorn Outdoors California Hiking has the details on the best California hiking available.
Customer Reviews:
Great book but.........2007-06-27
This is a great book and if you're a pure hiker it's a perfert 5 stars but i'd love to know where campgrounds are as well. If it had types of campgrounds locally to the trail it would be amazing.
Not to mention though that the commentary is well written and sometimes pretty funny.
Best hiking book.......2007-06-12
I really like how the hikes are each rated for difficulty and overall quality. I realize these are subjective, and I have found myself from time to time disagreeing with the ratings on hike quality a little, but in general I couldn't ask for better on that count. I would love to see a No. Calif.-only version, just to increase the number of hike listings in that region.
Very informational! Great help!.......2007-05-13
I love this book! Details on hiking trails are mostly accurate except for the increase fees in Parking. Very helpful!
hiker's bible.......2007-03-27
I lost my old copy and found it so helpful I bought a newer edition. It gives you a snapshot of difficulty and scenic beauty and has been right on with the reviews.
Worth its weight in California gold!.......2007-03-12
Exceptional! An outstanding hiking book in every respect. The author's maps, trail descriptions, variety of hikes, etc., etc. - every detail is spot on. If you want to find a good hike anywhere in California - buy this book.
Book Description
Sustainable Tourism is vital reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities associated with sustainable tourism development, and how government and industry have responded to the challenges the concept poses.
The major areas addressed in this edited volume are:
* perspectives and issues associated with the concept of sustainable tourism development
* accreditation, education and interpretation, including specific examples such as Green Globe 21, the European Blue Flag Campaign and the WWF's PAN Parks Programme
* sustainable tourism case studies of tourist destination regions, natural areas and tourism enterprises drawn from Africa, Australia, the South Pacific, North America, South-east Asia and the Caribbean
An impressive international editorial team has combined to present in this text not only a variety of perspectives on sustainable tourism development, but also significant insights into barriers, challenges and current industry and government responses to it in various parts of the globe. 'Sustainable Tourism' will be a welcome addition to the libraries of tourism industry professionals, individuals involved in the management of natural areas; tourism policy makers; tourism academics; and students with an interest in the future sustainability of tourism and the industry that supports it.
Covers both conceptual issues and case studies
Unique global perspective with multinational contributor team
Accessible yet rigorous treatment of a vital issue
Book Description
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." Many see it as a panacea for developing nations-a source of clean development that can bring wealth to rural communities while simultaneously helping to preserve pristine environments. But has the reality lived up to the promise? And is that even possible.
In Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Martha Honey presents an overview of the ecotourism industry and a first-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world. Based on interviews and visits to ecotourist hotspots in Latin America and Africa, she offers a vivid description and analysis of projects that meet the goals and standards of ecotourism as well as those that claim to be ecotourism but in reality fall short. She presents in-depth case studies of seven destinations (Galapagos, Costa Rica, Cuba, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa) that serve to illustrate the real world of ecotourism. For each, she offers an ecotourism scorecard, grading it on its adherence to the enumerated principles of ecotourism and sustainable development.
Honey addresses topics such as the evolution and principles of ecotourism, where profits go, and the mechanics and politics of the tourist industry as a whole. The case studies highlight the economic and cultural impacts of tourism development on indigenous populations as well as on ecosystems. Honey also surveys current thinking and policies of environmental groups, and looks at how political situations, human rights records, and natural resource management influence travel decisions.
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development provides a unique and compelling look at the promise and pitfalls of ecotourism. It is the only such account of worldwide ecotourism available today, and is an important guide for students and researchers involved with international development, geography, or tourism, as well as for anyone interested in becoming a more environmentally sensitive traveller.
Customer Reviews:
good buy, long wait.......2005-09-27
The book was in great condition and I saved a lot of money. However, it took almost a week to get my shipment, even though I paid for express delivery.
Not so good.......2004-04-11
Disappointing tome with numerous factual mistakes and a lack of understanding of those the author is interviewing. The book is far too dependent on paper sources and fairly clueless on the ground.
First-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world.......2002-04-07
Martha Honey argues that the responsibility of ecotourism operators stretches far beyond their physical impact on the land. She argues that real ecotourism must involve seven vital and interrelated characteristics: travel to nature destinations; minimizing negative environmental impact; building environmental awareness; direct financial benefits for conservation; financial benefits and empowerment for local people; the respect of local culture; and the support of human rights and democracy. Her book is an excellent account of worldwide ecotourism.
Snoozer.......2001-03-14
I cannot believe I paid money for this book. We need information about ecotourism, particularly in the developing world. But the author shows no first-hand knowledge. She includes a lot of reports and obviously attends many policy meetings. But outside of the classroom, I do not think this book is of much use.
Ecotourism the inside perspective.......2000-02-10
I found Martha Honey's book to be thought provoking and informative. During the Fall semester of 2000 I plan to incorporate this text into my tourism studies course. The author successfully addresses the truths and myths surrounding the latest buzz in travel "ecotourism" and brings it together with real-world nation studies topics. I strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting to examine this topic to the fullest.
Amazon.com
With a special focus on ecotourism, the authors of The New Key to Costa Rica help you discover the diversity of this colorful country's remarkable flora and fauna (from tree ferns to sloths) and learn ways you can contribute to efforts to preserve it. A well-researched sustainability rating highlights lodgings that are active in protecting an environmental, economic, and cultural balance.
The book offers complete coverage of sights, lodging, dining, and outdoor adventures, including wildlife viewing, parks and reserves, surfing, fishing, horseback riding, and diving. --Kathryn True
Book Description
The original guide to Costa Rica, updated with even more insider secrets, features extensive travel information plus in-depth coverage of the natural environment and advice on taking a ecotourist vacation. Includes recommendations and details over 50 specific hotels that practice sustainable tourism. Co-authored by a dedicated conservationist who lived in Costa Rica for
12 years, it covers the entire country from 44 beaches on two oceans to 38 national parks, 13 volcanoes, and 3 cloud forests.
Customer Reviews:
A must read for CR relocators!.......2007-05-14
We have been to CR for a visit and are now considering the BIG move. This book covers every you would need to know and surprises you with information you didn't think of. We have even shared this information with our family that has lived there for 5 years and it has helped them. It also gave a brief but interesting history of Costa Rica as well as current government, economics and culture. Does a good job of explaining the cultural differences which are most important to the person considering a move anywhere! One thing I might stress... the author states several times that English is taught in the schools. This might lead you to believe that you will have little problem with communication. In our trip last year to the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast we did not meet one person that understood us or could speak to us in English. I highly advise, begin you Spanish Lessons before your anticipated trip!
Great Guide!.......2007-03-23
This guide was the better of the two I bought....and the other one was Fodor's. New Key was accurate, impartial, and covered lots of different kinds of stuff....
Invaluable - ultra-reliable eco-tourism guide.......2007-03-06
I used this book, and the community-based eco-tourism agency recommended in this book, to plan a two-week trip. I was alone, female, and non-Spanish speaking. I had the time of my life. Everything went off without a hitch. Great people, waterfalls, food, views, and adventures galore. Thanks to the author. None of the other guidebooks came close to the insight and accuracy of this guide.
Excellent.......2006-11-17
[...]The 18th edition of New Key to Costa Rica improves upon a veritable classic.
2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the guidebook which guides travelers toward
tasteful family-run lodgings and communities that are actively protecting the rural environment.
Written in a style that feels like a conversation with a travel guide, the New Key provides countless insights about the culture, the environment and the people of Costa Rica.
First authored by Jane Wallace, the book was then updated by her daughter Beatrice Blake and Anne Becher. Beatrice prepared this edition alone, but it is easy to see that the text has been guided by a number of joyful souls.
In 1992 this book was the first guidebook to use a green-rating system. In this edition, the rating system is downplayed in favor of focusing on community efforts.
Focusing on family farm visits allows Blake to show travelers the connections among organic agriculture, appropriate energy technology and diverse ecosystems. She writes: "By visiting these communities, not only will you meet some lovely people, but you will be inspired by their ability to put innovative principles into practice."
For travelers wishing to experience tropical nature, there is no better immersion than visiting the communities that are at the forefront of conservation.
Exciting adventure sports are not omitted. One of the highlights of the book is a review of the country's best canopy tours. Additional "adventure reports" showcase innovative efforts throughout the country.
Among the informative sidebars are capsule reviews of the Talamanca Ecotourism Network, the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and turtle watching at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
New Key to Costa Rica covers all the bases - from the practical details of deciding when and where to go to tips on learning Spanish and volunteer vacations. For those seeking an eco trip, this book is a must.
This is it, the real thing.......2006-04-25
Absolutely the best of the four (you can guess the other three) books we took, because this on focuses on the off-beat and the green. Use it to locate the indepth Costa Rica, the one that gets you away from everyone else and makes you feel happy about it.
Customer Reviews:
Real and unique life experiences.......2007-02-10
This is a great book that give a lot of unique and do-able travel ideas that would provide real life changing experiences.
It is separated by continent and gives about 10 suggestions each. Some of the suggestions are mainstream but the book offers ways to make the trip more "green" or more memorable. It gives alternative ways to room and board as well as alternative things to do when you're there.
The green concept is a little vague. They explain it in the beginning, but to them it seems that the trips either help the local economy OR the local environment, and only occasionally both. For example a road-trip on USA's Route 66 doesn't seem too environmentally friendly... driving for days. But they suggest you take in the culture and stay at locally run hotels and really add to the economy that now barely exists on the almost abandoned Route 66.
Overall I think the book touts cutural responsibility and expereinces that could really influence your life because of the people more than environmental impact.
There are some awesome ideas, one of my favorites is bear watching in Transylvannia, and I would recommend this book as a good couch travel book or to someone who is looking for real culture, to just a place to travel to.
exciting topic, disappointing execution.......2007-02-02
I was thrilled to find an entire book that focuses on green travel ideas. It's something I'm really interested in, but it's just so hard to find the right resources.
The book looks great. There are beautiful, color pictures of each destination, and the layout is completely professional. You could leave it out as a coffee talbe book.
Sadly, many of the destinations are pretty mainstream. They recommend the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and a road trip on Route 66 (how is driving for the sake of driving eco-friendly?) in the US. Their only recommendation in Guatemala, a beautiful country with lots of great places for responsible travel, is Antigua, a city backpackers refer to as Grinotenango.
The advice on each location is also lacking. They recommend going off the beaten path when you go to Hawaii, but they don't tell give any specific recommendations about where to go or avoid.
Thanks for trying Lonely Planet, but I'm gonna keep looking for a resource that will help me discover a more unique experience.
Travler's at heart BEWARE!.......2006-10-06
This book has one big problem, it makes me want to quit my job, jump on a plane, and travel to the world until the end of my days. Seriously. It is chock full of inspirational travel opportunities. I have done a lot of travel to third world countries and am always shocked and saddened by the depth of poverty in the world. It's hard as an outsider to know how best to help. This book gives useful resources and contacts in each featured country. It also spells out how each activity supports the local communities. I love this book. Whenever life gets rough, I pull this book out and make plans for my next big adventure! So beware, this book is addicting!
A top pick.......2006-09-24
CODE GREEN: EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME outlines over eighty journeys which have positive impacts on the environment, culture and economy of the destination. As such the concept and presentation moves beyond the 'how I can enjoy' theme to 'how I can contribute through my enjoyment': chapters document experiences which have minimal tourist impact on the destination yet don't involve hardships on the traveler. From saving birds to visiting a living longhouse in Borneo, a continent-wide organization allows for easy location of areas of special interest. Sidebars of conservation information accompany color photos and personal accounts by travelers and guides alike.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Unique and Inspiring Ideas for Eco-Travel.......2006-06-08
This book is fantastic. If you love to travel but worry about the impact on the environment, culture, and economics of where you are visiting, or if you are looking for unique vacation ideas that are completely off any tourist track, this is the guide for you. It gives practical ideas and recommendations on a host of travel experiences from rebuilding temples in Mongolia and Nepal to observing lemurs for the National Parks in Madagascar. These aren't just ethereal ideas either-- the author gives you the web site for each project, the best times to go, how to get there, the costs, etc. And not all are about "volunteering"; there are suggestions for isolated islands in Micronesia (where all the money you spend goes directly to the locals who live there), hiking wildflower fields in Switzerland, and other more "luxury" vacation plans. Plus, there are explorations of some of the questions we all face when traveling: Should I give to beggars? Are indigenous tours and sites exploitative or appreciated? I recommend this book to anyone who wants to tread lightly, immerse themselves in culture, and make a positive economical impact while on vacation.
Average customer rating:
- good but not great
- excellent nature guide
- Excellent Resource
- Not enough coverage
- A Beginner's Guide
|
Costa Rica: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide (Ecotravellers Wildlife Guide: Costa Rica)
Les Beletsky
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Comstock Book)
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Tropical Nature: Life & Death in the Rain Forests of Central & South America
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Field Guide to the Wildlife of Costa Rica (Corrie Herring Hooks)
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A Neotropical Companion
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Costa Rican Natural History
ASIN: 0120848104 |
Amazon.com
As ecotourism booms, it's only natural that eco-themed guidebooks would boom alongside it. The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guides series, endorsed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and researched by professional biologists, is one of the more credible brands to have surfaced in the swelling ecotravel ranks. The series provides an encyclopedic introduction to Central America's flora and fauna, as well as a friendly primer on the principles of ecotourism. These rich ecological contexts are accompanied by hundreds of pictures and photographs. Miraculously, the guides deliver solid science without growing stilted or boring--as evinced by sections with such titles as "Avian Mating Systems and Birds That Cheat" and "Frugivory: Animals That Eat Fruit and the Trees That Want Them To." The one element in surprisingly short supply is ecologically sound travel tips, from general do's and don'ts to a list of ecologically responsible tour operators and other eco-friendly establishments in Costa Rica. This is somewhat discouraging--learning how to travel responsibly is as important as knowing what you're going to see. Though the book isn't quite a one-stop information source for the ecologically minded, it's an excellent guide to the natural wonders that make Costa Rica such a rewarding destination. --Andrew Nieland
Book Description
With
Costa Rica: The Ecotravelers Wildlife Guide, Les Beletsky provides the tourist to Central America with an invaluable handbook to natural history, ecology, and wildlife habitats. The readable, informative text along with photos and drawings will help the ecotourist to identify animals encountered on their visit. Also included are lists of wildlife reserves and other ecologically significant sites with up-to-date conservation techniques in Costa Rica. It is the only book that gives the reader a mix of natural history, ecology, conservation, species identification and site guide all in one volume.
Key Features
* The only guide to Costa Rica to combine general ecological information with basic species identification
* Readable, informative text
* Plates of species with photos of typical habitats and drawings of common plants
* Lists of Reserves and sites to visit
* Up-to-date text on conservation in Costa Rica
Customer Reviews:
good but not great.......2004-05-30
For 30% less of the cost of this book, you could (as I did) pick up a superior book that details the history of conservation in the country's diverse geographical zones (seacoasts, prairies, jungles and volcanic highlands). That book is "Costa Rica: The Last Country The Gods Made."
excellent nature guide.......2003-02-17
This guide has got three sections: an introduction to the neotropical ecosystems, a description of families of animal, and a section with pictures, for purposes of identification.
The second section is for people who are willing to dig deeper into this stuff, the first section gives a good introduction into Casta Rica and it's ecology.
To shallow for professionals, to deep for absolute beginners (only the last section will appeal to them), but very good stuff for the informed layman!
Excellent Resource.......2002-02-11
This book provides a fascinating, well-written and often humorous overview of Costa Rican natural history as well as a detailed description of the most often seen wildlife. I cannot overstate how much this book enhanced my trip to Costa Rica and gave me a greater understanding of what I was seeing. It is not exhaustive, but unless you want to carry multiple, subject-specific books with you, this is the one to bring. It had information on virtually every bird and creature I saw there.
Not enough coverage.......2001-07-04
I took this book with me to Costa Rica so that I could spot and identify commonly-seen birds and wildlife there.
The first part of the book contains an overview about Eco-traveling that could have been summarized a bit more. The book conveniently places details about wildlife in the center of the book, and puts the illustrations in the back so that you can do faster lookups.
Although I appreciate the emphasis on Eco-travel, I found this book rather disappointing when used as a reference. Some of the birds I saw more than once were not listed at all. There are few illustrations of what the birds look like in flight and there is little about age- or gender-based differences in appearance. Also, although the wildlife coverage is fairly good for reptiles and amphibians, there is very little about marine or plant life.
I'm still relatively new to birding, but if I could do it again, I would have paid the additional cost and bought the Stiles and Skutch book.... If you're not a bird watcher and you're just looking for a basic 'wild life' identifier, I would suggest skipping the book, and instead, buying one of those laminated 'bird/wildlife identification' cards that you can find for about $10 in many of the visitor-oriented shops around Costa Rica.
A Beginner's Guide.......2001-04-18
If you really consider yourself to be an "ecotraveller" then you will be greatly disappointed by the limited information provided in the book.
The attractive title "Ecotravellers Wildlife Guide" had me sold. Unfortunately this book is not for ecotravellers, but for the novice wildlife observer. This book is very elementary and is very limited in the variation of species of birds and reptiles listed. As for the mammals, the book was sufficient.
I just returned from my trip to Costa Rica 3 days ago and I had more than one of my wildlife tour guides criticize this book for its lack of information. It was so frustrating to see gorgeous birds and lizards everywhere and not be able to find hardly any of them within the book. Costa Rica has 1600 species of birds, so it is understandable that many birds would go unmentioned. Unfortunately, this book does not even scratch the surface of the diversity of birds found in this amazing country. While on my trip I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a book from my tour guide so that I could go out bird-watching. The book I borrowed was fabulous and it was called "A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica" by F. Gary Stiles & Alexander F. Skutch. (highly recommended)
I hope this information is helpful and best of luck on your trip!
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Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas: A Field Guide to Favorite Places from Chimney Rock to Charleston
Kevin G. Stewart , and
Mary-Russell Roberson
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0807857866 |
Book Description
How were the Appalachian Mountains formed? Are the barrier islands moving? Where is there gold in the Carolinas? Find answers to these questions and many more in this reader-friendly guide to the geology of North Carolina and South Carolina.
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