The Natural History of Costa Rican Mammals

With detailed information drawn from hundreds of scientific publications and more than 400 spectacular illustrations, The Natural History of Costa Rican Mammals describes all of Costa Rica?s readily identifiable terrestrial and freshwater mammals.

The clear and entertaining text provides a wealth of information for researchers, students, and naturalist guides, as well as for first-time visitors to the American tropics who simply have an interest in wildlife. The book?s compact, sturdy design makes it easy to carry along on any field trip.

The illustration show not only the mammals themselves, but also their tracks, scats, dens, and anatomical details. Also included are illustrations of numerous other animals and plants with which the mammals have formed close ecological links.

The mammal descriptions include key identification features, range maps, vocalizations, derivations of common and scientific names, evolutionary history, local folklore and mythology, and extensive information about natural history and conservation. The book also describes some of the fascinating challenges faced by researchers and points out numerous questions that remain unanswered. By presenting mammals in a broader context, The Natural History of Costa Rican Mammals provides and entry point into a general study of tropical ecology and conservation.

With a preface by Oscar Arias
Former president of Costa Rica
1987 Nobel Peace Laureate

British naturalist Mark Wainwright has lived and worked in Monteverde, Costa Rica, since 1991. In addition to writing and illustrating, he works as a guide and as an instructor for tropical ecology courses; he has also participated in a number of research projects. His previous publications include five titles in the Costa Rica Field Guide series - Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Animal Tracks, and Cloud Forest Birds - and the children's book Jungle Jumble.