This volume is a synthesis of existing knowledge about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The major portion of the book consists of detailed accounts of agricultural species, vegetation, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects. "This is an extraordinary, virtually unique work. . . . The tremendous amount of original, previously unpublished, firsthand information is remarkable."—Peter H. Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden "An essential resource for anyone interested in tropical biology. . . . It can be used both as an encyclopedia—a source of facts on specific organisms—and as a source of ideas and generalizations about tropical ecology."—Alan P. Smith, Ecology
Volume II of biologist Philip J. DeVries's study of the butterflies of Costa Rica and their natural history provides the first detailed treatment of over 250 species of Costa Rican butterflies in the family Riodinidae. This work is a sequel to Volume I which focused on butterflies of the Papilionidae, Pieridae, and Nymphalidae groups. color plates; 80 halftones; 13 line illus. 3 maps and 13 tables.
In 1502, Christopher Columbus named Costa Rica, and while gold and silver never materialized to justify the moniker of rich coast in purely economic terms, scientists and ecotravelers alike have long appreciated its incredible wealth. Wealth in Costa Rica is best measured by its biodiversityhome to a dizzying number of plants and animals, many endemic, it s a country that has long encouraged and welcomed researchers from the world over, and is exemplary in the creation and commitment to indigenous conservation and management programs. Costa Rica is considered to have the best preserved natural resources in Latin America. Approximately nine percent (about 1,000,000 acres) of Costa Rica has been protected in 15 national parks, and a comparable amount of land is protected as wildlife refuges, forest reserves or Indian reservations. This long-awaited synthesis of Costa Rican ecosystems is an authoritative presentation of the paleoecology, biogeography, structure, conservation, and sustainable use of Costa Rica s ecosystems. It systematically covers the entire range of Costa Rica s natural and managed, terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including its island systems (Cocos Islands), the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and shores (coasts, coral reefs, mangrove forests), its lowlands (dry, season and wet forests), its highlands (the northern volcanoes and southern Talamanca s), and its estuaries, rivers, lakes, swamps and bogs. The volume s integrated, comprehensive format will be welcomed by tropical and temperate biologists alike, by biogeographers, plant and animal ecologists, marine biologists, conservation biologists, foresters, policy-makers and all scientists, natural history specialists and all with an interest in Costa Rica s ecosystems."
The Rough Guide to Costa Rica is the ultimate travel guide to this incredible country, offering astute information on everything from its magnificent national parks to its lively cultural festivals. Find detailed practical advice on what to see and do throughout Costa Rica, whether you want to go turtle-watching in Tortuguero or surfing in Santa Teresa, and rely on our up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels, eco-lodges, restaurants and cafés - for all budgets. The guide also includes a full-color section highlighting some of the country's amazing outdoor activities, plus an engaging field guide to its abundant wildlife. Explore every region of this picturesque country with easy-to-use maps to make sure you don't miss the unmissable. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Costa Rica.
Now available in ePub format. The new Rough Guide to Costa Rica is the definitive travel guide to this incredible country, with expert information on everything from magnificent national parks to lively cultural festivals and wild beaches. An in-depth field guide with stunning color photography explores Costa Rica's incomparable wildlife, and easy-to-use maps, reliable advice on how to get around, and up-to-date reviews of the best hotels, eco-lodges, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops ensure that you won't miss a thing, no matter your budget. Discover Costa Rica's highlights. The Rough Guide to Costa Rica includes detailed practical advice on what to see and do throughout the country, from turtle-watching in Tortuguero to surfing in Santa Teresa, hiking and zip lining through the Monteverde cloud forests to exploring the breathtaking biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. Make the most of your time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Costa Rica.
Discover one of Latin America's most diverse and compelling countries with the definitive travel guide to Costa Rica, researched by Rough Guides' expert authors. In-depth coverage of Costa Rica's awe-inspiring scenery guides you to the most rewarding destinations - both big-hitters and low-key, tourist-free spots - and the best ways to experience them. Whether you want to soak in a hot spring or go white water rafting, walk through the canopy of a cloud forest or just sit back and enjoy some of the finest coffee on earth, we've got you covered. The Rough Guide to Costa Rica brings to life Costa Rica's incomparable wildlife with stunning colour photography and, as over a quarter of the country is protected land, you'll have plenty of chances to see it. With turtle-nesting beaches, jewel-like butterflies and frogs, and more bird species than the US and Canada combined, the "Rich Coast" more than lives up to its name. The Rough Guide to Costa Rica also includes easy-to-use maps, reliable advice on how to get around, and up-to-date reviews of the best hotels, hostels, eco lodges, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops - for all budgets - to ensure that you don't miss a thing.
