The New Neotropical Companion

Synopsis

The acclaimed guide to the ecology and natural history of the American tropics-now fully updated and expanded

The New Neotropical Companion is the completely revised and expanded edition of a book that has helped thousands of people to understand the complex ecology and natural history of the most species-rich area on Earth, the American tropics. Featuring stunning color photos throughout, it is a sweeping and cutting-edge account of tropical ecology that includes not only tropical rain forests but also other ecosystems such as cloud forests, rivers, savannas, and mountains. This is the only guide to the American tropics that is all-inclusive, encompassing the entire region's ecology and the amazing relationships among species rather than focusing just on species identification.

The New Neotropical Companion is a book unlike any other. Here, you will learn how to recognize distinctive ecological patterns of rain forests and other habitats and to interpret how these remarkable ecosystems function-everything is explained in clear and engaging prose free of jargon. You will also be introduced to the region's astonishing plant and animal life.

Informative and entertaining, The New Neotropical Companion is a pleasurable escape for armchair naturalists, and visitors to the American tropics will want to refer to this book before, during, and after their trip.

• Covers all of tropical America
• Describes the species and habitats most likely to be observed by visitors
• Includes every major ecosystem, from lowland rain forests to the high Andes
• Features a wealth of color photos of habitats, plants, and animals

Summary

Chapter 1: Natural History of the Neotropics

This chapter provides an overview of the Neotropics, a vast and diverse region that encompasses Central and South America, the Caribbean islands, and the southern tip of North America. It covers the region's distinctive geology, climate, vegetation, and wildlife, including its extraordinary biodiversity and endemic species.

Real Example: The Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world, is home to an estimated 10% of the planet's known species.

Chapter 2: Humans in the Neotropics

This chapter examines the long and complex relationship between humans and the Neotropics. It discusses the region's indigenous cultures, European conquest and colonization, and the ongoing impacts of human activities, such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization.

Real Example: The ancient Maya civilization flourished in Central America from approximately 2000 BC to 900 AD, leaving behind impressive ruins and a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the region.

Chapter 3: The Plant Kingdom

This chapter introduces the astonishing diversity of plant life in the Neotropics. It covers different vegetation types, including tropical rainforests, savannahs, and grasslands, and explores the unique adaptations of Neotropical plants to their varied environments.

Real Example: Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are carnivorous plants native to the southeastern United States. They have specialized leaves that snap shut when triggered by the touch of an insect, trapping it inside and digesting its nutrients.

Chapter 4: The Animal Kingdom

This chapter showcases the incredible array of animal life in the Neotropics. It features iconic species such as jaguars, macaws, and capybaras, and discusses the intricate ecological relationships that sustain the region's biodiversity.

Real Example: The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a large and colorful parrot native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Its bright plumage, distinctive call, and playful behavior make it a popular tourist attraction.

Chapter 5: Conservation and the Neotropics

This chapter examines the threats facing the Neotropics and the conservation efforts underway to protect its biodiversity. It discusses habitat loss, climate change, and other challenges and explores the importance of sustainable development and protected areas.

Real Example: The Atlantic Forest, once a vast coastal rainforest stretching along the eastern coast of South America, has been severely fragmented and degraded due to deforestation. Conservation organizations are working to reforest and protect the remaining fragments of this important ecosystem.