Synopses & Reviews
Explore the magic and mystery of the world's tropical rainforests in this fascinating volume that brings to life the plants, animals, and people that inhabit this fragile ecosystem. Focusing on the forests situated in the land area between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropics of Capricorn, the Encyclopedia provides a rich and thorough presentation of the scientific, political, and economic significance of the region. An introductory essay vividly describes the world's tropical forests and sets the stage for understanding the mystery and complexity surrounding the rainforest. More than 50 percent of the world's known plants and animals live in the rainforests. Parts of the book offer interesting descriptions of forest wildlife including amphibians, birds, fish, insects, spiders, mammals, and reptiles and plants, especially flowering plants, ferns, and gymnosperms.
Review
...an excellent introduction to rainforests for high school, public, and undergraduate libraries.Reference &User Services Quarterly
Review
This scholarly resource is brimming with fascinating information about rainforests, specifically those in the tropics...it will make an excellent secondary resource for junior high and high school projects...the extensive reading list and resources will be very useful where rainforests are a major interest.VOYA
Review
...a clear-eyed attempt by an environmental journalist to sort out her world for the benefit of the rest of us.American Scientist
Review
...a tightly produced volume teeming with short decriptions, definitions, and facts....should be considered by academic and large public libraries.Booklist/RBB
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
About the Author
DIANE JUKOFSKY is the director of the Rainforest Alliance's Conservation Media Center, which is based in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Table of Contents
Preface
An Introduction to Tropical Forests: Understanding a Mysterious Place on the Planet
The World's Tropical Forests: Where They Are; How Much is Left; How Fast They Are Vanishing
Tropical Forest Wildlife
Amphibians
Arachnids
Birds
Fish
Insects
Mammals
Reptiles
Tropical Forest Plants in the Kingdom of Green
Angiosperms: the Flowering Plants
Gymnosperms: Conifers, Cycads, and Ghentophtes
Pteridophytes: the Ferns
People
Forest-Dwelling Indigenous Groups
Naturalists, Explorers, Scientists and Activists
Saving Tropical Forests
Imaginative Experiments and Practical Solutions
Mother Nature Wants You!
Rainforest Resources
Reference Publications
Magazines, Newsletters, and Reports
Videos
Embassies and Government Agencies
Conservation Groups and International Organizations
Organizations and Government Agencies in the United States and Canada