Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles of Costa Rica : A Field Guide

by Henderson, Carrol L.

• ISBN13: 9780292722743
• ISBN10: 0292722745
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-12-01
• Publisher: Univ of Texas Pr

Summary

To help visitors, as well as local residents, identify and enjoy the wildlife of Costa Rica, Carrol L. Henderson publishedField Guide to the Wildlife of Costa Ricain 2002, and it instantly became the indispensable guide. Now Henderson has created a field guide dedicated to the monkeys, sloths, treefrogs, lizards, crocodiles, and other animals that travelers are most likely to see while exploring the wild lands of Costa Rica. He includes fascinating information on their natural history, ecology, identification and behavior gleaned from his forty years of travels, studies and wildlife viewing in Costa Rica, as well as details on where to see these remarkable and beautiful creatures. The mammals, amphibians and reptiles are illustrated by stunning and colourful photographs-most of which were taken in the wild by Henderson. A detailed and invaluable appendix that identifies many of Costa Rica's best wildlife-watching destinations, lodges and contact information for trip-planning purposes completes the volume.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Historical Perspective

Research

Education

Preservation

Conservation

Nature Tourism

Geography

Biogeography

Endemic Species

Endemic Wildlife of the Highlands

Endemic Species of the Southern Pacific Lowlands

Endemic Species of Cocos Island

Major Biological Zones

Tropical Dry Forest

Southern Pacific Lowlands

Central Plateau (Central Valley)

Caribbean Lowlands

Highlands

Coastal Beaches, Islands, and Mangrove Lagoons

Wildlife Overview and Species Coverage

Mammals Species Accounts

Opossum Family (Didelphidae)

Sheath-tailed Bat Family (Emballonuridae)

Leaf-nosed Bat Family (Phyllostomidae)

New World Monkey Family (Cebidae)

Anteater Family (Myrmecophagidae)

Sloth Family (Bradypodidae)

Armadillo Family (Dasypodidae)

Squirrel Family (Sciuridae)

Porcupine Family (Erethizontidae)

Paca Family (Cuniculidae)

Agouti Family (Dasyproctidae)

Dog Family (Canidae)

Weasel Family (Mustelidae)

Raccoon Family (Procyonidae)

Cat Family (Felidae)

Peccary Family (Tayassuidae)

Deer Family (Cervidae)

Tapir Family (Tapiridae)

Baleen Whale Family (Balaenopteridae)

Amphibians Species Accounts

Toad Family (Bufonidae)

Glass Frog Family (Centrolenidae)

Craugastorid Frog Family (Craugastoridae)

Poison Dart Frog Family (Dendrobatidae)

Tree Frog Family (Hylidae)

Leopard Frog Family (Ranidae)

Reptiles Species Accounts

Iguana Family (Iguanidae)

Anole Family (Polychrotidae)

Spiny Lizard Family (Phrynosomatidae)

Whiptail Family (Teiidae)

Gecko Family (Gekkonidae)

Skink Family (Scincidae)

Dwarf Boa Family (Loxocemidae)

Constrictor Family (Boidae)

Colubrid Snake Family (Colubridae)

Coral Snake Family (Elapidae)

Viper Family (Viperidae)

Mud Turtle Family (Kinosternidae)

Hard-shelled Sea Turtle Family (Cheloniidae)

Leatherback Turtle Family (Dermochelyidae)

Semiaquatic Pond Turtle Family (Emydidae)

Crocodile Family (Crocodylidae)

Glossary

Bibliography

Costa Rica Conservation Organizations, Research Stations, Birding Groups, and Bird Information Sources

Wildlife Tourism Sites and Field Stations of Costa Rica

Costa Rica Trip Preparation Checklist

Travel Tips for a Successful Wildlife Viewing Trip in Costa Rica

About the Author

Index

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