The book to have for the American tropics
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This is just about the best introduction to the natural history of the New World tropics available and is a real bargain at this price. Another good alternative is "Tropical Nature" by Forsyth and Miyata.
I have been using this book since the first edition came out and now have both. It's also one of the books I try to pick up used to give to budding tropical naturalists. And to judge by the number of first-time visitors who carry this book, it is still proving extremely popular. I like the way the author has tried to give a broad overview of the important themes without compromising accuracy. Besides explanations of ecological processes and descriptions of wildlife, there is a strong emphasis on conservation with the final chapter devoted to "Deforestation and Conservation of Diversity". As a companion to the tropical naturalist this will be hard to beat.
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The most readable and interesting book of its' kind.
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I am working and living in Belize. I found The Neotropical Companion to be an articulate explanation of how the New World tropics functions and grows. The fact that Kircher's written style is organized, interesting and insightful is an added bonus.
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Accessible, Rational, Fascinating
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This book will make you feel close to the Neotropics, to the great scientists (Darwin, Wallace, Humboldt) who have visited there in the past, and to those scientists who are conducting leading research in the Neotropics today. It would merit 5 stars even if there were similar books out there, which there aren't.
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A wonderful companion for rainforest trekking
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We have just returned (Dec. 1998) from an eight day trip on the Rio Negro and Amazon Rivers. Kricher's book is the perfect companion. Can be read in advance to prepare yourself for the astounding diversity of species and environments or consulted for immediate information through an excellent index. The well written and thorough text is a joy to read. Be warned the variety of animal, plant and insect species is unbelievable and Kricher's book is not a field guide. He does cover many of the common species, but if you are a bird, plant, reptile or insect nut, then bring appropriate field guides.
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