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Title: Tropical Mexico: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide (A Volume in the Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guides Series) ISBN: 0-12-084812-0 Publisher: Academic Press Pub. Date: April, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $31.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 2
Summary: Inaccurate and misleading
Comment: I can appreciate the author's intent - to create a more comprehensive guide to the wildlife of a region that is sorely lacking in accesible information. It is a pioneering effort, and I am grateful that such guides are being attempted. But after reviewing the bird plates I became quite upset - this guide will lead to many misidentifications due to innacurate portrayals and information, as well as omissions. While I can understand the impossibility of covering all the living species in a large and diverse region, it would be nice if the ones chosen were depicted accurately, and reference was made to similar species occuring within other parts of the covered range. For just one example, plate 45 shows four species of Motmot as being the ame size and shape, when the Tody Motmot is HALF the size (and a very different shape) of the others. While this is indicated (in small print), anyone relying on the pictures could easily become confused. Beletsky list Howell's excellent "Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America" in his references, but he clearly should have been paying more attention! As to omissions, if an abbreviated list is desired in the interest of keeping this book accesible for the more casual enthusiast, it would have been far better to at least focus on the species most likely to be encountered. While some rarely seen species are included, many quite visible and common birds are left out! And how could Beletsky leave out the Boat-billed Heron? Not only is this species an icon amongst Mexican birds, but it is a favorite species for boat tour operators on both coasts to find for visitors! After seeing what the bird plates are like, how could I ever feel positive about identifying other wildlife using this book?
On the positive side, I will reiterate that I am glad that such books are being written. There is often no information available (in practical form) on tropical reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, etc. But I hope guides like this will get a whole lot better! Skimping on information for portability is not the answer. Accuracy should be far more important. In Beletsky's favor are the habitat photos, and coverage of ecotourism and conservation issues.
Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent!
Comment: Simply, a terrific wildlife guide and the best of its kind for Mexico. Chapters provided detailed information (with photos!) of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals found in southern Mexico. Recommeneded for any serious student of biology or dedicated eco traveler.
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Title: Animals and Plants of the Ancient Maya : A Guide by Victoria Schlesinger ISBN: 0292777604 Publisher: University of Texas Press Pub. Date: 15 March, 2002 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: A Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas : Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador, Third Edition by Ernest Preston Edwards ISBN: 0292720912 Publisher: University of Texas Press Pub. Date: 1998 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: A Bird-Finding Guide to Mexico by Steve N. G. Howell ISBN: 0801485819 Publisher: Cornell University Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 1999 List Price(USD): $32.95 |
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Title: Maya Nature : An Introduction to the Ecosystems, Plants and Animals of the Mayan World by Thor Janson ISBN: 0962622184 Publisher: Vista Pubns Pub. Date: 01 February, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.99 |
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Title: Adventures in Nature Mexico by Ron Mader ISBN: 1562613405 Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing Pub. Date: 01 October, 1998 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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