"This is a fabulous introduction to La Selva, skillfully covering plants, animals, habitats, and their relationships. Whether you are a researcher, student, or visitor to this extraordinary place, Scott Shumway's engaging book will be an indispensable guide to its biodiversity. I highly recommend it!" --Carlos L. de la Rosa, former director of La Selva Research Station "Without even getting your boots muddy, this book immerses you in little-known details of natural history and personal field experiences while providing a panoramic overview of the rich biological diversity and scientific legacy of La Selva's rainforest and research community. Nature and natural history come alive through engaging writing and breathtaking photos, providing an entry point for readers to launch their own experience of La Selva's fascinating web of life." --Robin Chazdon, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia "Tiny Costa Rica is a biodiversity powerhouse. The entire Amazon harbors about 150 species of palms, but Costa Rica, which is less than 1% of the Amazon's size, is home to more than 100. This wonderful new book by Scott Shumway and colleagues documents and explains this Costa Rican biodiversity with a focus on the extraordinary La Selva rainforests.

The accuracy of the information, the clarity of the writing, and the beauty of the photographs and maps make this a book that belongs on every nature lover's shelf!" --Mark J. Plotkin, cofounder and president of The Amazon Conservation Team "Much more than an identification guide, this book explains what rainforest plants, animals, and insects are doing in the wild--how they grow, reproduce, and interact with other species. It brings together a wealth of information that will stimulate and enthrall amateur and professional naturalists alike. Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, it is the book I wish I had had during my first trip to Costa Rica." --Robbin Moran, curator emeritus of the New York Botanical Garden.