Seventeen marvelous essays introducing the habitats, ecology, plants, and animals of the Central and South American rainforest. A lively, lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its seventeen marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants, and animals of the Central and South American rainforest. Includes a lengthy appendix of practical advice for the tropical traveler.

"Anyone fascinated by the underwater world will be riveted by the photos in this richly illustrated guide... Readers can lose themselves in the magnificent environment beneath the sea...." --Publishers Weekly on the first edition of Reef Life The lure of the life that inhabits the ocean's reefs and open waters is no secret to scuba enthusiasts and snorkelers who enjoy gazing upon this wonderful world through their dive masks. This practical and comprehensive guidebook for divers, naturalists and ocean lovers identifies the most commonly encountered animals and other organisms in the tropical marine environment and identifies them in more than 1,000 beautiful color photographs to provide a window into this magnificent world. This updated edition features new photos, 33 new species profiles and an extended chapter about the state of the ocean and reefs on our rapidly changing planet. Reef Life is a handy, portable and comprehensive reference in a time when understanding and appreciating the diversity of our tropical oceans is at a critical point. A gallery of over 425 ray-finned fish species, as well as elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates), invertebrates, marine reptiles and marine mammals, offers readers an extensive identification guide to the most commonly seen marine species, with detailed descriptions of size, habitat, range and behavior. The book also includes: A guide to tropical marine ecosystems; Surveys of global coral reef communities, from the Caribbean to the Red Sea; A discussion about factors threatening marine ecosystems today. This is an essential selection for marine science and travel/tourism collections, scuba divers and snorkelers, and retailers and libraries in oceanside locations.

This tropical design book showcases the innovative interior designs and architecture of The Philippines most luxurious homes. Start with a warm tropical climate. Add an abundance of exotic natural building material. And then let the cross currents of Asian design and aesthetics create a rich architectural alchemy of it's own. The result? The exquisite homes of the Philippines, a perfect balance of form and functionality, beautifully portrayed in Tropical Living. This Filipino design book presents over 30 of the latest homes in the archipelago: from a classic old-world penthouse in the art-deco Malate area to the creative homes of artists of Antipolo: from Asian-fusion villas on Batangas Bay to the elite Philippine Mediterranean manors of Forbes park, the book covers Filipino taste in all of its manifestations. With over 400 fabulous full-color photographs and texts from some of the country's leading architects and authors, there is also an inspirational sourcebook of contemporary tropical furnishings. It is a book of ideas to dip into, and savor.

By 2050, it is predicted that half of the World's carbon emissions will be from developing countries (in particular, India, China and South East Asian countries). Modernization may come at the expense of society and the environment, as the ill-gotten mistakes of an industrialized West "pre-Brundtland" fail to deter the developing nation's quest for economic prosperity. However, a combination of governmental and private sector commitment to combating climate change has found expression in green building legislation and the establishment of green assessment methods tailored to the tropical climate and regional social economics. This book is a chronological journey through the creation of the Idea House, the first carbon zero house in Southeast Asia. Ideal for academics and professionals alike, this book also serves as a sustainable design process road map for the creation of the zero carbon home typology. The role of the architect, as a conduit to these different built environment professionals, is explored in order to highlight the increasing importance of a project leadership that embraces a broader interdisciplinary understanding of pertinent issues.

Forty-one different species of tropical fish, among them a male Siamese fightingfish blowing his bubble nest and two kissing gourami; also, 26 species of marine plants. 20 plates, including 10 two-page spreads. Captions give common and scientific names.

Lyrical words and lush, naturalistic paintings introduce children to the tropical rain forest and the animals that live within its wet, green world. From swinging monkeys and upside-down-hanging sloths to graceful caimans and stalking jaguars, Here Is the Tropical Rain Forest envelops young readers in a stunning jungle while teaching them an important lesson about the ecosystem. Madeleine Dunphy’s rhythmical, cumulative text shows how each plant and animal of the rain forest is inextricably linked with the others in a chain of life. Michael Rothman’s deeply hued and shadowed paintings brilliantly evoke this singular environment.

A stunning array of the most ambitious examples of recent residential architecture and design in the tropical regions of this world.

This case study "is oriented to the natural environment 'under the tropical canopy' and the uses made of this environment by the Maya for more than 13 centuries. It presents a reconstruction of Maya life during the early, middle, and late phases of its development."--Foreword, page viii.