Monteverde: Science and Scientists in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest

by Sneed B. Collard III

The ecology of tropical forests that grow at high altitudes is described through the eyes of scientists who live and work at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica.

128 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Sneed B. Collard III (see also "Sneed B. Collard") is a biologist, world traveler, speaker, and author of almost one hundred books for young people, including the 2024 Orbis Pictus Award winner, Border Crossings (Charlesbridge Publishing). His other recent science titles include Fire Birds; Hopping Ahead of Climate Change; Little Killers; Waiting for a Warbler; Beaver & Otter Get Along . . . Sort of; and the upcoming picture book, Like No Other. Collard holds science degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and U.C. Santa Barbara. He lives in Montana.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this more than a decade ago. Even though it's not part of the series, I tend to think of it as the first Scientists in the Field series, as it features the work of real life scientists in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Now I reread it in anticipation of our upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I'm interested to discover what things are similar, and what have changed.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on a Costa Rica trip near the Monteverde cloud forest area. Very informative yet compact overview of ecology and biology work, including bell bird habitats, the disappearance of golden toads, the patterns of the resplendent quetzal, and my favorite--a chapter on the epiphyte plants that live on the trees and capture nutrients and water from the air.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of the ecology of Monteverde, Costa Rica from the juvenile section of the library. Describes the scientific studies performed at Monteverde before 1997, including the disappearance of the golden toads and the attempt to improve habitat for birds such as the resplendent quetzal.

[Linda]

Very interesting overview of the Cloud Forest's ecosystem, plants, and wildlife, as well as the human study of and interaction with the cloud forest. Great photos!