Showing Belize & Northern Guatemala: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide by Les Beletsky

As ecotourism booms, it is only natural that eco-themed guidebooks should boom alongside it. The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guides, endorsed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and researched by professional biologists, are among the more credible brands in the swelling ecotravel ranks. The series provides an encyclopaedic introduction to Central America's flora and fauna, as well as a friendly primer on the principles of ecotourism. These rich ecological contexts are accompanied by hundreds of pictures and photographs.

The guides deliver solid science without being stilted or boring--sections have titles like "Avian Mating Systems and Birds That Cheat" and "Frugivory: Animals That Eat Fruit and the Trees That Want Them To". The one element that is in surprisingly short supply is ecologically sound travel tips, from general dos and don'ts to a list of ecologically responsible tour operators and other eco-friendly establishments in Belize. This is mildly discouraging, since learning howto travel responsibly is as important as knowing what you are going to see. But given the relative paucity of travel literature on Belize, Belize and Northern Guatemala: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide proves a valuable resource for anyone curious about the natural wonders of this increasingly popular destination. --Andrew Nieland