Book excerpt: "Written for students at sixth form and undergraduate levels, and for 'the interested adult reader who might want to get a general feel for the subject', this is a systematic introduction to the rich diversity of Trinidad and Tobago's natural history, illustrated with maps and the author's own field photography. To manage a country's natural heritage effectively, the author argues, its organisms and ecosystems must be understood. Chronicling its degradation is not enough."--Publisher's description.