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"An interesting and enjoyable read. . . . Rich detail presented in well-written, logical fashion about the bat fauna of this interesting island." --Acta ChiropterologicaThe Caribbean islands are home to some of the most unusual species of bats. A number of them are endemic, living in no other region of the world. On Puerto Rico alone, thirteen different species have been found. Bats are the only naturally occurring mammals there; all others were introduced after settlement of the island first by the Taíno Indians and later by the Spanish.Puerto Rico is important for study because of its human history, tropical climate, size, relief, and isolation from the mainland. Thus, it is a useful model for understanding how historical, geographic, and environmental factors interact in a controlled environment to affect the diversity and complexity of its resident species.This volume is the first complete compilation of the distribution, natural history, taxonomy, and ecology of the bats of Puerto Rico. The coauthors, all experienced researchers, introduce the book with a discussion of Puerto Rican ecosystems and an overview of facts and misconceptions about bats in general. The main text then provides detailed descriptions of each of the thirteen Puerto Rican species, as well as illustrations of their faces and skulls. The book concludes with keys to the characters of these bats and a complete glossary. Maps show the distribution of each species on the island.Bats of Puerto Rico is designed to be an easily used source of information for the general public as well as a complete descriptive record for ecologists, mammalogists, and wildlife biologists.

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CHOICE Review

The Caribbean islands remain fragile ecosystems, highly vulnerable to the vagaries of both natural forces and human impact. Species richness is considerably less than that of mainland sites at comparable latitudes. Hence, even minor environmental damage can have major ecological consequences for island fauna. Bats of Puerto Rico is divided into three sections: a well-balanced description of Puerto Rico as an island ecosystem, a general section on basic bat biology, and an in-depth discussion of Puerto Rico's 13 species of bats--the only mammalian fauna native to the island. The latter section includes discussion of taxonomy, distribution and status, external anatomy, and various aspects of natural history. Distribution maps show the range of all species across the island. The text concludes with a chapter on conservation of Caribbean bats and two dichotomous keys for identification of Puerto Rican species. This book should appeal to readers interested in ecology, natural history, and bat biology. It is quite readable and well written, with minimal use of technical jargon. Several detailed appendixes, an extensive list of references, and a glossary of terms are provided. This work should be within reach of anyone having a basic grounding in biology. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. D. A. Brass indpendent scholar