Life Above the Jungle Floor

Not too long ago, the only method of studying jungle canopy was to gather material from the forest floor or to cut down trees and collect whatever fell to the ground. Neither towers nor platforms were satisfactory where the forest roof reached more than 60 feet overhead. Modifying techniques used by mountain climbers, Perry devised a system of rope webs running through the treetops that enabled him to study the canopy in situ. It is an exciting breakthrough in tropical biology, since scientists have barely penetrated that part of the jungle. Perry describes life in the top of the Costa Rican forestvast colonies of insects (including ants that guard trees), colorful birds, white-faced monkeys, bats and venomous snakes. He discusses the evolution of flowering trees and notes with dismay the continuing erosion of forest land. A rare combination of gripping adventure and field science. Photos not seen by PW. BOMC alternate. (October)