Paseo Pantera: Una Historia de la Naturaleza y Cultura de Centroamerica

A panoramic view of the natural and cultural history of Central America, now in a Spanish language edition As a bridge between North and South America, Central America has a fascinating natural history and a unique geographic and geopolitical position. It separates two immense and totally different continental faunas and two vast tropical oceans. It has also linked two remarkably contrasting groups of Precolumbian cultures and has witnessed the mingling of the American and European civilizations after Spanish colonization, developments that have led to a remarkable array of political and social patterns among the seven nations in the region. This richly illustrated book is the first popular yet thorough investigation of both the natural and the human history of Central America. Written by eminent authorities in the field, the book explores the geological origins of the isthmus; the mosaic of landscapes that make it such a diverse and complex region; the differences between the Pacific and Caribbean; the importance of Central American corridors and barriers for both terrestrial organisms (including humans) and marine life; native peoples and cultures during Precolumbian and colonial times; colonization; the postcolonial period and independence; and the current status of the native Indian peoples and their lands. The book closes with a thoughtful look at regional conservation issues for the twenty-first century.