Author Description

This volume, developed from Papers given at a discussion meeting in June of 1991, describes the unique flora and fauna of paramo, a high altitude Andean grassland ecosystem. The paramos are a rich, botanically diverse range of habitats of vital importance both to the local economy and as a major catchment area for water for many of the region's cities and great rivers. This book focuses on the activities of man in grazing, cutting, buring, and cultivating this fragile region. Important new research from Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru is brought together for the first time to provide an essential reference for both those interested in Central and South American ecology and the conservation and proper use of those ecosystems. * a little-studied habitat of growing importance Describes a rich and fragile environment under human threat First book devoted to this habitat