Introduction

In Module 3, we examined aspects of the vegetation (two kingdoms: Plantae and Fungi) found in tropical forests. In this and the following module, we look at the composition of the animal kingdom (Kingdom Animalia) in tropical forests. This module deal with vertebrates and Module 5 deals with invertebrates.

We have used different approaches with each of the topics. With mammals, we have followed the order provided by the recently completed Handbook of the Mammals of the World. This major work is published in 9 volumes. These volumes correspond to the individual presentations, although we have excluded Volume 4 (Marine mammals), and Volumes 6 and 7, dealing with lagomorphs and rodents, have been combined into a single presentation.

With the birds, we have adopted a different approach. We have grouped families according to their broad diet, such as insect eaters (insectivores), plant eaters (folivores) and meat eaters (carnivores). This system is not perfect: some species specialize for the most of the year on one food source, but then switch to another food source. For example, many species that feed on nectar include insects in their diet during the breeding season, because their young need the extra protein.

We have dealt with amphibians and reptiles taxonomically, looking at individual families that occur in the Tropics. Fish were more difficult, and we have tried to feature those families and species that interact with forests. This may seem counter-intuitive, but the flooded forests in many parts of the Tropics provide the opportunity for fish to play a significant role in the ecology of the forests.

In this module, you will learn about some of the vertebrates that are found in tropical forests. You don’t need to be able to identify every species, but understanding the characteristics of the many different forms of vertebrates is important. You should also be able to recognize the more important species that occur in the forests that you are working in, and what some of their requirements are. For example certain types of vegetation may be absolutely critical for particular species. Other vegetation types may be important for a variety of species. Fig trees provide a good example of this latter type.

You should read through each of the presentations, but we don’t expect you to memorize everything. As we move through the course, we will make many references to particular species, genera or families, and Modules 3, 4 and 5 can be used a reference to give you a feel for what we are talking about, especially for the accompanying course on ecological processes in tropical forests. Very few people have the skill to identify animals in more than one biological class, such as the Aves (the birds). If they do, then the skill is frequently regionally based.