Tropical forests are widely recognized as the most species-rich terrestrial ecosystems on earth and include many of the world's most endangered habitats and organisms. Biodiverse, economically crucial, and ecologically irreplaceable, tropical forests have captured the attention of scientists, policy makers, and all thoughtful citizens. However, tropical forests remain poorly understood.

Tropical Forests: Management and Ecology addresses the need for a synthesis of information on both the ecological and socioeconomic aspects of human use of tropical forest ecosystems. The book was prepared to recognize the distinguished tradition of research at the USDA Forest Service Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico.

Its seventeen chapters were prepared by leading tropical ecologists and are divided into four sections: The Problem and Background; Long-term Ecological Research in Puerto Rico; Research Areas that Require Increased Focus in the Tropics; and Direction for Future Research in Tropical Forests. Tropical Forests: Management and Ecology will be a lasting resource for ecologists, tropical biologists, foresters, natural resource specialists, and policymakers with an interest in the tropics.