CONTENTSIntroduction 2Introduction 2, About this book 4, What's in a name? 5The Australian environment 3Geography and geology 8, Climate 9, TheHuman connection 10, Conservation 13, Habitats 14Mammals 19Anteaters and armadillos 20, Primates 24, Carnivores 27,Ungulates 39, Bats 43, Rodents and rabbits 46, Marsupials 49Birds 51Ground birds 52, Waterbirds 54, Raptors 62, Guans 65,Parrots and their allies 66, Near-passerines 69, Passerines 78Reptiles, amphibians and fish 89Reptiles 90, Amphibians 99, Fish 102Invertebrates 105Insects 106, Arachnids 114, Centipedes, snailsand crustaceans 117Where to go 119Mato Grosso (Brazil) 121, Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) 138,Paraguay 144, Bolivia 148Top tips 151Finding wildlife 152, Practicalities 160,Wildlife photography 162Further information 163Index 165

Based in Argentina, James Lowen is a wildlife writer, editor, photographer and lecturer. He is editor of the only magazine to focus on birdwatching in Latin America.