The Temple of the Jaguar

As he mourned the death of a loved one, the author sought relief in a journey through the Mexican Yucatan and Belize. In a small van, Schueler ( Incident at Eagle Ranch ) explored back roads, jungle trails and the coasts along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. He visited Sian Ka'an in southern Quintana Roo, one of the last great wild places in Central America, where he spotted agouti, paca, javelina and ocelot. Not until he went to a wildlife refuge in Belize did he find a jaguar--his dream animal. Vivid descriptions of the land, the flora and fauna are interspersed with bits of the Yucatan's colorful past. Schueler encountered poachers, conservationists, research biologists, British and American expatriates and remnants of the Maya population. At journey's end, he had recovered some measure of joy in his life. This is an engrossing account of travel, history and adventure. (Apr.)