Eaglenest wildlife sanctuary: pressures on biodiversity (E. O. Wilson award address)

A naturalist at the beginning of the twenty-second century may be faced with little nature to study. However, positive developments in human demographic characteristics, notably the decrease in birth rate and increase in wealth, suggest that we could take an optimistic view, plan for land to free up by that time, and consider that nature will be more greatly valued. Thus, if species can be shepherded through the current century, it is possible that the worst will be over. Protected areas, out of which species can expand, are a critically important resource. Because it is anticipated that the duration of the crisis will be relatively short, these reserves need not be excessively large, but in some of the more remote places of the world, protection is limited and development is rampant. The Himalayas of northeastern India is one such location. This area is a major biodiversity hot spot that is undergoing rapid change, with unexplored and mostly poorly protected areas. I describe one particular reserve (Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary), outline how little we know about it, and outline the threats that it is experiencing. For naturalists, the benefits of working in such places are great.