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Plan your visit to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary with this detailed guide covering wildlife, birdwatching, permits, best time to visit, accommodation, and practical travel tips.

Part 1 — Introduction, Overview & Why Eaglenest Is Special

Introduction

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s most rewarding destinations for people who enjoy observing wildlife in its natural habitat. Although it covers just 217 square kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, it has earned international recognition for its extraordinary birdlife, varied mountain forests and remarkable conservation story.

Unlike many wildlife destinations where visitors focus on a single flagship species, Eaglenest offers something different. Its steep elevation range creates a series of habitats that change dramatically within a relatively short distance. As you travel through the sanctuary, subtropical forests gradually give way to temperate broadleaf woods and higher-altitude conifer forests. Each habitat supports its own collection of birds, mammals, butterflies and plants, making every section of the road feel like a different ecosystem.

The sanctuary is best known among birdwatchers, thanks to more than 500 recorded bird species and the discovery of the Bugun liocichla, one of the world’s newest bird species to be formally described. However, Eaglenest is far more than a birding destination. It also supports mammals such as the red panda, clouded leopard, Asian elephant, gaur and capped langur, while its forests form part of a larger conservation landscape connected with Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Planning a trip here requires more preparation than visiting many national parks in India. Mountain roads, permits, basic accommodation and changing weather all influence how you should organise your visit. This guide brings together the practical information, wildlife highlights and conservation background needed to help you make informed decisions before travelling.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary at a Glance

Where Is Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary?

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. It occupies the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas, where the terrain rises sharply from lower subtropical valleys to cool montane forests. This variation in altitude creates an exceptional diversity of habitats within a relatively compact protected area.

The sanctuary is part of a larger network of protected forests that includes Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakke Tiger Reserve. Together, these landscapes allow wildlife to move across different habitats and elevations, an important factor in maintaining healthy populations of birds and mammals.

Although the sanctuary is internationally known among birdwatchers, it remains far less visited than many of India’s famous tiger reserves. Visitors should expect winding mountain roads, simple accommodation and a travel experience centred on nature rather than tourist infrastructure.

Decision Guide: If your priority is luxury resorts and frequent wildlife drives, Eaglenest may not be the best choice. If you enjoy birdwatching, nature photography, forest walks and quieter wildlife destinations, it offers one of the most rewarding experiences in the Eastern Himalayas.

Why Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Is Special

An Extraordinary Elevation Gradient

One of Eaglenest’s defining characteristics is its dramatic change in elevation, ranging from around 500 metres to over 3,000 metres above sea level. This creates multiple ecological zones within a single sanctuary, each supporting different wildlife communities.

For visitors, this means that a short drive can reveal entirely different forest types, bird species and weather conditions. It also explains why experienced birders often spend several days exploring different elevations rather than remaining in one location.

One of India’s Finest Birding Destinations

Eaglenest has become one of India’s premier birdwatching destinations because of both the number of species recorded and the diversity of habitats available. More than 500 bird species have been documented, including hornbills, tragopans, trogons, laughingthrushes, sunbirds and numerous Himalayan specialities. Species totals continue to evolve as observations and checklists are updated, so it is generally safest to refer to “500+ recorded bird species” rather than a fixed count.

Many visitors come specifically to look for rare Himalayan birds that are difficult to observe elsewhere in India. Even experienced birders often spend several days here because species composition changes noticeably with altitude.

More Than a Bird Sanctuary

Although birds receive most of the attention, limiting Eaglenest to a birding destination overlooks much of what makes it special.

Its forests also support:

• Red panda
• Clouded leopard
• Bengal tiger
• Asian elephant
• Gaur
• Arunachal macaque
• Capped langur
• More than 160 recorded butterfly species

Many mammals are naturally elusive, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even when large mammals remain unseen, evidence such as tracks, calls and signs often reminds visitors that they are travelling through an intact Himalayan forest ecosystem rather than a managed safari landscape.

Field Note: Eaglenest rewards patience more than speed. Travellers who stop frequently, listen carefully and spend time observing mixed flocks often discover far more wildlife than those trying to cover long distances quickly.

The Story Behind the Name

Despite its modern reputation as a birding destination, Eaglenest’s name comes from an army post that once occupied the area rather than from any particular eagle species. Over time, the surrounding forests became recognised for their exceptional biodiversity, leading to the establishment of the wildlife sanctuary and its growing importance in conservation and ecotourism.

Today, Eaglenest represents more than just another protected area. It is an example of how scientific research, community participation and responsible tourism can work together to protect one of the Eastern Himalayas’ most important natural landscapes.

End of Part 1. Next, we’ll explore the sanctuary’s wildlife in detail, including its most sought-after birds, mammals, butterflies, and the remarkable story of the Bugun liocichla.

Part 2 — Wildlife of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s reputation rests largely on its wildlife. While birdwatchers travel from around the world to explore Eaglenest, the forests also support rare mammals, colourful butterflies, orchids and a wide variety of Himalayan flora. The combination of altitude, habitat diversity and relatively undisturbed forests makes every day in Eaglenest different, with wildlife changing noticeably as you move between elevations.

Wildlife of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Signature Bird Species

Eaglenest is widely regarded as one of India’s finest birdwatching destinations because of both the diversity and quality of species that occur here. More than 500 bird species have been recorded, although the exact number continues to evolve as checklists are updated and new observations are documented. Using “500+ recorded species” is therefore the most accurate way to describe its avifauna.

Unlike many birding destinations where visitors search for one or two famous birds, Eaglenest offers an extraordinary variety of Himalayan species across different elevations. A morning spent in lower forests can produce a completely different bird list from an afternoon higher up the mountain.

Some of the sanctuary’s best-known birds include:

• Bugun liocichla
• Blyth’s tragopan
• Temminck’s tragopan
• Ward’s trogon
• Wreathed hornbill
• Mrs. Gould’s sunbird
• Various laughingthrushes
• Babblers
• Flycatchers
• Fulvettas
• Minlas
• Yuhinas

Many of these birds are difficult to find elsewhere in India, which explains why experienced birders often spend several days exploring different elevations instead of concentrating on a single location.

Expert Tip: Bird activity is usually highest during the first few hours after sunrise. Starting early and moving slowly often produces better sightings than covering long distances quickly.

Birds by Habitat

One of the easiest ways to understand Eaglenest is to think of it as several birding destinations combined into one protected area.

Rather than searching for individual species, experienced guides often focus on locating mixed bird flocks. These moving groups can contain dozens of species feeding together and provide some of the most productive birdwatching opportunities in the sanctuary.

Mammals

Although birds dominate most travel guides, Eaglenest also supports an impressive range of mammals. Dense forests and mountainous terrain mean these animals are naturally elusive, so sightings are less predictable than in open grassland or tiger reserves.

Important mammals reported from the sanctuary include:

• Red panda
• Clouded leopard
• Bengal tiger
• Asian elephant
• Gaur
• Arunachal macaque
• Capped langur

Many visitors never see these mammals directly. Instead, guides may identify tracks, droppings, feeding signs or distant calls that reveal their presence.

This should not be viewed as a disappointment. Eaglenest is a rainforest ecosystem where wildlife survives by remaining hidden, and that is one reason many species continue to thrive here.

Field Note: Success in Eaglenest is measured less by the number of large mammals seen and more by the diversity of wildlife encountered throughout the day.

Butterflies, Reptiles and Other Wildlife

Birds may receive the greatest attention, but they represent only one part of Eaglenest’s biodiversity.

More than 160 butterfly species have been recorded, making the sanctuary equally rewarding for butterfly enthusiasts during suitable seasons. Among the notable species associated with the region is the Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory, one of the Eastern Himalayas’ most celebrated butterflies. Recent conservation initiatives have also highlighted butterfly diversity as an important part of the sanctuary’s ecological value.

The forests also support:

• Numerous orchid species
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Rich insect life
• Diverse Himalayan plant communities

Together, these species create complex forest ecosystems where birds, mammals, insects and flowering plants depend on one another.

Rare and Endemic Species

One reason Eaglenest attracts researchers is the presence of species with restricted distributions.

The sanctuary’s position within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot means many plants and animals occur only within limited parts of the Himalayan region. Its wide elevation range also allows species with very different habitat requirements to survive within the same protected area.

For visiting wildlife enthusiasts, this means:

• Every elevation offers different species.
• Spending multiple days usually produces much higher species diversity.
• Local guides are invaluable because many target birds are recognised more easily by their calls than by visual sightings.

The Story of the Bugun Liocichla

Few wildlife sanctuaries anywhere in the world can claim to have introduced an entirely new bird species to science in recent decades. Eaglenest can.

The Bugun liocichla was first observed within the sanctuary in 1995 but was formally described as a new species in 2006. Its discovery immediately attracted international attention because genuinely new bird species are rarely identified today.

The bird takes its name from the Bugun community, whose traditional lands surround parts of the sanctuary. Rather than becoming simply a scientific curiosity, the species has grown into a symbol of community-based conservation in Arunachal Pradesh.

Its discovery also changed how many birdwatchers viewed Eaglenest. What had already been considered an excellent Himalayan birding destination suddenly became one of Asia’s most important locations for observing rare mountain birds.

Why the Bugun Liocichla Matters

The significance of the Bugun liocichla extends beyond its rarity.

Its discovery demonstrated:

• How little of the Eastern Himalayas has been fully studied.
• The global conservation value of Eaglenest’s forests.
• The importance of protecting mountain habitats before species disappear.
• The role local communities can play in conserving biodiversity.

For many visitors, simply knowing they are walking through the habitat of one of the world’s newest bird species adds an extra dimension to the experience, even if the bird itself remains unseen.

Responsible Birdwatching

The sanctuary’s wildlife depends on visitors behaving responsibly.

Good birdwatching practices include:

• Keeping noise to a minimum.
• Remaining on existing roads and trails.
• Avoiding disturbance to nesting birds.
• Maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife.
• Following the advice of local guides.
• Never attempting to lure birds with excessive playback or bait.

These simple practices help protect sensitive species while ensuring future visitors can enjoy the same natural behaviour that makes Eaglenest so rewarding.

Photography Tip: Long lenses are far more useful than approaching birds closely. Good fieldcraft and patience usually produce better photographs than trying to shorten the distance.

Wildlife Highlights at a Glance

End of Part 2. The next part covers the best time to visit, seasonal wildlife expectations, how to reach Eaglenest, permits, entry formalities and accommodation options.

Part 3 — Best Time to Visit, How to Reach, Permits & Where to Stay

A successful trip to Eaglenest depends as much on planning as it does on wildlife. Weather, mountain roads, permits and accommodation all influence how much of the sanctuary you can explore. Spending a little time preparing before your journey will make your visit smoother and allow you to focus on wildlife rather than logistics.

Best Time to Visit Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit depends on what you hope to experience. Birdwatchers often plan their trips around seasonal bird activity, while general wildlife travellers may prefer periods with comfortable weather and reliable road conditions.

Most reliable sources recommend March and April as the most rewarding months for birdwatching. During this period, many resident and migratory birds are active, forests are vibrant, and travel conditions are generally favourable.

Winter also attracts birders looking for Himalayan species, although temperatures at higher elevations can become quite cold.

The sanctuary is generally closed during the monsoon season, making advance planning essential.

Month-by-Month Visiting Guide

Decision Guide: If you are visiting Eaglenest for the first time, plan your trip during March or April. These months combine comfortable weather, active birdlife and comparatively reliable access.

Birdwatching Through the Seasons

Although birds can be observed throughout much of the year, seasonal conditions influence both species activity and visitor experience.

• Winter often offers clear skies and good visibility, though mornings can be very cold.
• Spring is widely regarded as the peak birding season, with increased activity across many habitats.
• Late spring remains productive but weather can become less predictable.
• Monsoon brings heavy rainfall and difficult road conditions, which is why the sanctuary is generally closed.

Because Eaglenest spans a wide elevation range, weather can change rapidly during a single day. Even when lower elevations feel warm, higher camps may require winter clothing.

Photography Tip: Mountain weather often changes quickly. Carry waterproof protection for cameras and lenses, even during the recommended travel season.

Weather and Road Conditions

Mountain roads remain an important part of the Eaglenest experience.

Visitors should expect:

• Narrow winding roads.
• Variable road surfaces.
• Occasional delays caused by weather.
• Cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
• Limited mobile connectivity in many areas.

Driving after dark is generally best avoided because of mountain conditions and reduced visibility.

How to Reach Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Reaching Eaglenest requires a combination of air, rail or long-distance road travel followed by a drive into the mountains. Although the journey takes time, the changing landscapes are part of the overall experience.

By Air

The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport in Assam.

From Tezpur, visitors continue by road through Bhalukpong before climbing into the hills towards Eaglenest. Depending on road conditions and your chosen accommodation, the onward journey can take several hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Bhalukpong.

Travellers arriving by train usually continue by road into Arunachal Pradesh after completing the necessary permit formalities.

By Road

Road travel is the primary way to explore Eaglenest.

The route generally passes through:

• Tezpur
• Bhalukpong
• West Kameng district
• Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

The final approach climbs steadily through changing forest types, offering the first glimpse of the remarkable habitats that make the sanctuary internationally significant.

Travel Logistics at a Glance

Expert Tip: Avoid planning a tight schedule. Weather and mountain roads can occasionally delay travel, so keeping some flexibility makes the journey less stressful.

Permits and Entry Rules

Because Eaglenest lies in Arunachal Pradesh, travellers must complete the required entry formalities before visiting.

Permit requirements can change over time, so always verify the latest rules before departure.

Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

The permit is issued by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and should be obtained before travelling whenever possible.

Protected Area Permit (PAP)

Foreign nationals generally require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for travel in Arunachal Pradesh.

Because regulations may change, overseas visitors should confirm the latest requirements before finalising travel plans.

Local Guides

Although not every visitor is an experienced birder, hiring a knowledgeable local guide greatly improves the experience.

A good guide can:

• Identify birds by their calls.
• Locate mixed feeding flocks.
• Explain local ecology.
• Help visitors understand seasonal wildlife movements.
• Share insights into the Bugun community and conservation initiatives.

Many visitors discover significantly more wildlife with an experienced guide than they would independently.

Vehicles and Road Conditions

Road conditions vary with weather and season.

Before travelling:

• Ensure your vehicle is suitable for mountain roads.
• Carry sufficient fuel where possible.
• Expect limited repair facilities in remote areas.
• Keep drinking water and basic supplies available.
• Begin long drives early in the day.

Driving slowly not only improves safety but also increases opportunities to observe wildlife along the route.

Where to Stay Near Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation around Eaglenest is intentionally simple.

Unlike many popular national parks, the emphasis here is on proximity to wildlife rather than luxury facilities. Visitors should arrive with realistic expectations and appreciate that basic camps often provide the best access to birding locations.

Lama Camp

Lama Camp is one of the best-known accommodation bases for visitors exploring the sanctuary.

It provides convenient access to several productive birding areas and is often chosen by photographers and birdwatchers spending multiple days in the region.

Bompu Camp

Bompu Camp offers access to different elevations within the sanctuary, allowing visitors to experience habitats that differ from those around Lama Camp.

Many longer birding itineraries include both camps to maximise species diversity.

Forest Rest Houses and Local Stays

Depending on availability, visitors may also find:

• Forest rest houses.
• Community-operated accommodation.
• Basic guesthouses.
• Small lodges in nearby settlements.

Facilities are generally modest, but they allow travellers to spend more time inside the surrounding wildlife landscape.

Choosing the Right Base

Family Travel Tip: Families should remember that Eaglenest is a remote mountain sanctuary rather than a resort destination. Accommodation focuses on location and access to nature, so expect simple facilities instead of luxury amenities.

Practical Planning Checklist

Before leaving for Eaglenest, make sure you have:

• ✔ Required permits
• ✔ Accommodation bookings
• ✔ Warm clothing for higher elevations
• ✔ Rain protection
• ✔ Binoculars
• ✔ Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
• ✔ Torch or headlamp
• ✔ Personal medicines
• ✔ Cash for remote areas where digital payments may not always be available
• ✔ Reusable water bottle and basic snacks

Responsible Tourism Tip: Carry back everything you bring into the sanctuary, minimise plastic waste and respect local customs. Responsible visitors help protect both wildlife and the communities that support conservation.

End of Part 3. The final part will cover suggested itineraries, birdwatching and photography tips, conservation and local communities, recent developments, common mistakes to avoid, frequently asked questions, and a concluding travel guide.

Part 4 — Suggested Itineraries, Photography Tips, Conservation, FAQs & Conclusion

Choosing how long to spend in Eaglenest has a significant impact on your experience. Unlike destinations where wildlife is concentrated around a few viewpoints, Eaglenest rewards visitors who explore different elevations at a relaxed pace. Allowing enough time also increases the chances of experiencing changing weather, bird activity and the sanctuary’s varied forest habitats.

Suggested Itineraries

Two-Day Introduction

A two-day visit is suitable for travellers who want a general introduction to Eaglenest or are combining it with other destinations in Arunachal Pradesh.

A typical itinerary includes:

• Arrival via Bhalukpong and transfer to the sanctuary.
• Birdwatching around one elevation zone.
• Early morning wildlife observation before departure.

This schedule offers only a brief glimpse of Eaglenest and is best suited to general wildlife travellers rather than dedicated birders.

Three-Day Wildlife and Birding Tour

Three days provide enough time to explore different elevations and significantly improve species diversity.

A typical plan includes:

• Day 1: Arrival, permit formalities and birding around Lama Camp.
• Day 2: Full-day exploration across different elevations.
• Day 3: Early morning birdwatching followed by departure.

This is an excellent balance for first-time visitors.

Five-Day Birding Expedition

Serious birdwatchers and photographers often spend five days or more in Eaglenest.

The extra time allows visitors to:

• Explore multiple habitat zones.
• Revisit productive birding locations.
• Adjust plans according to weather.
• Search for target species without rushing.
• Experience early mornings across several elevations.

Longer stays also reduce pressure to cover large distances each day and encourage slower, more rewarding wildlife observation.

Decision Guide: If birds are your primary interest, consider at least three to five days. A longer stay usually results in a much greater diversity of sightings than a quick visit.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tips

Eaglenest differs from many wildlife destinations where animals are easily visible from vehicles. Success here comes from patience, careful observation and listening as much as looking.

For Birdwatchers

• Begin birding soon after sunrise.
• Walk slowly and pause frequently.
• Listen for bird calls before searching visually.
• Watch mixed feeding flocks carefully.
• Spend time at different elevations rather than remaining in one location.
• Work with an experienced local guide whenever possible.

For Wildlife Photographers

Photography in Eaglenest requires flexibility because forest lighting changes constantly.

Useful equipment includes:

• Binoculars for locating birds.
• A telephoto lens for distant subjects.
• Rain protection for cameras.
• Extra batteries.
• Sufficient memory cards.

Rather than chasing wildlife, allow animals to behave naturally. Patient observation usually produces stronger photographs than constant movement.

Photography Tip: Soft morning light often provides the best balance between image quality and bird activity. By midday, birds may become less active and harsh overhead light can reduce photographic quality.

Responsible Wildlife Watching

Responsible tourism helps ensure that Eaglenest remains an important wildlife refuge.

Visitors should:

• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Stay on established roads and trails.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Avoid disturbing nesting birds.
• Follow instructions from local guides.
• Carry all litter back out of the sanctuary.
• Respect local customs and communities.

Ethical behaviour benefits both wildlife and future visitors.

Conservation, Local Communities and the Future of Eaglenest

One of Eaglenest’s greatest strengths is the close relationship between conservation and local communities.

The sanctuary is closely associated with the Bugun community, whose stewardship has helped bring international attention to this remarkable landscape. The discovery of the Bugun liocichla highlighted not only the sanctuary’s biodiversity but also the importance of community participation in protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Today, Eaglenest is recognised not simply as a protected forest but as an example of how scientific research, responsible tourism and local involvement can support long-term conservation.

The Eaglenest–Sessa–Pakke Landscape

Eaglenest should not be viewed in isolation.

Together with Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakke Tiger Reserve, it forms an interconnected conservation landscape that supports wildlife movement across different habitats and elevations. This ecological connectivity is especially important for wide-ranging mammals and many forest bird species.

For travellers exploring Northeast India, these protected areas complement one another rather than compete.

Recent Developments

Recent years have seen continued efforts to strengthen conservation and responsible tourism around Eaglenest.

Highlights include:

• Continued growth of the Eaglenest Bird Festival, reflecting increasing interest in community-based ecotourism.
• Conservation initiatives involving local communities and awareness programmes.
• Greater attention to butterfly conservation and habitat protection.
• Ongoing discussions about balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation in the surrounding landscape.

These developments demonstrate that Eaglenest remains an active conservation landscape rather than simply a protected area on a map.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many first-time visitors underestimate the practical challenges of travelling in the Eastern Himalayas.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Planning too few days.
• Assuming large mammals are easily seen.
• Arriving without the required permits.
• Packing only for warm weather.
• Expecting luxury accommodation.
• Driving long mountain distances after dark.
• Ignoring the advice of local guides.
• Treating Eaglenest like a conventional safari destination rather than a mountain wildlife sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

It is internationally recognised for its bird diversity, with more than 500 recorded bird species, and for the discovery of the Bugun liocichla.

Where is Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary located?

It is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.

What is the best time to visit?

March and April are generally considered the best months for most visitors because they combine favourable weather with excellent bird activity.

Is the sanctuary open during the monsoon?

Official sources indicate that the sanctuary is generally closed during the monsoon season. Visitors should confirm current conditions before travelling.

Which permits are required?

Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign visitors generally require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Always verify the latest regulations before your trip.

Which airport is nearest?

Tezpur Airport in Assam is the nearest airport commonly used by visitors.

Which railway station is nearest?

Bhalukpong is the nearest railway station for most travellers visiting Eaglenest.

Is Eaglenest suitable for beginners?

Yes. Although it is famous among experienced birdwatchers, beginners interested in wildlife, photography and Himalayan forests can also enjoy the sanctuary, particularly with the help of a knowledgeable local guide.

Can families visit?

Families who enjoy nature and are comfortable with basic accommodation and mountain travel can have a rewarding visit. Those expecting resort-style facilities may prefer other destinations.

How many days should I spend?

Three days offer a good introduction, while dedicated birdwatchers often benefit from staying five days or longer.

Conclusion

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is unlike most wildlife destinations in India. Rather than promising guaranteed sightings of a single flagship animal, it rewards curiosity, patience and careful observation. Its forests span a remarkable range of elevations, supporting more than 500 recorded bird species, elusive Himalayan mammals, colourful butterflies and an exceptional variety of habitats within a relatively compact protected area.

For birdwatchers, Eaglenest ranks among the country’s finest destinations. For photographers, it offers ever-changing mountain landscapes and opportunities to document rare Himalayan wildlife. For general travellers, it provides a chance to experience one of India’s least disturbed forest ecosystems while learning about the important role of local communities in conservation.

The journey requires planning, permits and realistic expectations, but those who travel at a slower pace are often rewarded with experiences that extend well beyond a species checklist. Whether you spend two days or a week exploring its mountain roads and forests, Eaglenest leaves a lasting appreciation for the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayas and the importance of protecting landscapes where both wildlife and people continue to coexist.