Abstract:
It is ironic that about the time (1960-1980) that tropical
field biology is becoming a widespread, respectable and
interesting area of research, greatly increased rates of
destruction of the tropics are rendering it obsolete and
impossible to conduct. However, the burgeoning conservation
efforts throughout the tropics suggest that all
is not lost. This 11 th hour calls for exceptional and directed
efforts on the part of the scientific community.
Here I address the question of how the scientific literature
about the tropics can be improved through
changes in attitude and emphasis. My comments may
seem to apply to more literature than just that about the
tropics, but it is no secret that tropical scientists have
much in common with their extra-tropical counterparts.
