A course to learn about the
biodiversity of our forests

Through a course in dendrology, the study of the taxonomy of woody plants in the absence of flowers or fruits, two experts in forest diversity seek to leave a legacy of knowledge for future generations.

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by Vanessa Crooks

Botany Forest Ecology Taxonomy Biodiversity Long-term monitoring Plant Physiology Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments lime-green Stuart Davies

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A composting fly could significantly
reduce organic waste in Panama

An innovative and low-cost project to bio-convert food scraps into fertilizer, animal feed and extractable oil using the Black Soldier Fly.

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By: Rosannette Quesada H.

Animal Behavior Entomology Natural History Biodiversity Zoology Ecology Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Earl S. Tupper lime-green Yves Basset

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The benefits of small-scale plantations for mammal species in mixed landscapes (Webinar in Spanish)

The importance of timber plantations as corridors or shelter for mammals.

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Smithsonian Receives $12 Million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for forest carbon verification with GEO-TREES

Grant Supports the Smithsonian’s Leadership Role in Bringing the Global GEO-TREES System Online

Ecosystem Services Conservation Biology Forest Ecology Biodiversity Botany Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Barro Colorado Island lime-green Stuart Davies

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A global standard for forest carbon storage requires ground-based measurements

To create a global standard for forest carbon storage, we need boots on the ground. The GEO-TREES system of forest plots offers this immediately: establishing a single method for forest carbon estimation at existing on-the-ground forest study sites around the world.

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By Vanessa Crooks

Botany Forest Ecology Long-term monitoring Canopy Biology Global Change Reforestation and Silviculture Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet lime-green Stuart Davies

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Animals caught on camera in plantations inform sustainable forestry

Timber plantations near urbanized areas support the movement of small and medium-sized terrestrial mammals between patches of natural forest.

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By Leila Nilipour

Forest Ecology Reforestation and Silviculture Biodiversity Ecosystem Services Ecosystem Ecology Animal Behavior Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet lime-green Jefferson Hall

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Is the world’s biggest vine on Panama’s Barro Colorado Island?

Long-term research at Barro Colorado Island Research Station and at many other locations show that there are more woody vines in tropical forests, but very little is known about them. They are difficult to measure and so are often overlooked. This research group measured the biggest vine they have found on the island—but is this the biggest liana in the world? The authors challenge others to come up with a bigger one.

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Story by Beth King

Global Change Forest Ecology Long-term monitoring Disease Ecology Biodiversity Botany Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Barro Colorado lime-green

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Visiting Bacurú Drõa, a community-led study of forest giants in Eastern Panama

The importance of community participation and consent in all aspects of tropical forest research in indigenous areas is critical but can only be achieved through creating space for dialogue.

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Panama
Text and Photos, Beth King; Video, Analicia López

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Making a short documentary film in Panama’s tropical forest

In the Panamanian forest, researchers track swarms of carnivorous army ants and the birds that follow them. A new documentary reveals a glimpse of life, and research in the Neotropics

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Text by Olivia Milloway

Animal Behavior Biodiversity Conservation Biology Evolutionary Ecology Forest Ecology Natural History Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Gamboa lime-green

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Barro Colorado Island,
100 years of science and discoveries

Five Panamanian scientists share a glance at the experience of working in the tropical biologist’s dream, Barro Colorado Island.

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Byline Vanessa Crooks

Biodiversity Long-term monitoring Natural History Animal Behavior Botany Ecosystem Ecology Global Change Physical Monitoring Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Barro Colorado lime-green

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