Why is NASA studying
tropical ecosystems?

A NASA plane came to Panama to acquire aerial images to inform scientists about the diversity of tropical ecosystems. At the same time, researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama collected similar data from the ground. The goal: to create an algorithm to better understand tropical ecosystems using satellite remote sensing in the future.

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By: Rosannette Quesada-Hidalgo

Biodiversity Forest Ecology Canopy Biology Ecosystem Ecology Ecology Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Gamboa Barro Colorado Island Punta Galeta Canopy Access Cranes red-orange Helene Muller-Landau

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New species of grapes are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere

Ancient, fossilized grape seeds from Panama, Colombia and Peru, provide perspective on the evolution of plants after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Paleontology and Paleobiology Geology Botany Geography and Biogeography Biodiversity Natural History Life in Deep Time CTPA red-orange Carlos Jaramillo

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Together but not mixed up:
Fungi, ants and birds

Avoiding predators at all costs.

Animal Behavior Evolutionary Biology Natural History Developmental Biology Evolutionary Ecology Earl S. Tupper red-orange Sabrina Amador

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My Journey to Barro Colorado Island
(Part 3 of 3)

STRI from Myth to Reality: Working on Barro Colorado Island as Part of a Community.

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Text by Camille Delavaux

Microbial Ecology Disease Ecology Biodiversity Forest Ecology Chemical Ecology Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Barro Colorado Barro Colorado Island red-orange Erin Spear

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Volcanic Evolution of Panama

Panama is a land of volcanoes, with a long history of volcanic activity.

Geography and Biogeography Geology Global Change Paleontology and Paleobiology Life in Deep Time red-orange

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Even fake illness affects
relationships among vampire bats

How do social interactions change in the face of illness? As humans face potential global pandemics we look to nature for examples. Close observation of another highly social animal, the vampire bat, sheds light on how interactions change—or do not change—as individuals become sick.

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Gamboa, Panama

Animal Behavior Disease Ecology Invasion Biology Microbial Ecology Natural History Origins of Species and Societies Gamboa red-orange Rachel Page

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Join us to celebrate some of the discoveries and achievements made in 2019

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A photographic guide to the
wildlife of Panama’s old city

As Panama City celebrates it’s 500th birthday, STRI’s Steven Paton explores the biodiversity of Panama Viejo, an important historical and archaeological site

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Text and Photos by Steve Paton
Cover photo by Jorge Aleman, STRI

Biodiversity Physical Monitoring Conservation Biology Geography and Biogeography Archaeology Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Naos red-orange

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Pathogens may have facilitated the evolution of warm-blooded animals

Fever may be less effective at repelling infections in cold-blooded creatures

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Barro Colorado Island, Gamboa

Evolutionary Ecology Evolutionary Biology Ecology Origins of Species and Societies Barro Colorado red-orange Owen McMillan

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When does noise
become a message?

Rain sounds cue bats to stay at home

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Gamboa
Cover photo by Benjamin Hintz

Animal Behavior Global Change Natural History Zoology Biodiversity Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Gamboa red-orange Rachel Page

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