The Matador Bug’s flag-waving mystery deepens
Why do matador bugs wave bright flags on their hind legs? The usual explanation for showoffs in nature is sexual selection, but that’s not it.
Alejandro Arze, STRI Director of Protection and Security, Retires
It takes a very special personality to ensure people’s safety, especially when they work in tropical jungles and reefs at sites that span the Republic of Panamá.
STRI special events, December 2022
In the face of catastrophe, Conferences of Parties strategize (COP27, COP15, CITES), Farewell Mireya Correa and Tony Coates, Kudos to Jaramillo and Spears labs, charting the future of microbiology research, Sanjur in the public eye and more outreach news.
Smithsonian Science Drives Establishment of New Important Marine Mammal Area in Ecuador
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task force invites groups of marine biologists to propose Important Marine Mammal Areas. The new IMMA along the Ecuadorian coast proposed by STRI’s Hector Guzman and colleagues will lead to a cascade of scientific activities designed to protect not only marine mammals, but their entire habitat.
Anthony G. Coates, Senior Scientist Emeritus (1936-2022)
Geologist Tony Coates changed the way we think about the ground under our feet. He confirmed the date when North and South America were connected at about 3 million years ago. We remember Tony not only as a skilled field geologist, but as a kind person and storyteller, who captured the imagination of scientists and non-scientists alike with his ability to spin a tale.
A journey to eradicate harassment
After a year of reflection and change, we reinforce our commitment to creating a safe workplace for everyone and space for healing as a community.
Animals are key to restoring the world’s forests
Animals will help restore tropical forests if people locate reforestation projects near existing forest reserves and control hunting.
Barro Colorado 100 years of Discovery and Wonder exhibit opens in Washington
Barro Colorado Island Research Station in Panama celebrates upcoming 100th birthday with an exhibition at the US National Museum of Natural History.
History and archeology of the transisthmian roads of Panama
Explorations have revealed what remains of the roads and new data on their state of conservation, their route and its historical importance for Panama.
Smithsonian receives a $10 million donation to support research and education on climate resilience
The gift will establish the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative, a multi-year program to study tropical resilience and educate the public about the role of resilience.
