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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Where decay breathes life

From sonic tomographies to global biodiversity negotiations, this journey through research, resilience, and connection reveals how even the smallest organisms can shape entire ecosystems and inspire lasting change.

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By: Valerie Lenis

Disease Ecology Microbial Ecology Forest Ecology Ecosystem Ecology Botany Biodiversity Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Barro Colorado Island black Erin Spear

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Researchers count manatees using their chatter to recognize individuals

An improved method of identifying manatees by their vocalizations makes it easier to tell them apart, to better estimate their populations and help efforts for their conservation.

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By Vanessa Crooks

Marine Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Conservation Biology Animal Behavior Biodiversity Physical Monitoring Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Bocas del Toro Naos navy-blue

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Wishing farewell to our friend, Dr. Richard Cooke

He would have turned 77 this past October. We deeply miss his endless enthusiasm for learning and his passion for teaching others.

Archaeology Anthropology Zoology Life in Deep Time Naos smithsonian-cyan

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First report of stone tool
use by Cebus Monkeys

White-faced capuchin monkeys in Panama’s Coiba National Park habitually use hammer and anvil stones to break hermit crab shells, snail shells, coconuts and other food items, according to visiting scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). This is the first report of habitual stone-tool use by Cebus monkeys.

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Coiba National Park, Panama

Animal Behavior Anthropology Zoology Biodiversity Conservation Biology Evolutionary Biology Natural History Origins of Species and Societies Coibita Island black Owen McMillan

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A tale of communication
on coral reefs

Coral reef fish often see a very different seascape that humans do. Using the evolutionary laboratory created by the Isthmus of Panama, Michele Pierotti is learning exactly how they view their underwater world.

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Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama

Marine Biology Evolutionary Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Ecology Global Change Molecular Genetics and Genomics Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Origins of Species and Societies Naos light-green D. Ross Robertson Owen McMillan

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Modern marine oxygen-deficiency research
inspires search for fossil record

Smithsonian scientists who documented massive mortality of corals and reef organisms meticulously studied one of the apparent causes: oxygen deficiency. A Smithsonian paleobiologist asks if the recent fossil record shows signs of similar hypoxia events.

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Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Photos by Sean Mattson

Paleontology and Paleobiology Global Change Marine Biology Conservation Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Evolutionary Biology Biodiversity Connections in nature: Plants, Animals, Microbes and Environments Life in Deep Time Bocas del Toro black Aaron O'Dea

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Big fish produce disproportionately
bigger eggs and more of them

A new paper in Science shows that big female fish are disproportionately important to maintaining populations. The research suggests that protection of large, reproductive females is essential to sustaining viable fish stocks.

Marine Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Ecology Ecosystem Services Conservation Biology Naos black D. Ross Robertson

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Whale Shark Logs
Longest-Recorded Migration

A whale shark named Anne swam all the way across the Pacific from Coiba National Park in Panama to the Marianas Trench.

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Coiba, Panama

Marine Biology Fisheries and Marine Conservation Animal Behavior Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet Coibita Island blue Hector M. Guzman

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