Wood eaters
Termites could play an important role in climate change
September 22, 2022
A study spanning six continents explored the role of termites and microorganisms in wood decay.
A study spanning six continents explored the role of termites and microorganisms in wood decay.
Recognizing that a connection to our ocean must be fostered with every generation, the 7th Our Ocean Conference Youth Delegation sought to highlight the contributions of young leaders advocating to protect our ocean. The Youth Delegation was made up of participants aged 18-30, with a focus on applicants from the Asia-Pacific region.
After 14 thousand years of living in confinement and without the threat of predators, the white-faced capuchin monkeys on the Coiba National Park islands have begun to exhibit behaviors that have not been recorded in the mainland populations. For example, they are highly terrestrial and have learned to use stones as tools. Listen to doctoral student in animal behavior and former STRI fellow, Claudio Monteza, tell us this story.
At the 2023 Our Ocean Conference in Panama (Mar. 2-3), STRI and partners welcomed John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and representatives of civil society, philanthropy and science sectors to celebrate a regional initiative to protect the Tropical Eastern Pacific.
The 8th Our Ocean Conference concluded with 341 commitments worth nearly $20 billion, including the expansion of Banco Volcán Managed Resources Area in the Panamanian Caribbean that led Panama to protect over 54% of its oceans.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will celebrate 100 years of tropical forest research at Barro Colorado Island Field Station in Panama with exhibits and events.
As the first marine- and coastal- policy expert to join STRI’s marine staff scientists, Panamanian Ana K. Spalding will work with coastal communities to understand what knowledge is needed to foster wellbeing for both oceans and people.
Plant ecologist S. Joseph Wright received an award for his illustrious career at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, in Panama.
Socially foraging bats may find food faster by listening in to the search-phase calls of their group members
STRI staff scientist Joe Wright and colleagues present results in Science indicating that diversity among adult tropical trees can be maintained if spatial repulsion among individuals of the same species is greater than spatial repulsion among individuals of different species.