Teak often underperforms on poor soils. By planting valuable native trees in existing teak plantations, researchers will evaluate the potential increase in timber value, biodiversity value and ecosystem services provided.
Dr. Gina Della Togna has gone a long way in pursuing her love for animals, including amphibians, insects, and reptiles. Last year she received the L'Oreal-Unesco Prize for Women in Science, for her research in assisted reproductive techniques for endangered species, such as the golden frog. This year she was named by Forbes magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in Central America and the Dominican Republic. Listen to the story of how she became a renowned scientist.
Returning endangered frogs back to nature is not an easy task, particularly when their main threats are not under control. In this talk (Spanish), former STRI fellow and current director of the Summit Municipal Park, Dr. Angie Estrada, explains what is causing so many amphibian species around the world to be at risk for extinction and discusses the different approaches that scientists are exploring to reintroduce these animals back into nature safely.
For Panamanian marine biologist Yehudi Rodríguez, her curiosity about sharks began early in life, watching the National Geographic programs and listening to her father’s stories as an underwater fisherman. This persistent interest led her to pave a path where there were not many opportunities, and to learn as much as possible from the people she encountered during her research projects in the field, especially from artisanal fishermen. Now she has more than 15 years studying sharks, she is a professor at the International Maritime University of Panama and director of Shark Defenders.
Beneficial partnerships between diverse marine organisms are often favorable to the health of marine ecosystems as well. Listen to STRI postdoctoral fellow and marine and evolutionary biologist Matthieu Leray describe how mutualistic relationships among coral reefs and small marine species or microorganisms may help them cope with climate change.
The novel ribbon worm was found as part of STRI’s Training in Tropical Taxonomy program and represents the first species of its genus from the Caribbean
It always pays to think outside of the box. Rachel Collin decided to look further afield to find the adult form that matched a larvae from a plankton sample in Panama and was surprised by the result.
Coming from a humble family, Félix Rodríguez decided from a young age that he would focus on his education in order to secure a better future for himself and his family. At different points in his life he said yes to the opportunities that were presented to him, with a curious heart. This led him to learn from world-class experts, get training abroad and become a paleontologist at the Smithsonian (STRI) working in the Panama Paleontology Project. Listen to him describe his anecdotes and experiences as a paleontologist in the tropics.
Crocodiles fulfill important functions in the ecosystems where they live, and they play a prominent role in the myths and legends of cultures around the world. Miryam Venegas-Anaya will share stories about years of field work in Panama with these fascinating reptiles to increase our understanding and appreciation of their diversity and behavior.
As oceans warm and become more acidic and oxygen-poor, Smithsonian researchers asked how marine life on a Caribbean coral reef copes with changing conditions.
