Scientists have long been fascinated by the diverse and complex ecosystems found in tropical rainforests. However, these habitats are often threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. In 1913, a flood in central Panama resulted in the creation of Barro Colorado Island, which has since become one of the most extensively studied tropical rainforest areas on the planet.
This island was formed in Gatun Lake, which was the largest artificial body of water in the world at that time and functioned as a middle passage for the Panama Canal. The Smithsonian Institution took over the field station on Barro Colorado Island in 1946 and renamed it the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Over the years, this island and some surrounding forest areas on the mainland that fall under the STRI’s jurisdiction have become a major research facility in the field of biology.
The STRI has a small team of 35 scientists but hosts around 1,200 visitors each year, with many of them being regular visitors. The research conducted on Barro Colorado Island and the surrounding areas has had a significant impact on the field of biology and has provided valuable insights into tropical ecosystems. From studying monkeys to understanding insect behavior, researchers at this facility have made groundbreaking discoveries that have helped us better understand our planet’s most biodiverse regions.
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