Island from a Flood: How the Panama Canal Created a Tropical Rainforest Research Paradise

Biologists have long studied the impact of habitat destruction on biodiversity, but in 1913, a flood in central Panama created Barro Colorado Island. The artificial lake surrounding the island, Gatun, was the largest at the time and formed a crucial component of the Panama Canal. Despite initial reservations from conservationists about flooding habitats rich in species, this event paved the way for scientific research on tropical rainforests.

The Smithsonian Institution took over a field station on Barro Colorado Island in 1946 and named it the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Over time, it has become one of the most studied tropical rainforest areas globally. The STRI has a small team of 35 scientists but welcomes around 1,200 visitors each year, including repeat visitors.

Today, Barro Colorado Island and the STRI are vital research facilities for biologists studying biodiversity in tropical rainforests. Their unique ecosystems provide valuable insights into conservation efforts and contribute to our understanding of these complex ecosystems.