Barro Colorado Island: Natural jewel of the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama is one of the world's oldest and largest such facilities dedicated to rainforest research. Every year over 1,000 scientists visit the island or its surrounding mainland peninsulas to conduct research, and hundreds of new researchers are trained adding to the ranks of scientists who will help us to better understand one of the world's most complex ecosystems. 

BARRO COLORADO ISLAND, PANAMA, (Catholic Online) - Covered in lush green forests, Barro Colorado island forms the center of this research institute that actually spans the world. STRI directs research projects across Central America, Africa, and Asia. 

The thick vegetation prevents most sunlight from reaching the forest floor, but that doesn't stop the jungle denizens from going about their business of survival much as they have for millions of years.

Barro Colorado Island sits in the center of a man-made lake in Panama. The damming of a river caused water levels to rise to the point that they isolated the island and its habitat from the rest of the world. The island has been a nature reserve since 1923 when the U.S. government set it aside; at that time, Panama was a U.S. territory. Since 1946, the Smithsonian has managed the island as a research facility. 

Barro Colorado is particularly valued by researchers because after its formation in 1914, it has been virtually undisturbed by human activity. The pristine condition of the island habitat allows scientists to evaluate many natural phenomena such as the impact of El Nino events on the growth rates and dynamics of the rainforest.

Visitors to the island are welcome via the Smithsonian's visitor's center. Travelers arrive by boat in a trip that takes around two hours from Panama City. The Smithsonian cautions visitors that the Island is a research facility and the natural habitat, including insects and animals, must not be disturbed. Visitors are also advised to expect a few insect bites during their visit. However, despite the caveats, the pristine, rich display is well worth the fees and bites one must pay to appreciate the island.

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