In 1913, a flood in central Panama led to the creation of Barro Colorado Island. 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. Despite opposition from conservationists who typically oppose flooding habitats rich in species, this event resulted in the formation of an island that has since become one of the most extensively studied tropical rainforest areas on the planet.
In 1924, a field station was established on Barro Colorado Island and later taken over by the Smithsonian Institution in 1946. It was renamed the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). Over time, this island and some surrounding forest areas on the mainland have become a major research facility in the field of biology, with many scientists conducting research there. The STRI itself has a small team of only 35 scientists, but it hosts around 1,200 visitors each year, with many of them being regular visitors.
The research conducted on Barro Colorado Island and its surrounding areas has had a significant impact on the field of biology and has provided valuable insights into tropical ecosystems. The STRI has become a hub for scientific discovery and innovation, with researchers working together to study everything from biodiversity to climate change.
