Barro Colorado Island was created in 1913 due to an unforeseen flood in central Panama. Although conservationists typically oppose flooding habitats rich in species, this event resulted in the formation of a key passage of the Panama Canal, and subsequently, the island has become one of the most studied tropical rainforest areas on Earth.
In 1924, a field station was established on the island, which later became known as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in 1946. Over time, the island and its surrounding forest areas have become a major research facility for biology, similar to CERN for physics. The STRI employs a small team of 35 scientists but welcomes around 1,200 visitors each year, many of whom are repeat visitors.
Despite its initial unintended consequences, Barro Colorado Island and the STRI have gained significant attention and have become essential hubs for biological research. The island’s unique ecosystem and research conducted there continue to provide valuable insights into tropical rainforest biodiversity and conservation efforts.
