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Barro Colorado
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Barro Colorado

island, Panama
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Quick Summary

Barro Colorado Island is a 1,500-hectare (3,700-acre) biological reserve situated in Gatun Lake, which is part of the Panama Canal system. It is operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), an organization primarily dedicated to ecological studies in Panama.1

STRI has been studying Barro Colorado Island continuously since 1923, making it a significant site for tropical forest research. The institute utilizes two canopy cranes, allowing scientists to access and study the forest ecosystem from 40 meters (130 feet) above the ground. This research contributes to understanding tropical forests' role in global climate regulation, discovering new drugs, and learning sustainable resource management.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. list of islands - Panama
  2. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

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