A place to observe, ask questions and understand the living connections between forest and coast.
Through its collaboration with local scientific groups, HERO supports studies that benefit marine life, coral reefs, rainforests, wildlife, and the people who depend on them.
Casa de Theresa connects a protected rainforest setting with opportunities for fieldwork. Below are the station, an emerging bat research focus, photographs from the field and laboratory, and a place for reports as they become available.
Casa de Theresa sits on HERO's preserve on Isla Cristóbal, about 35 minutes by boat from Bocas town. Coral reef, mangroves and rainforest all lie within reach, so one base gives researchers access to all three.
The station has power, Starlink internet and space for a small research team. Scientists, doctoral candidates and interns interested in environmental research can contact HERO to discuss a proposed project, current facilities and availability before planning a visit.
Bat research can reveal how animals use forests and shorelines, and how their habitats change over time.
Depending on the species, bats eat insects, pollinate flowers or disperse seeds. Repeated observations can help researchers understand their role in an ecosystem.
HERO is exploring support for long-term bat research at Casa de Theresa. For current project details and opportunities to collaborate, contact HERO.
Explore Smithsonian research ↗
Frog studies in the rainforest and a visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Gamboa Laboratories.
HERO facilitates research through local scientific groups and partner organizations.
The Smithsonian has worked in Panama since 1910. Its Bocas del Toro Research Station studies the region's reefs, mangroves, frogs and dolphins.
stri.si.edu ↗Defending San Francisco Bay from pollution — a partner in HERO's marine justice work on the Bay.
baykeeper.org ↗MarAlliance, Coral Reef Alliance, Floating Doctors, Sailors for the Sea, Marine Science Institute, Save The Bay, Ridwell and more.
See the HERO Community →Findings and field reports from the researchers working on and around HERO's preserve will be posted here.
Field reports will appear here when available. You can write to us if you are a researcher who would like to work on the preserve.
A study by more than 50 scientists finds the central-north Amazon — long thought resilient — now faces the fastest rise in extreme heat and water stress, threatening Indigenous territories and biodiversity.
Read the original ↗
Smithsonian biologists were invited to Panama in 1910 during the construction of the Canal. As a narrow land bridge between two oceans and two continents, Panama's ecosystems promise to keep researchers busy for another hundred years.
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Daily live-animal presentations bring rainforest species — tarantulas, water dragons, tortoises — face to face with visitors of all ages.
Read the original ↗Research grows from a place worth protecting. Learn about HERO's 100-acre rainforest preserve and its coastal setting.
Return to Rainforest Preservation →It turns out that everyone needs a HERO — even our environment. Every gift supports research, rainforest protection, marine justice, and free resources for students.
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