Publications
Centruroides bicolor
Centruroides bicolor, a scorpion species native to Panama and Costa Rica, exhibits significant ecological diversity within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection. This study documents its distribution across multiple provinces in Panama, including Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, and Veraguas, highlighting its adaptability to various microhabitats such as intradomiciliary spaces, under stones, logs, and within dry tree trunks. The research compiles extensive material examined from over 200 specimens collected between 1975 and 2026, providing critical data on the species' habitat preferences and geographic range. Notably, C. bicolor's presence in Coiba Island underscores its role in marine-protected areas, contributing to biodiversity studies in tropical ecosystems.
De cárcel a patrimonio mundial: historia del impacto ambiental en la Isla Penal de Coiba, Panamá (1872-2023)
Coiba Island, once a penal colony and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has undergone significant environmental transformations over 150 years. The study identifies nine distinct periods of land use and disturbance, revealing that despite extensive human activity—including selective logging, multi-stratified agroforestry, and cattle ranching—approximately 80% of the island remains covered by mature forest. Key findings include the presence of long-lasting fallow periods (33-9 years) creating a gradient of succession from the center to the east, and contrasting contemporary sites with divergent histories. These insights underscore the resilience of Coiba's ecosystems but also highlight the need for long-term studies to fully understand the legacy of anthropogenic perturbations.
Fish spawning aggregations in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panamanian Pacific: six years of monitoring
A six-year monitoring effort in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panamanian Pacific, has documented fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) for seven species, including three snappers, one jack, one grouper, and one wrasse. These aggregations were observed at multiple sites within Coiba National Park (CNP) and, for the first time, in the Islas Secas Archipelago (ISA). The study revealed that FSAs are associated with environmental conditions such as water column stratification, cold-water intrusion, thermocline shoaling, and decreased dissolved oxygen, all correlated with temperature dynamics. Spawning events were most frequent during morning hours. This research expands the known diversity of FSA-forming species in CNP from three to seven and provides new documentation for ISA.
Genetic and taxonomic data corroborate the existence of lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carchariniformes: Carcharhinidae) (Poey, 1868) in Coiba National Park, Panama
Researchers have confirmed the presence of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Coiba National Park, Panama, marking the first documented occurrence of this species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. Genetic analysis of six young-of-the-year individuals collected from Boca Grande estuary revealed a 99% similarity with known lemon shark sequences, corroborating morphological identification. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species and provides foundational genetic data for Coiba National Park, with sequences deposited in GenBank for future comparative studies. The findings underscore the importance of Boca Grande estuary as a critical nursery area and offer insights for enhanced management strategies, including potential shark sanctuary designation.
Herpetofaunal richness and beta diversity between an offshore archipelago of the Eastern Tropical Pacific and adjacent mainland
Coiba Island National Park (CNP), an offshore archipelago separated from the mainland around 12,000–14,000 years ago, exhibits distinct herpetofaunal communities compared to adjacent mainland Panama. While reptile richness is similar between CNP and the mainland (maximum 21 vs. 25 species), amphibian diversity is notably lower in CNP (maximum 5 spp.) than on the mainland (maximum 13 spp.). The study, combining visual surveys, pitfall traps, and existing data, suggests that reptile richness may be underestimated due to limited sampling. Two new records—Oscaecilia sp. and the Turniptail gecko Techadactylus rapicauda—were identified for CNP. The findings imply that herpetofaunal diversity in CNP is influenced by heterogeneous vegetation, small-island effects, and possibly historical anthropogenic factors, warranting further investigation.
Feeding habits of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis (Actiniaria: Andvakiidae) from the Coiba National Park, Panama
A recent study reveals that the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis, abundant in Coiba National Park, Panama, is an opportunistic polyphagous feeder, primarily consuming the most available prey in its environment. Analysis of 76 specimens collected in February 2023 showed that zooplankton—including copepods, eggs, and fish larvae—dominated its diet (88.9% by percentage), with benthic crustaceans and mollusks contributing minimally. The findings align with global patterns for sea anemones, suggesting this species exploits the most abundant prey in its ecosystem without significant dietary specialization. The research employed trophic indices to quantify prey importance, providing a rare baseline for T. panamensis biology in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Rhodolith Diversity in Panama: A Baseline for Future Research and Conservation Actions
A total of 21 rhodolith species, predominantly from the Corallinaceae family and Lithophylloideae subfamily, have been identified along Panama's coast, marking them as significant indicators of ocean acidification and biodiversity hotspots. These calcareous red algae host diverse species within their three-dimensional structures but remain underrepresented in conservation efforts, particularly in Coiba National Park (PNC). This review consolidates existing literature, field observations, and molecular data to establish a baseline for future research and advocacy for rhodolith inclusion in protected area management plans. Despite limited knowledge on their conservation status, increasing sampling efforts and integrated studies are expected to enhance diversity estimates and inform conservation strategies.
Rise and spread of a social tradition of interspecies abduction
Researchers document the emergence and spread of a non-adaptive social tradition—'howler abduction'—in wild white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator) within Coiba National Park, Panama. Over 15 months, five immature males were observed carrying infant howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata coibensis), a behavior with no clear adaptive function. The tradition originated from a single subadult male innovator and spread to four others in one capuchin group, which is also known for its unique stone tool-use tradition. The study suggests that the same ecological and social conditions fostering adaptive cultural innovations, such as tool-use, may also drive non-adaptive traditions in non-human primates.
The Trichoptera of Panama XXVIII. Nine new species of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae)
Researchers have identified nine new species of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from the Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection in Panama. These discoveries, including Oxyethira jaramillosp. nov., Neotrichia afuerasp. nov., and seven others, bring the total number of caddisfly species known in Panama to 544, spanning 15 families and 56 genera. The new species were predominantly collected on the Soná Peninsula or offshore islands within the park, expanding the region's biodiversity record. This study contributes to the broader documentation of Trichoptera diversity in Panama, with implications for understanding aquatic ecosystems and conservation priorities.
Genetic Approach of the Coiba Island Howler Monkey Alouatta coibensis coibensis from Panama, and Its Conservation Implications
A genetic analysis of the Coiba island howler monkey (Alouatta coibensis coibensis) reveals high genetic diversity and connectivity within its population, suggesting resilience despite signs of past contraction. Researchers analyzed 14 fecal samples from two sites on Coiba Island in Panama using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) markers, finding haplotype diversity ranging from 0.68 to 0.80 and nucleotide diversity between 0.0026 and 0.0041. The study also detected evidence of population decline via Tajima's D but noted strong genetic flow, indicating a single, genetically healthy population. These findings provide critical baseline data for assessing the conservation status of this isolated primate species and its adaptive potential in the face of environmental changes.
Island Biogeography Theory and the Island Rule in Orchid Bees in Panama
Research on orchid bees (Euglossini) in Coiba National Park, Panama, reveals that while their abundance increases with island size, species richness does not follow the typical pattern predicted by Island Biogeography Theory (IBT). Instead, a few dominant species emerge as distance from the mainland grows, likely due to resource limitations favoring generalist species. Additionally, the study observed a marked reduction in body size for two common species, Euglossa imperialis and Euglossa mixta, with increased isolation, suggesting competition-driven miniaturization. This challenges assumptions about orchid bee population dynamics and provides new insights into their adaptability across insular habitats.
Male‐biased stone tool use by wild white‐faced capuchins ( Cebus capucinus imitator )
A male-biased pattern of stone tool use in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus imitator) on Jicarón Island, Panama, contrasts with populations where both sexes use tools. Analysis of five years of camera trap data reveals that this bias is not due to physical limitations or competition over anvils, as adult females and juveniles demonstrate the ability to use tools. The study suggests that social structure, diet, and dispersal patterns may underlie such sex biases in socially learned behaviors, even when environmental constraints are absent.
Preliminary checklist of spiders (Araneae) from Coiba National Park, Panama
A preliminary checklist identifies at least 152 spider species (98 genera, 30 families) in Coiba National Park and its surrounding islands, Panamamarking the first comprehensive documentation of araneofauna diversity in this critical marine conservation area. Among these, three species are newly recorded for Panama: Ctenus nigrolineatus, Chapoda gitae, and Sarinda nigra. The study, conducted through field sampling between 2021 and 2023, highlights the urgent need for further research to inform conservation strategies, including DNA barcoding, population monitoring, and climate data integration from Coiba’s newly established meteorological station.
Tempo and Mode in Secondary Succession: Above-Ground Biomass, and Forest Structure on the Coiba Island, Panama (1919-2023)
Research on Coiba Island, Panama, reveals distinct successional pathways shaped by land-use history, challenging traditional views of ecological succession. The study found strong gradients (R² ≥ 0.87) linking above-ground biomass and basal area to past human activity, from unused to still-in-use sites, spanning 1919–2023. Three primary successional trajectories emerged: one from meadows, another from shifting agriculture, and a third from an ancient (>400-year-old) forest, with additional pathways tied to rivers and camps. These findings clarify debates on convergence vs. divergence in succession and offer land-use history-based strategies for conservation, providing actionable insights for protecting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Variación espacial en la estación seca de las características fisicoquímicas del agua marino-costera en Bahia Damas, Parque Nacional Coiba, Panamá
A study of Damas Bay in Coiba National Park, Panama, revealed significant depth-related variations in marine physicochemical parameters during the 2023 dry season. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity decreased with depth, while salinity, total dissolved solids, density, hydrostatic pressure, and nutrient concentrations increased. Nitrate levels were lower than previously reported for Coiba's dry season, averaging 0.33 μM up to 25 meters, whereas phosphate levels aligned with expected values (0.17 μM at 25 meters). The findings highlight the influence of depth and coastal proximity on nutrient dynamics, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring to detect seasonal and annual variations. This research was supported by SENACYT's macro project.
Characterizing oceanographic conditions near Coiba Island and Pacific Panama using 20 years of satellite-based wind stress, SST and chlorophyll-a measurements
A 20-year analysis of satellite data reveals significant oceanographic variability near Coiba Island and the Pacific Panama coast, with distinct seasonal patterns in sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). During the dry season, the Panama wind jet induces SST cooling and upwelling-driven Chl-a peaks, particularly in February/March. However, the Gulf of Chiriqui exhibits unique warming trends, with SSTs 1°C warmer than east of Coiba Island and occasional extreme Chl-a blooms (up to 32 mg/m³) in May 2007 and June 2008, whose causes remain unexplained. The study also highlights the impact of the 2015-2016 El Niño event, which elevated SSTs by up to +2°C for 12 months in the Gulf of Chiriqui. This research provides a critical baseline for understanding climatological conditions and interannual variability in this understudied marine region.
Coupling of coastal activity with tidal cycles is stronger in tool-using capuchins ( Cebus capucinus imitator )
Tool use in white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator) on Jicarón Island, Coiba National Park, Panama, is more strongly linked to tidal cycles than in non-tool-using groups. This suggests that tool use enhances foraging efficiency and access to intertidal resources, such as molluscs and fruits, which are otherwise less accessible due to tidal fluctuations. The study analyzed over five years of camera trap data from varying distances along the coast, revealing distinct activity patterns tied to tides in tool-using capuchins compared to non-tool-users. These findings underscore the potential for tool use to facilitate niche expansion in these primates.
Environmental characterization of the estuarine zone of the Gulf of Montijo, province of Veraguas, Panama
A recent study in the Gulf of Montijo, Panama, reveals concerning levels of cadmium in marine sediments along its western coast. The research found cadmium concentrations exceeding Canadian marine sediment quality guidelines, suggesting potential anthropogenic impacts on this ecologically significant estuarine zone. The study analyzed physical and chemical parameters—temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity—across 16 sampling stations during specific tidal phases to assess spatial and vertical variability. Additionally, four sediment samples were collected from the western sector to evaluate heavy metal contamination. The findings highlight the need for continuous, seasonally representative monitoring with expanded station coverage to better understand and mitigate environmental degradation in this Ramsar-designated buffer zone of Coiba National Park.
First predation report of Gecarcinus quadratus (Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) by Ancylometes bogotensis (Arachnida: Ctenidae) in Coiba Island, Panama
Researchers document the first recorded predation event of the land crab Gecarcinus quadratus by the wandering spider Ancylometes bogotensis on Coiba Island, Panama. This novel predator-prey interaction highlights the ecological role of spiders as top predators in tropical island ecosystems, potentially regulating invertebrate populations akin to larger mainland predators. The study suggests that marine subsidies may influence terrestrial food webs, though further research is needed to fully understand these dynamics.
First scenic assessment of the Coiba National Park’s beaches (Panama)
A scenic assessment of Coiba National Park’s beaches, using the Coastal Scenery Evaluation System (CSES), reveals that 64% of its 42 evaluated beaches rank among the highest natural scenery grades. This study, covering over 200 km of coastline, identified only three beaches in the lowest class and none in the least scenic category. Additionally, a preliminary inventory of coastal fauna detected 13 mollusk species, alongside echinoderms and crustaceans. The findings highlight the park’s potential for heritage certification and provide a baseline for monitoring tourism impacts on both beach aesthetics and biodiversity. This research supports sustainable nature-based tourism within one of the Americas’ most critical marine protected areas.
Peces asociados a arrecifes y manglares en el Parque Nacional Coiba
A comprehensive inventory of fish species associated with coral reefs and mangroves in Coiba National Park, Panama, identified 156 bony fish species across 57 families alongside 10 cartilaginous fish species from 7 families. Conducted between January 1998 and 1999, the study employed diverse sampling techniques—including gillnets, hand nets, plastic bags, traps, spears, visual censuses, and trawls—to document ichthyological diversity in the park's northeastern sector. This dataset provides critical baseline data for understanding marine biodiversity in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting Coiba's ecological significance as a hotspot for reef and mangrove-associated fish species.
First records of Anthopleura nigrescens (Verrill, 1928) and Telmatactis panamensis (Verrill, 1869) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria) from Parque Nacional Coiba, Pacific coast of Panama
Two sea anemone species, Anthopleura nigrescens and Telmatactis panamensis, are documented for the first time in Parque Nacional Coiba, a UNESCO-listed marine protected area off Panama's Pacific coast. This discovery brings the known number of sea anemone species in Panama to 57, marking the first comprehensive study of these organisms on Coiba Island. The research provides detailed external anatomical descriptions and live specimen imagery, contributing critical taxonomic data to regional biodiversity records. By expanding the documented diversity of actiniarians in the region, this work enhances our understanding of marine life in one of the world's most significant protected areas.
Ecology, behavior, and vocalizations of the Coiba Spinetail ( Cranioleuca dissita ), a Panama endemic
A recent study confirms that the Coiba Spinetail (Cranioleuca dissita), endemic to Islas Coiba and Ranchería off Panama's Pacific coast, is a distinct species from the Rusty-backed Spinetail. The research reveals unique ecological traits, such as its preference for forest and edge habitats, foraging behavior on small branches or vines at heights of 7–10 meters, and a globe-shaped nest made of plant fibers—unlike the Rusty-backed Spinetail's grass-based structure. Acoustically, Coiba Spinetail's song features gradually lengthening notes that slow down, differing from both its genus and the Rusty-backed Spinetail. Genetic distinctiveness, combined with these findings, supports full species status for Coiba Spinetail, which, due to its limited range, is classified as Near Threatened under IUCN criteria.
Sequestration and Cyanobacterial Diet Preferences in the Opisthobranch Molluscs Dolabrifera nicaraguana and Stylocheilus rickettsi
Researchers have identified two novel depsipeptide compounds, veraguamide M and N, from the cyanobacterium cf. Lyngbya sp., which exhibit significant anti-parasitic activity against Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Leishmania donovani (visceral leishmaniasis). These compounds were found to be sequestered by two sea hare species, Dolabrifera nicaraguana and Stylocheilus rickettsi, highlighting the biotechnological potential of marine cyanobacteria. The study employed laboratory feeding preference assays to determine dietary preferences of D. nicaraguana, followed by bioactivity-guided fractionation to isolate and characterize the compounds. This marks the first discovery of such bioactive compounds in both sea hares and their cyanobacterial food source, underscoring the importance of chemical ecological studies in uncovering novel therapeutic agents.
Biometría y Evaluación Poblacional de Strombus peruvianus (Mesogastropoda: Strombidae) en Granito de Oro, Parque Nacional Coiba, Panamá
Research on Strombus peruvianus in Coiba National Park, Panama, reveals a declining population with a density of 0.5 individuals per square meter (500,000 ind/ha). The study, conducted over three years (2015–2017), analyzed 50 specimens, finding males outnumbered females (63% vs. 38%). Individuals measured between 89–119 mm in length and weighed 179.5–392.5 g. The research used snorkeling surveys to assess biometric data, population structure, and density trends, highlighting the species' vulnerability in this UNESCO-listed marine protected area.
First Annotated Checklist of Birds of Jicarón and Jicarita: The Southernmost Islands of the Republic of Panama
A groundbreaking annotated checklist identifies 115 bird species on Jicarón and 53 on Jicarita, the southernmost islands of Panama's Coiba National Park. This marks the first comprehensive survey beyond Coiba Island, revealing 23 new records for the park, including 10 endemic subspecies and 29 migratory species—seven of which are warblers. The study highlights the conservation significance of these understudied islands, with the Brown-backed Dove, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and Bananaquit emerging as dominant species. By addressing critical knowledge gaps in Panamanian island avifauna, this research underscores the ecological importance of Coiba's peripheral islands for biodiversity preservation.
Genome Mining, Microbial Interactions, and Molecular Networking Reveals New Dibromoalterochromides from Strains of Pseudoalteromonas of Coiba National Park-Panama
Researchers have identified two new dibromoalterochromides, compounds with potential antimicrobial properties, produced by strains of the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas found in Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection. The study employed genome mining, microbial interaction analyses, and molecular networking to uncover these novel molecules. By sequencing the genomes of six Pseudoalteromonas strains—three pigmented and three non-pigmented—the team discovered that pigmentation correlates with a higher diversity of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), particularly those encoding nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS). These findings suggest that pigmented strains may possess greater metabolic versatility, offering new avenues for discovering bioactive compounds from marine microbial communities.
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