Project Status

So far, the Arthropod Initiative involves four CTFS sites: Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama; Agua Salud, Panama; Khao Chong, Thailand; and Wanang, Papua New Guinea. Agua Salud represents a series of forestry treatments that provide an opportunity to survey levels of biodiversity, monitor arthropod species and insect-plant interactions, and compare results to those obtained in relatively undisturbed forest nearby (BCI). Field work started in April 2008 at BCI and in July 2008 at Khao Chong (baseline surveys). At BCI, about half of the baseline study has been performed. Pilot studies of different protocols have been initiated in Wanang, and the baseline survey will proceed in 2009. The Agua Salud baseline survey will be initiated in 2009 in four treatment plots: control forest, natural succession, teak plantation, and optimal reforestation treatment.

Our laboratories, staff, and collections are based at local institutions such as the Maestria de Entomologia of the National University (Panama), Khao Chong Botanic Gardens (Thailand), and the New Guinea Binatang Research Center (Papua New Guinea). In the near future, we hope to (a) consolidate and expand arthropod studies at the four participating sites, including the participation of local and foreign researchers and students, and (b) expand the arthropod initiative to other CTFS plots, pending local interest.