Research in the Preserve
Supporting scientific research is essential for informing local conservation decisions. As stewards of an exceptionally biodiverse region, MVP facilitates research to improve our global understanding of rainforest ecosystems.
The Mamoní Valley has hosted researchers for over two decades, welcoming projects from various institutions such as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and teams from Biomundi, the University of Redlands, Harvard University, Kaminando, and the Cocobolo Nature Reserve (CREA).
Key highlights include:
Invertebrate Diversity: Several species of arachnids, insects, and land snails potentially new to science have been identified.
Limosa Harlequin Toad (Atelopus limosus): Research led to a successful captive breeding program, bolstering natural populations.
Bat Diversity: With 65 species documented, MVP was declared an Area of Importance for the Conservation of Bats (AICOM) by RELCOM.
Jaguar and Puma Populations: Camera trap studies have identified areas of the Valley, especially along the border with Gunayala, that serve as important movement corridors for robust Jaguar and Puma populations. The researchers have been using their findings to engage local residents to protect, rather than kill, jaguars and pumas.
MVP has created a comprehensive biodiversity database featuring 1,396 unique species, including several documented on the IUCN Red List, such as the Great Green Macaw, and the vulnerable Great Crested Curassow. This extensive compilation combines datasets from numerous researchers over the past two decades.
To date, the Preserve has provided a biological research haven for dozens of students from both Panama and the U.S., who represent the next generation of scientists and conservationists.
To enhance their experience and support future research, we have a vision to establish a research support area by 2025, which we aim to achieve through the generous donations we receive. This new facility will be equipped with essential resources such as storage, refrigeration for samples, dedicated workspaces for researchers, and reliable internet access. With your support, the Mamoní Valley Preserve can create a space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and valuable scientific discoveries.
Interested in conducting research in the Mamoní Valley Preserve?
Please complete a Scientific Research Proposal and send the completed form to research@mvp.ngo.
Limited grant funding is available to support Panamanian and Indigenous researchers.
Researchers
The MVP Alliance members have engaged with researchers, cataloging the ally’s land holdings and collecting data on the various species throughout the Valley. These include:
CREA: (Conservation through Research, Education, Action)
This privately owned reserve has cataloged species for 18 years, recording diverse mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. CREA is a recipient of Rainforest Trust support and a valued ally of MVP.
Kaminando: This nonprofit organization conducts systematic monitoring to bridge knowledge gaps on jaguar ecology, using camera traps to study jaguar behavior and habitat preferences. Recent agreements involve local communities in jaguar-tapir research, promoting conservation awareness and leadership skills.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: STRI researchers have conducted multiple visits to the Mamoní Valley to study amphibian diversity. Their findings revealed robust populations of the critically endangered Limosa Harlequin Toad, leading to a successful captive breeding program and reintroduction efforts. Ongoing research aims to inform global frog species reintroduction strategies affected by the chytrid fungus.
Harvard’s Mamoni Valley Natural History Project: Graduate student-led expeditions have documented biodiversity in the Valley, making substantial contributions to our understanding of Valley ecosystems. An expedition in 2020 documented over 130 species of ferns and lycophytes.
Redlands University’s Panamapping project: GIS researchers have mapped the Mamoní Valley landscape for over five years, using field research and drones to classify habitats and map watershed boundaries. Student-led expeditions have produced detailed maps, contributing to reports such as “Land Cover Change and the Mamoní Valley Preserve.”
BioMundi: This Panamanian research organization has conducted field studies in the Preserve since 2020, cataloging diverse flora and fauna. Their efforts led to MVP’s recognition as an Area of Importance for the Conservation of Bats (AICOM). Biomundi shares research findings at scientific conferences and engages local communities through educational initiatives.
