Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panama Canal, Panama
Barro Colorado Island (BCI) has been a biological reserve since 1923, and since then a new era of biological interest and exploration began. Since it became isolated from the mainland as a result of the formation of the Gatun Lake, this area has become one of the most studied sites in the Neotropics. Studies on monkeys, plants, insects and anything one can think off have taken place on this island. Today we understood why: three species of monkeys, agoutis, white-nosed coatis, snakes, kites, vultures, parrots, toucans, but the most rare and spectacular sighting was a bivouac of army ants.
No spectacle of the tropical world is more exciting and has been more mystified than that of a colony of army ants. Contrary to popular belief, a colony of army ants cannot tear a man to pieces to feed from, so we have no need to worry; but if you are any arthropod or small vertebrate in the understory of the tropical rainforest, it would be another story. Their normal bag includes tarantulas, scorpions, beetles, roaches, grasshoppers, and the adults and broods of other ants, and many forest insects. Few animals evade their dragnet! Reports of small snakes, lizards and nestling birds being killed by these ants exist; and, undoubtedly a larger vertebrate which, by injury or some other reason could not run off, could be killed by stinging or asphyxiation. But, hey, who are we to judge an animal that kills another…
Our evening went on with the final part of the Panama Canal crossing through the Gatun Lake, the southern locks, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks; plus, our transit through the infamous Culebra or Gaillard Cut.
A perfect end to the wonderful first day of our adventure.
Barro Colorado Island (BCI) has been a biological reserve since 1923, and since then a new era of biological interest and exploration began. Since it became isolated from the mainland as a result of the formation of the Gatun Lake, this area has become one of the most studied sites in the Neotropics. Studies on monkeys, plants, insects and anything one can think off have taken place on this island. Today we understood why: three species of monkeys, agoutis, white-nosed coatis, snakes, kites, vultures, parrots, toucans, but the most rare and spectacular sighting was a bivouac of army ants.
No spectacle of the tropical world is more exciting and has been more mystified than that of a colony of army ants. Contrary to popular belief, a colony of army ants cannot tear a man to pieces to feed from, so we have no need to worry; but if you are any arthropod or small vertebrate in the understory of the tropical rainforest, it would be another story. Their normal bag includes tarantulas, scorpions, beetles, roaches, grasshoppers, and the adults and broods of other ants, and many forest insects. Few animals evade their dragnet! Reports of small snakes, lizards and nestling birds being killed by these ants exist; and, undoubtedly a larger vertebrate which, by injury or some other reason could not run off, could be killed by stinging or asphyxiation. But, hey, who are we to judge an animal that kills another…
Our evening went on with the final part of the Panama Canal crossing through the Gatun Lake, the southern locks, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks; plus, our transit through the infamous Culebra or Gaillard Cut.
A perfect end to the wonderful first day of our adventure.
