Smithsonian Voices

From the Smithsonian Museums

Leila Nilipour

Leila Nilipour is a bilingual storyteller based in Panama City. 

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Red Flags: I'm Not the Bug for You

Recent research conducted in Panama has revealed that the waving behavior exhibited by matador bugs, with their attractive hind-leg flags, are neither mating displays nor distraction tactics against predators, as previously thought.

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Rare Shark Spotted for the First Time in Panama’s Eastern Pacific

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A 17-Year Study Reveals How Dead Leaves Are a Tropical Forest Lifeline

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Extraordinary Fossil Find Reveals Details About the Weight and Diet of Extinct Saber-Toothed Marsupial

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A Turtle Time Capsule: DNA Found in Ancient Shell

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Marine Fossils Unearth Story About Panama’s Deep Past

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Bigger Is Better: Panama Expands MPA to Protect More Than 54 Percent of Its Oceans

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Have Antillean Manatees Crossed the Panama Canal into the Pacific?

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A Yellow Submarine Explores the Depths of the Panamanian Pacific

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Smelly Ocelot Habitats May Scare Off Agoutis

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Accidental Slingshot Wound to a Tree Reveals Unexpected Ant Behavior

As part of her fieldwork, Fernandez habituated the bats to her presence near their day-roosts, obtaining observations of their natural behaviors and recording their vocalizations in a completely undisturbed environment during months. (Ana Endara)

Similar to Human Babies, This Bat Species Learns to Communicate Through Babbling and Vocal Imitation

Many terrestrial birds disappeared in Barro Colorado Island, in the Panama Canal, despite their abundance in adjacent mainland forests, because they could not cross Gatun Lake to maintain populations on the island. (Ghislain Rompre)

Biodiversity Loss Despite a Century of Protection

Heather Stewart, former PhD fellow at STRI, is very involved in local and global initiatives related to the conservation of coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean, such as mangrove forests.

Caribbean Mangrove Forests May Serve as Coral Shelters

The cloud forests in the Fortuna Hydrological Reserve are home to almost as many species as the entire United States.

Exploring the cloudiest forest in Central America

Ana K. Spalding and 23 other women scientists from around the world, advocate for a shift in the value system in science, to emphasize a more equal, diverse and inclusive academic culture.

Women in Science Propose Changes to Discriminatory Measures of Scientific Success

Landscape ecologist Iara Lacher created a model to understand how land use decisions may influence nature’s ability to provide crucial services in the future. Photo credit: Ian McGregor

Using Science and Local Knowledge to Guide the Future of Virginia’s Landscapes

Many bird species of conservation concern rely on the really short grass that large grazers, such as bison, leave behind. (Andy Boyce)

Understanding Bisons’ Eating Habits Could Help Bird Conservation

Dr. Grant Connette trains participants on best practices in setting up wildlife cameras to ensure that high-quality data is collected.

Smithsonian scientists help put endangered Myanmar species on the map

The red siskin or cardenalito is inextricably linked with Venezuela’s identity, yet it is now rare in its natural habitat.

Coffee and Chocolate Could Help Preserve Endangered Birds in Venezuela

Previous Teen Earth Optimism events have engaged kids in the conversation around environmental challenges.

Food and Good Spirits at the Smithsonian 2019 Teen Optimism Event

Snail kites' migratory behavior may be driven primarily by precipitation, as the species feeds mainly on Apple snails, which in turn rely on persistent bodies of water.

The Next Frontier: Unraveling the Mysteries of Tropical Bird Migration

Steven Canty and Cristhian Perez of the Centro de Estudios Marinos of Honduras in the field. (Mayra Nuñez/Centro de Estudios Marinos)

Mangroves of Mesoamerica Will Start Getting Report Cards

Matt Ogburn, Charles Bangley, and SERC intern Michelle Edwards (L to R) surgically implant an acoustic transmitter into a juvenile Bull Shark. Credit: Jay Fleming/SERC

Marine Migrations, Key to Climate Change Predictions and Conservation Efforts

Kinkajou tagging in Panama Credit: Untamed Science Roland

What is the Conservation Commons?

Released Limosa Harlequin frog with radio transmitter. Courtesy Blake Klocke

A Second Release Trial Advances The Goal Of Reintroducing Endangered Frogs Into The Wild

Kinkajou tagging in Panama Credit: Untamed Science Roland

In Six Years, Movebank Has Collected One Billion Animal Locations

Dr. Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Credit: Mary Lewandowski, National Park Service.

The Migratory Adventures Of The Enigmatic Long-Tailed Jaeger Will Soon Be Revealed

Kathleen Higgins at Gamboa Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Center. Credit: Sean Mattson

Could Quality Of Care Help Address Captive Amphibian Diseases?

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Red Flags: I'm Not the Bug for You

Following the Swarm: Making a Documentary Short Film In Panama’s Tropical Forest

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