Converted “Red Devil” Bus in Search of Manatees in Panama

The research is financed by IDB and the United Nations Global Environtmental Fund.

March 25, 2013 Capital Financiero

One of the so-called “Red Devil” (Diablo Rojo) buses of Panama City (which were recently taken out of service and replaced with the modern Metrobus) is now navigating the waters of Sixaola River, Bocas del Toro Province, in search of manatees, according to a report by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). The modified floating bus is the most recent acquisition for marine biology research made by STRI and is equiped with sonar scanners of double frequency, hydrophones, tents, and food.  Counting the manatee population along the Caribbean coast between Panama and Costa Rica is part of a binational project to take inventory of the area’s biodiversity.  Even though vast areas of the Sixaola watershed are protected, deforestation, tourism, hunting, and agricultural chemicals threaten the area.  Financed by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Global Environmental Fund, the project aims to create a more solid conservation program for the area. The project covers not only the national parks but also adjacent areas of influence. It is estimated that there are from 20 to 150 mantees living in the área. Not only will their numbers be counted, but also their preferred areas for feeding and reproducing will also be studied. (original Spanish article)

By Capital Financiero