Terrestrial Research Permit
This permit is required for Terrestrial Observation / Collection / Marking
Outside of Barro Colorado Nature Monument
STRI operates in the Republic of Panama and fully supports the efforts of the government of Panama to protect wildlife, plants and animals. The Panama's National Authority for the Environment (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, ANAM) requires that all researchers obtain licenses to do research, to collect plants and animals and to export or import them from or into the country. Observation permits are required by ANAM for research purposes. ANAM controls research in Panama's national parks and protected areas.
ANAM is also de authority for permits of endangered species, CITES (Convention on International Trade-In Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna).
If you anticipate making collections of any kind in the Republic of Panama, you must have a collecting permit. An export permit cannot be obtained unless you have first obtained a collecting permit. If you plan to do research without collecting, you still will need a research permit. Applications must include a resume and two recent passport-sized pictures of the applicant and each collaborator and/or assistant(s). If you have received any permit previously, you must also submit a report of the result of that investigation IN SPANISH or REPRINTS. ANAM will not process new applications until this has been received.
STRI can process the application on your behalf if your project meets the STRI criteria for approval. There is a charge for processing each type of permit. This is not a guarantee that ANAM will grant the permit.
For collection within indigenous areas, an additional permit must be requested. Please see Other Research Permits.
Processing applications at ANAM takes time; BE SURE TO APPLY FOR PERMITS WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT. STRI REQUIRES A MINIMUN OF TWO MONTHS TO PROCESS A PERMIT. Once this permit has been granted, you must always carry it when you are in the field.
NOTE: We cannot guarantee that permits will be granted.
EXPORT PERMITS
If exporting live specimens, a quarantine/phitosanitary permit must be obtained through another agency. Please refer to our fee schedule for details on charges. There are areas in the Republic of Panama that belong to different agencies or private individuals and require additional permits. Information is available upon request.
Voucher Specimens
ANAM and STRI require that voucher specimens be deposited in Panama.
Plant Vouchers
The ANAM keeps plant vouchers in the Herbarium of the University of Panama. A sample of each plant species collected or studied during the course of your research must be properly prepared, labeled, and, when possible, identified. Two sets (one for the University of Panama and one for STRI) should be sent to:
From outside the US
Profesora Mireya Correa
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apartado 0843-03092
Balboa, Panama Republic of Panama
CorreaM@si.edu
From inside the US
Profesora Mireya Correa
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Unit 0948
APO AA 34002-0948
CorreaM@si.edu
Insect Vouchers
The ANAM keeps voucher specimens of invertebrates at the Fairchild Museum, University of Panama. Two sets must be prepared, one for STRI Synoptic Insect Collection and one for the University of Panama. They should be pinned, in most cases, labelled and, where possible, identified and sent to Dr.Annette Aiello. Dr. Aiello will prepare the necessary paperwork and, forward the University specimens to Professor Diomedes Quintero, of the Fairchild Museum.
From outside the US
Dr. Annette Aiello
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apartado 0843-03092
Balboa, Panama Republic of Panama
AielloA@si.edu
From inside the US
Dr. Annette Aiello
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Unit 0948
APO AA 34002-0948
AielloA@si.edu
Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians
ANAM requires that a voucher specimen be deposited at the Vertebrate Museum of the University of Panama. These must be identified, properly prepared, mounted and labeled, and sent to:
From outside the US
Orelis Arosemena
Visitor Services Office
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apartado 0843-03092
Balboa, Panama Republic of Panama
AROSEMO@si.edu
From inside the US
Orelis Arosemena
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Unit 0948
APO AA 34002-0948
AROSEMO@si.edu
Continue to the application form