Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) stated that the creation of a nearly 1,000-kilometer binational corridor between Panama and Costa Rica could be key to protecting manatees, which are endangered in Central America. A new study developed by the Smithsonian and engineers from Panama's Technological University (UTP) revealed new data on the movements, habitat use, and conservation needs of the Caribbean manatee. The study identified at least nine manatees traveling between Panama and Costa Rica, covering distances of up to 200 kilometers. With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining and a projected population decline of 20% in the next two generations, this subspecies faces growing threats due to habitat degradation, collisions with boats, poaching, and entanglement in fishing nets. To support the long-term conservation of these herbivores, researchers propose the binational corridor, which includes 18 protected areas and four Ramsar sites. This 984-kilometer corridor (220 km in Costa Rica and 764 km in Panama) covers 2,631 square kilometers of coastal marine ecosystems and wetlands. To monitor the presence and movement of manatees, researchers installed passive acoustic monitoring equipment in multiple wetlands and coastal sites in Panama and Costa Rica between 2015 and 2024. "However, when we presented a Binational Agreement for the Protection of Manatees to the environment ministers of both countries, only Panama showed interest," stated Smithsonian scientist Héctor Guzmán, the principal author and leader of the research. "This study represents a significant advance in understanding the ecology of the manatee in Central America and highlights the urgent need for coordinated policies and binational conservation efforts to safeguard the endangered manatee and the fragile ecosystems it inhabits," the scientific entity based in Panama affirmed. "This would allow us to predict their movements and guide conservation strategies that guarantee seasonal ecological connectivity," said STRI oceanographer and co-author Rocío Estévez. "It is common to hear decision-makers say they need scientific information for the management of natural resources, and here it is," the scientists added.
Binational Corridor in Panama and Costa Rica to Help Protect Manatees
Smithsonian scientists propose a binational corridor to protect manatees. The study revealed their movements between countries and emphasized the need for joint conservation efforts for the endangered species.
