Panama forms a bridge between South and Central America and separates the Pacific from the Atlantic Ocean. Exo Terra chose the Bocas del Toro region as their main expedition location. It is a complex region of islands, mainland bays, rivers and forested mountain slopes on the Caribbean side of Panama.

The Bocas Del Toro archipelago consists of six main islands with hundreds of smaller islets set in Almirante Bay and is often referred to as the “Galapagos of Central America”. This is because, after 8000 years of isolation, each of the islands has seen its own unique species and morphs evolve. Tropical lowland rainforest is the most common vegetation type on the archipelago and represents one of the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on earth. The primary forests are of imposing heights, with a canopy reaching up to 30 meters above the forest floor. Fig trees (Ficus) and suicide trees (Tachigali versicolor) are prominent and are vitally important because they function as “keystone” species. Their removal would cause an ecological collapse.

The forest floor is relatively open with ferns, palms, cycads, and many seedlings or saplings waiting for their moment in the sun. Epiphytes are abundant, with philodendrons creeping up every tree trunk, and lianas drape from canopy to ground. Trees and lianas are covered with mosses, bromeliads and orchids. Many amphibians and reptiles are found here, including four species of poison-dart frogs (Dendrobatidae), six species of anoles (Polychrotidae), and many species of snakes, including the Boa constrictor and the eyelash viper.

The main goal of this research expedition was to observe, collect data and study the microhabitats of the various frog populations on the many islands and peninsulas of the Bocas del Toro region. Besides frogs, the Exo Terra team was able to film and photograph many reptile species that occur in this special ecosystem. They came back with valuable data for the herpetologists and herpetoculturists who keep and breed these animals in terrariums.