Where the tropics speak and stories grow – from canopy to community.
Welcome to the Tropical Studies Blog that takes you behind the scenes of OTS fieldwork, told by students, researchers, staff, and communities on the front lines of discovery.
In News
La Selva Environmental Fair Oct 2025
Each year, it is a tremendous source of satisfaction for the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and our La Selva Research Station to welcome hundreds of people from neighboring communities and other regions of our country. On October 19, 2025,...
In News
Message from Elizabeth Braker, OTS President and CEO, and Chelsea Ward, Chair of the OTS Board of Directors (February 2026)
With deep sadness, we mourn the death of Dr. Jay Savage on November 3, 2025. OTS is profoundly grateful for his singular dedication to building the tropical biology community through his leadership and vision linking research, education, collaborative leadership, and...
In News
Science at OTS (February 2026)
New wasp species for Costa Rica. Scientists[1] have recently described three new species of ichneumonid wasps from Costa Rica. One of these species, Apechoneura fuentesi, was named in honor of Gilbert Fuentes in recognition of his long-standing contributions to tropical...
In News
From Field Notes to Maps: A Hands-On GIS Workshop on Geospatial Herpetofauna Recording
From Field Notes to Maps: A Hands-On GIS Workshop on Geospatial Herpetofauna Recording (OTS at the XIII Latin American Congress of Herpetology) The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) offered participants of the XIII Latin American Congress of Herpetology a special...
In News
Exceptional experiences with OTS in South Africa
We knew we were in great hands from the moment Julissa and Phum picked us up from the tiny airport in the midst of Kruger National Park. We were immediately treated to professional spotting of wildlife from the open safari...
In News
OTS on the Move: Science, Students, and Strategy at 2025 Conferences
OTS on the Move: Science, Students, and Strategy at 2025 Conferences Section by Elizabeth Braker. OTS CEO. June was a busy time for OTS Academic staff, with three scientific congresses in the books. Dr. Laurence Kruger (OTS Director of South...
In News
Refugio 2000: Hidden Ally Supporting Tropical research
Refugio 2000: Hidden Ally Supporting Tropical research By Orlando Vargas, Sofía Rodriguez and the OTS Editorial Team. The hidden shelter at 2,000 m a.s.l. in Braulio Carrillo National Park “Refugio 2000” is more than just a rustic shelter; it is a...
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Joyous Experiences with OTS
Joyous Experiences with OTS By: Joy Schochet, OTS Experiences Alumni Class of 2024 and 2025 I had the good fortune to grow up in a village on a lake in northern Minnesota. I waited eagerly for spring, when chipmunks emerged from...
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Wandering with Wonder: A First-Time Explorer’s OTS Experience
Wandering with Wonder: A First-Time Explorer’s OTS Experience By Nancy Bilello It is still hard to put into words all the amazing sights, sounds, and experiences of my first trip to Costa Rica. Unlike most of my fellow travelers, I...
In News
Our secret Wild neighbors
Our secret Wild neighbors By Alexia Pereira-Casal When you ask, most people will say that they love nature and animals and that they enjoy a walk in the woods, observing birds, and the thrill of a close encounter with a...