A Global Survey of Tropical Biological Field Stations

Biological field stations (BFSs) are typically remote sites that support basic and applied research on natural ecosystems. They can range from simple tent camps with few amenities to elaborate facilities with extensive services and state-of-the-art laboratories. These sites may support biophysical research as well as research on the human dimensions of resource use. Stations may also support training activities for scientists, land managers, and students. Research at BFSs provides important inventory and monitoring information—key ingredients to understanding how ecosystems function and how they are affected by human and natural perturbations. Research may focus exclusively on natural systems or on a mix of natural and managed (e.g., agricultural) systems. Study sites range from lush forests to arid deserts, marine environments to alpine ecosystems. The fundamental role that BFSs serve in supporting research places them at the forefront of efforts to understand and protect global ecosystems. Nevertheless, there are few if any comprehensive data on the condition and trends of these stations, and research identifying the myriad challenges and opportunities they face is scant. Even data as basic as the number of stations in operation are lacking.