The primary purpose of the Station is to provide a base within a large region of old-growth forest from which to study all aspects of the ecology of lowland tropical forests and their contained species. Cocha Cashu is one of few Neotropical sites to offer a full complement of large vertebrates, including all top predators and their prey. Cocha Cashu is located within the 6 km wide meander belt of the Manu river at the edge of an oxbow lake. The 16km2 study area is crossed by an extensive network of trails. Offices and benches are equipped with desk and shelf space and electric lighting.
All residents sleep in tents.
When Canal builders dammed the Chagres River in 1911 this 1,564 ha hilltop became the largest island in Gat n Lake. BCI lies between the wetter Atlantic slope and drier Pacific slope in Panam and receives an average of 260 cm of rain per year, most of this during the rainy season from April through December. The Holdridge Life-Zone system classifies the vegetation as tropical moist forest. Research facilities are located in a small clearing on the northeast shore and include a dining room, meeting rooms, housing for 40 visiting scientists, visitors center and support facilities. Greenhouse space is also available.