Currently, a long-term study of screwworm population dynamics and ecology is being conducted in the Soberania National Park in the area of the Panama Canal.  This mark-release-recapture study was initiated on 23 September 1996 and serves a number of purposes.  First, this study provides baseline data for native screwworm populations over three rainy seasons, two dry seasons and the transitional periods in between.  Data such as these have never been available before and will provide increased understanding of screwworm population dynamics, behavior, and ecology.  Secondly, data from this study are being correlated with vegetation classifications from satellite imagery and geographic information systems to produce maps identifying favorable screwworm habitats.  Additionally, data from this study are also important in the correlation and verification of the computer model of screwworm population dynamics (SWFSIM).

Trapping of screwworm flies is also being conducted in the area of the Panama Canal using Vertical Sticky Traps baited with the attractant, Swormlure-4.  These data will also be useful in the documentation of screwworm eradication and to the computer modeling and remote sensing research efforts.

A study of the negative impact of screwworm on populations of howler monkeys is also ongoing.  This study is being conducted in cooperation with a scientist of the University of California, Berkeley.