The biologists Maria and Hans-Wilhelm Koepcke founded Panguana in August 1968 in a remote, untouched primary rainforest of Peru and planned their research project for 5 years. But they quickly realized that a comprehensive understanding of the biological and ecological context of that extremely species-rich and complex habitat would require decades, if not centuries, of continuous, long-term study and intense multi-generation engagement.
Now 50 years have passed, Panguana has become a modern research station, and the area designated as a nature reserve by the Peruvian government in 2011 is being visited by numerous scientists from many countries for interdisciplinary research.
A significant improvement in the infrastructure and extension of the original primary forest area from 186 hectares (1.86 km²) to almost 1300 hectares (13 km²) is largely due to the great commitment of the Hofpfisterei Munich, which has been sponsoring Panguana for 10 years.
Despite 5 decades of tireless research, which led to more than 265 publications (https://panguana.de/publications/?lang=en), so far only a small part of the incredible and constantly surprising biodiversity Panguanas is recorded. Its complex ecosystem is far from fully understood, and it gradually reveals its structure and its many mysteries.
Yet, Panguana, Peru's oldest biological research station, is the best known and explored area in the entire Andean Amazon.
The long-term studies make it possible to make informed statements about changes in the species spectrum, climate change, sustainability and anthropogenic influence. Panguana is today an important model for research and conservation concepts in the rainforest, incorporating social projects with the local indigenous population.