All Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research articles
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NewsScientists observe infections by cancer-causing retroviruses in koalas as they occur
Scientists analysed the ongoing colonization by two retroviruses of the germline of koalas and resulting deaths from cancer in multi-generational pedigrees of over 100 koalas in US and European zoos. They calculated genetic risk scores (GRS) that can help guide koala breeding programs.
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NewsReduced movement of starlings with parasite infections has a negative impact on offspring
Researchers have shown for the first time that the impaired reproductive success in individuals with parasites is connected to altered movement behaviour. Infected starlings have a smaller action radius, which limits their access to high-quality foraging habitats.
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NewsInfections with parasites affect the local flight behaviour of swallows
Swallows infected with parasites move less and in smaller ranges than healthy ones – with detrimental effects on their foraging success and their survival.
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NewsInfectious gibbon ape leukaemia virus is colonising a rodent’s genome in New Guinea
A research team has discovered a recent case of retrovirus colonisation in a rodent from New Guinea, the white-bellied mosaic-tailed rat.