Leibniz-IZW-Seminars
The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research regularly organizes scientific seminars on various topics, in which invited speakers or IZW scientists present their work in the form of a lecture. The free lectures take place in the lecture hall of the IZW and are also broadcast live via video.
Interested persons are cordially invited to attend the Leibniz-IZW-Seminars in person or online. You are welcome to sign up for our newsletter at izwseminar@izw-berlin.de. The lectures will be held mostly in English.
Upcoming events
14th May 2025, 1 p.m.
Dr. Frank Hailer (School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, UK)
Signals of anthropogenic impacts and biogeography in genomes of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Quantification and prediction of genetic diversity change over time are essential to biodiversity policy prioritization, risk assessment and landscape management. Many top consumers are both highly vulnerable to genetic erosion, and useful as indicator species for assessment of ecosystem health. In this talk I will present results from a recent global metaanalysis of global reduction in genetic diversity, followed by results from case studies on two focal species, Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). The results highlight that both long-term biogeographic processes, as well as recent anthropogenic impacts, are leaving strong signals in the genomes of endangered species.
18th June 2025, 1 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Florence Débarre (French National Centre for Scientific Research)
Title and abstract follows
16th July 2025, 1 p.m.
Dr. Khrystyna Kurta (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Animal Biosciences, Sweden)
Whole genome sequencing reveals how plasticity and genetic differentiation underlie sympatric morphs of Arctic charr
Salmonids have an exceptional ability to diversify into distinct morphs within the same lake after postglacial colonization of the freshwater system. These morphs often differ in morphology, diet, and spawning behavior. To explore the genetic basis of this differentiation, we developed a high-quality reference genome for Arctic charr and analyzed populations from two lakes in Norway and two in Iceland. The lakes vary in the degree of genetic divergence among morphs - from purely plastic phenotypic variation to strong genome-wide divergence indicating complete reproductive isolation. In Thingvallavatn Lake, Iceland, we identified 12 large putative chromosomal inversions that contributed significantly to morph divergence, although these were not found in other lakes. Our findings suggest morph differentiation is typically initiated by phenotypic plasticity, followed by gradual development of reproductive isolation and eventually complete reproductive isolation and genome-wide divergence. A major explanation for salmonids' ability to diversify into multiple sympatric morphs is likely the genome complexity caused by their ancient whole genome duplication that enhances evolvability.
15th October 2025, 1 p.m.
Prof. Alexandre Rodrigues Silva (Federal University of Semiarid Region, Brazil)
Integrating studies of reproductive physiology and assisted techniques for the conservation of South American wild species
Abstract follows
15th October 2025, 2 p.m.
Prof. Wojciech Niżański (Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland)
Assisted Reproduction Technologies in conservation of wild animals-model studies on domestic cat
Abstract follows
29th October 2025, 1 p.m.
Alessandro De Maddalena (Shark Museum, Simon's Town, Cape Town, South Africa)
Great White Sharks of South Africa
The lecture "Great White Sharks of South Africa" lasts approximately 90 minutes and it's accompanied by many beautiful photos that the speaker took on the numerous expeditions he hosted since 2010 in the waters of False Bay, Gansbaai and Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape. The following topics are covered: biology of the great white shark, its predatory tactics, interactions with humans, field observation of the species, ecotourism, threats to the species survival. At the end the speaker will answer the attendees' questions.
Contact
Organization
Constanze Wiechert
Tel: +49(0)309 5168-336
E-Mail: wiechert@izw-berlin.de, izwseminar@izw-berlin.de
Technical support
Dorina Meneghini
Tel. +49(0)30 51658-340
E-Mail: meneghini@izw-berlin.de
Christine Reusch
Tel. +49(0)30 5168-123
E-Mail: reusch@izw-berlin.de
Accounting
Stefanie Lenz
Tel: +49(0)30 5168-459
E-Mail: lenz@izw-berlin.de
Last Update: 15th April 2025