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The Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW) in Berlin is a leading research institute of the Leibniz Association, dedicated to evolutionary wildlife research to effectively strengthen species conservation.[6][1] As one of eight institutes in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (FVB), it benefits from a shared administrative infrastructure and synergistic collaborations with partners such as the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, the Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie or the Max-Born-Institut.[2][1][3]
The mission of the IZW is: To conduct evolutionary wildlife research for species conservation in order to understand and improve the .[6] The vision pursues two central goals: First, to decipher the mechanisms of adaptability in order to make predictions about endangered species. Second, to develop concrete that promote this adaptability - from the molecular to the landscape level.[6][8] In times of the biodiversity crisis, which is exacerbated by anthropogenic influences such as climate change and habitat loss, the IZW provides scientific foundations to curb species extinction. It emphasizes that previous measures are insufficient and calls for greater recognition of the crisis by politics, business and the public.[6]
The research work is divided into six departments that cover disciplinary expertise from genetics to behavioral biology to ecophysiology.[8] Key topics include life course strategies, reproductive biology, nutritional physiology and conflicts between humans and wildlife. A highlight is the Feldforschungsstation Niederfinow in Brandenburg, founded in 1993, where native wildlife is researched under near-natural conditions.[8] The institute integrates One-Health concepts that link the health of humans, animals and the environment, and contributes to innovative methods such as Citizen Science and knowledge transfer.[5][6]
The Wissenschaftsmanagement, established since 2018, coordinates public relations, technology transfer, conferences and strategic communication.[5][7] Through press releases, dossiers and dialogues with society and politics, the IZW makes its findings accessible and actively influences public debates.[7]
The IZW is strongly oriented towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Primarily SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through One-Health approaches and SDG 15 (Life on Land), which prioritizes the protection of ecosystems and the halting of biodiversity loss.[6] Its research creates evidence-based strategies against global challenges such as climate change and urbanization to make wildlife populations more resilient. As part of the Leibniz Association - with around 20,500 employees throughout Germany - it promotes interdisciplinary collaborations for long-term environmental protection.[4]
With innovative approaches and international networking, the Leibniz-IZW positions itself as a key player in the fight for biological diversity. It combines basic research with practical solutions to make wildlife fit for the future.[6]
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