Together with a Ukrainian colleague, Senckenberg researchers examined the 120-year-old specimen of a “Crimean lizard.” Until now, these animals had been considered a species of green lizard restricted to the Crimean Peninsula. Based on the complete mitochondrial genome, the team was able to show that these reptiles actually represent a species introduced from Italy. The results emphasize the importance of historical collections. The study was published today in the “Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research.”
Dear Chancellor,
the coronavirus, and the associated pandemic, are showing us exactly how closely the connection is between our well-being and nature. It also shows humanity the consequences of the continued destruction of the protective shields nature provides us, which offer us intact habitats with high biodiversity from pandemics.
In this video, our Director General Prof. Dr. Mosbrugger tells us more about sustainability in regard to nature and the world on which we live, and recommends a way in which we can work toward a long term goal.
Director General of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
