River Ecology & Conservation | Gelnhausen

Center for Wildlife Genetics


The Senckenberg Center for Wildlife Genetics was founded in Gelnhausen in 2008. The focus of our research is the genetic monitoring of native wildlife. We are particularly interested in answering socially relevant questions.

We support research and species conservation projects that work towards the protection of wild animals as well as the coexistence of humans and wildlife that is as conflict-free as possible.

We are primarily interested in native mammals relevant to species conservation, such as beavers, European hamsters, otters, garden dormice, hazel dormice, lynx, red deer, wildcats, bison and wolves. However, we also study other species groups depending on the research question.

Our laboratory is oriented towards the processing of contamination-sensitive environmental samples. The spectrum of methods includes various molecular genetic procedures for species differentiation and individualization. We also provide analyses to determine genetic diversity, inbreeding, hybridisation and relationship levels.

As a national reference center for genetic studies of wolves and lynx, we accompany the nationwide monitoring and management of both species. Within the framework of the CEwolf Consortium, genetic data on wolves are compared across borders with the reference laboratories of neighbouring countries in order to trace migration movements over long distances and to obtain reliable population data. The Center for Wildlife Genetics is also part of the Federal Documentation and Consultation Centre on Wolves (DBBW).

On the following pages you will find information on current projects, the team, a list of scientific publications and general information on our analysis service.