The Conservation Genetics Section develops and applies molecular tools to foster research, conservation, and management of endangered European wildlife.
New insights and methods are translated into appied wildlife monitoring and conservation via our Wildlife Genetics Center.
Our research focusses on two main areas:
On this page, you get an exemplary overview of some of our research priorities. If you are interested in cooperation regarding the genetic analysis of wildlife, click here, write us an email to wildlifegenetics@senckenberg.de or call us on +49 6051-619543138.
In the following you will find our most important projects.
Inferring genetic patterns of ongoing recolonization of Central Europe by elusive, large carnivores using novel SNP marker systems for noninvasive samples
Background
The currently observed recolonisation of Central and Western Europe by previously near-extinct carnivores is an important topic for science and society. A detailed, cross-border knowledge about migration routes population growth and gene flow patterns are important for comprehensive wildlife monitoring, and are also the foundation for the scientific analysis of this natural experiment about the coexistence between large carnivores and humans in densely populated areas.
The project
The aim of the SAW project is the establishment of a competence network for the development of novel genetic markers systems for studying endangered European carnivores. To meet this aim we first analyse variable nucleotide positions (single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNPs) in the genome of five large carnivores (brown bear, Eurasian otter, wolf, lynx, wildcat) by next generation sequencing or large scale SNP chips. These markers are tested for their variability across European populations by data base queries. In parallel, we investigate different SNP genotyping technologies for their applicability for non-invasively collected sample material. The final marker systems will be tested on multiple populations of each species and compared with the results of other methods. By means of genotyping of samples from Central and Eastern Europe we will study general genetic diversity, gene flow and the impact of landscape genetic factors, in order to identify the genetic patterns of Europe’s recolonisation. All data will be stored in a genetic data base to facilitate future projects and search queries with regard to the origin of samples of unknown status, and thereby deciphering large-scale gene flow.
Project partners
Marker development and population genetic analyses are carried out cooperatively by the three primary project partners Senckenberg (Dr. Carsten Nowak, Dr. Robert Kraus), Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Dr. Jörns Fickel, Dr. Daniel Förster), and TU Munich (Prof. Dr. Ralph Kühn, Dipl.-Biol. Helmut Bayerl). The combination of the aforementioned factors – joint expertise, development of standardised marker systems and installation of a genetic data base – allows the inference of dispersal patterns, isolation factors, and distribution shifts across multiple studies on scales that surpass single, regional studies.
Background
Since 2008, the Location Gelnhausen of the Senckenberg Research Institute has been carrying out molecular genetic DNA studies to differentiate between wildcats and domestic cats. Until now, Senckenberg has examined more than 15,000 wild cat samples for over 200 clients. Previous highlights of the project include the first evidence of wildcats in numerous regions of Germany, e.g. the first evidence of wildcats in the only national park in Hesse, the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, in 2007, which was celebrated as a “small sensation”. The genetic evidence of wildcats in the Thayatal National Park in Austria is also spectacular. In 2009, a first detailed overview of the German wildcat population was obtained for the “Wildcat Rescue Network” of the BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) using lure stick samples. Current projects include the “Wildcat Leap Project” of the BUND and the study of the barrier effect of highways and rivers on wildcats.
The wildcat
The European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris) serves as flagship species for the conservation of unfragmented, near-natural broad-leave forests. Historic persection as well as habitat loss and fragmentation has led to a severe population decline. Since the second half of the 20th century, the wildcat is expanding in Germany. Data on wildcat presence was, however, only sparely distributed, due to the elusiveness of this species and the difficulty to discriminate it from its domestic form – wildcats show well-distinct black tail-rings, 4-5 black stripes on their neck, and a blurred stripe pattern at the flanks, which is best visible around the shoulders (Krüger et al. 2009). Road kills are analysed by morphometric determination of skull and gut size.
Krüger, M., Hertwig ST, Jetschke G, Fischer MS (2009) Evaluation of anatomical characters and the question of hybridization with domestic cats in the wildcat population of Thuringia, Germany. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 47: 268-282.
Lure stick method
Previous genetic studies on wildcats in Germany, such as hybridization rates and population structure calculations, have exclusively used dead specimens and museum specimens, and only very few wildcat populations have been genetically characterized to date. The non-invasive lure stick method can be used to collect sufficient genetic sample material from wildcats in the field with the aid of hair traps, without the wildcats being directly affected. The lure stick method has proven to be very effective in numerous studies as a supplier of hair samples for subsequent genetic studies. Lure sticks are simple wooden stakes that are sprayed with valerian as an attractant. The valerian causes the animals to rub against the stakes, leaving hairs on the stakes. The hairs are genetically analyzed after collection, making it possible to differentiate between domestic cats and wildcats and to individualize them.
DNA analysis of hair samples
It is important to note that moisture, temperature changes and sunlight lead to DNA degradation in hair. Therefore, the number of dry stored hairs with hair roots is decisive for the success of the genetic analysis. The amount of DNA molecules in the hair roots is a thousand times higher than in the rest of the hair. Against the light, hair roots appear as a transparent thickening. For this reason, hair should never be cut from a piece of fur with scissors. Hair should also never be fixed to adhesive surfaces, as this greatly impairs subsequent analyses. Fixing hair on adhesive strips etc. is only useful in exceptional cases (e.g. when searching surfaces for hair and tissue residues, for example in forensic examinations). As the root of the hair contains most of the DNA, it is not possible to create a genetic fingerprint if there are fewer than 5 hairs with roots. Nevertheless, a distinction between domestic and wild cats can be made using a mitochondrial marker. In the case of >5 hairs with roots, the number of DNA molecules is usually sufficient and 14 microsatellite genes can be examined. This examination is used to create a genetic fingerprint, which can be used to identify species and differentiate between individuals.
Genetics – the analysis of mitochondrial DNA
The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) offers the advantage that due to the high copy number in each cell, even small sample quantities contain enough DNA for analysis. However, mtDNA is inherited purely maternally, so when interpreting the data later, only the individual’s affiliation to the maternal line of inheritance can be determined.
Genetics – Genotyping via genome-wide SNPs
Using genome-wide SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms = single point mutations), individual genetic profiles (genotypes) of wildcats are created using a 96 SNP chip (Fluidigm microfluid platform) in accordance with Thaden et al. 2020 and compared with the genotype databases at the Center for Wildlife Genetics. If a hybrid is suspected, samples are examined according to the method of Nussberger et al. 2014 and Tiesmeyer et al. 2020 in order to reliably detect first-generation hybrids as well as backcross hybrids and more distant hybridization events.
Projects
In the framework of the following projects, we cooperate with several project partners:
Options for scientific cooperation
We conduct genetic analyses of hair samples in order to identify and individualise wildcats. Click here for further information.
Further information can be found on the website of the Center for Wildlife Genetics.
(Funded by DAAD (stipend grant for Sarah A. Mueller))
Background
The Eurasian lynx is a large carnivore that was extirpated from central Europe until the late 1800s due to habitat fragmentation and hunting pressure. Beginning in the early 1970s, several reintroduction attempts have been made across central Europe to return this species to its native range. Despite the numerous attempts, small founder population sizes, high levels of inbreeding, illegal hunting, and a number of diseases led to the failure of many projects. Those that were considered successful are now seeing considerably reduced levels of genetic diversity and a marked increase in inbreeding. As more reintroductions are planned in the future, it is important to understand the degree of genetic diversity loss and the degree of gene flow needed to for a viable European lynx metapopulation.
The project
We gathered samples from 18 lynx populations to assess genome-wide genetic diversity and structure using Restriction-site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing. These populations consist of reintroduced (Swiss Alps, Jura Mountain, Luno Mountains, Harz Mountains, Bohemian-Bavarian, Dinaric) and natural populations, including the Western Carpathian source region for most central European reintroductions. Genomic DNA from 190 lynx samples have been sequenced at a minimum of 15,000 loci of on average 150bp on an Illumina HiSeq NGS machine using the NextRad approach (Fu et al. 2017). The obtained data is used to inform applied conservation and forms a genetic baseline for a harmonized European lynx strategy as envisioned by leading lynx researchers.
Cooperation Partners
Ole Anders, Nationalpark Harz, Germany
Christine & Urs Breitenmoser, KORA, Switzerland
Peter Klinga, Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia
Jarmila Krojerová-Prokešová, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Republic
Krzysztof Schmidt, Mammal Research Institute, Poland
Tomaž Skrbinšek, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Combining citizen science and conservation genomics to reveal the causes of rapid population decline in the garden dormouse
Background
The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a medium-sized rodent that is related to the edible dormouse. Historically, garden dormice have been distributed across large parts of central and Eastern Europe. During the last decades, however, the species has disappeared from 50 percent of its former distribution and is considered extinct in some countries. The reasons for the drastic declines remain unknown. Large parts of the current garden dormouse populations live in Germany. This is why Germany bears special responsibility for conserving and protecting the species, in accordance with the National Strategy on Biological Diversity.
The project
The project “In search of the garden dormouse” was started in order to investigate the underlying causes for the drastic declines and to develop a suitable conservation strategy. The project was conducted as a joint effort of three research institutions and conservation NGOs, namely Senckenberg, the research group for wildlife biology at Justus-Liebig University of Giessen and The Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND). The main aim of the project was to conserve the remaining garden dormouse populations in Germany and to implement long-term conservation measures.
We conducted accompanying genomic research to reveal possible genetic causes for the population declines. While the species has deserted large sections of its eastern habitats, an opposing trend is observed in parts of its western distribution, where garden dormice are regionally abundant and occupy new areas. The underlying reasons for these divergent range dynamics as well as the genetic differentiation between the populations remain unclear. To elucidate this issue, we conducted genomic sequencing and develop a SNP-based marker system in order to be able to assign individuals to genetic lineages based on noninvasive samples.
The project ran from 2018 – 2024 and was funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with resources from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. In May 2020 the project was awarded as “project of the UN-decade for biodiversity”.
Further information
Detailed information about the project “In search of the garden dormouse” can be found on www.gartenschlaefer.de.
Background
Since 2012 we investigate the genetic structure and diversity within populations of the critically endangered Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in Central Europe. Another focus is on the genetic assessment of captive hamster breeding programmes and the monitoring of reintroduction success. Our work is closely linked to applied hamster conservation.
Between 2018 and 2023 we conducted the scientific supervision of the project Feldhamsterland funded by the german Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. The Feldhamsterland project aims at halting the dramatic decline of the species in five German model regions by implementing stategies of coexistence between agricultural farming and hamster conservation. All our common hamster projects are led by Tobias E. Reiners.
Our project partners:
Distribution in Germany and Europe
The Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus L., 1758) is a critically endangered species throughout Western Europe and listed in Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive. Population decline has been particularly dramatic in its most western distribution edge within The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Northwestern Germany. New data show that currently a similar decline is ongoing in several parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Together with international partners we contributed to the change of the IUCN Red List status of the Common hamster to ‟critically endangered”.
Banaszek, A., Bogomolov, P., Feoktistova, N., La Haye, M., Monecke, S., Reiners, T. E., Rusin, M., Surov, A., Weinhold, U. & Ziomek, J. (2020). Cricetus cricetus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T5529A111875852. doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T5529A111875852.en.
Common Hamster
The Common hamster is the only species within the genus Cricetus. A characteristic is the invert colouring of his fur, which is rare among native mammals. Adults may reach a body size of 200-300 mm and weight 200-650g. Females may reproduce up to three times per season. The size of the litter ranges from 2-8 youngs. The offspring is already weaned after 25 days. Juveniles reach sexual maturity with a few weeks only and females may reproduce within the first season.
Projects
eDNA – background and analysis
Organisms continually release genetic traces in the environment. These DNA traces are known as ‘environmental DNA’ (eDNA). eDNA can be obtained from environmental samples such as soil, sediment, water and air. Primary eDNA sources are excretion and secretion products as well as degrading tissue. eDNA can be detected using different highly sensitive molecular genetic methods. eDNA barcoding allows for the (semi) quantitative assessment of individual species using real-time PCR methodology. eDNA metabarcoding via Next Generation Sequencing enables to assess entire species communities and ecosystems. Both methods provide important information on the occurrence and abundance of species and community assemblages.
eDNA research focus
The main focus of our work is the eDNA-based monitoring of aquatic organisms. The genetic monitoring includes endangered species (amphibians: great crested newt Triturus cristatus, common spadefoot toad Pelobates fuscus; fish: spirlin Alburnoides bipunctatus, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar), invasive species (e.g. pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva) and waterborne pathogens (the crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci). We primarily use eDNA barcoding of individual species due to very reliable (semi-) quantitative results.
Within the scope of our research, basic and applied research go hand in hand. New sampling and analysis methods for accurate eDNA analytics are continuously examined and optimized. Another focus lies on the characterization of the behavior of eDNA in the environment (e.g. distribution mechanisms, accumulation/degradation rates). Our aim is to standardize eDNA-based detection methods for routine use in applied biomonitoring and species protection.
We are currently working on the development and establishment of an eDNA detection system based on microfluid technology for fish (FishChip) and amphibians (FrogChip) as part of a LOEWE-TBG project. These eDNA chips are intended to (semi-) quantitatively detect a large number of aquatic species quickly, precisely and in parallel at numerous sample sites. These microfluidic chips will combine the advantages of eDNA-based barcoding (robustness, semi-quantitative data) and metabarcoding (parallel detection of numerous species).
Domokos, C., Collet, S., Nowak, C., Jánoska, F. & Cristescu, B. (2024). Brown bear occurrence along a proposed highway route in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Nature Conservation 57: 41-67.
Byerly, P., von Thaden, A., Leushkin, E., Hilgers, L., Liu, S., Winter, S., Schell, T., Buechner, S., Meinig, H., Lang, J., Famira-Parcsetich, E., Stubbe, S., Gerheim, C., Ben-Hamadou, A., Bolz, H., Betz, C., Greve, C., Mouton, A., Bertolino, S., Verbeylen, G., Briner, T., Vinciguerra, L., Mueller, S., Nowak, C. & Hiller, M. (2024). Haplotype-resolved genome and population genomics of the threatened garden dormouse in Europe. Genome Research 34: 2094-2107.
Planillo, A., Reinhardt, I., Kluth, G., Collet, S., Rolshausen, G., Nowak, C., Steyer, K., Ellwanger, G. & Kramer-Schadt, S. (2024). Habitat and density effects on the demography of an expanding wolf population in Central Europe. Wildlife Biology 6: e01246.
Mergeay, J., Smet, S., Collet, S., Nowak, S., Reinhardt, I., Kluth, G., Szewczyk, M., Godinho, R., Nowak, C., Myslajek, R.W. & Rolshausen, G. (2024). Estimating the effective size of European wolf populations. Evolutionary Applications 17: 10: e70021.
Beez, T., Leyhausen, J., Mueller, S. von Thaden, A., Bertolino, S., Büchner, S., Fietz, J., Lang, J., Michaux, J., Verbeylen, G., Nowak, C. & Cocchiararo, B. (2024). Development of a microfluidic SNP assay for lineage discrimination in the endangered hazel dormouse. Conservation Genetic Resources. DOI: 10.1007/s12686-024-01367-1.
Kabus, J., Hartmann, V., Cocchiararo, B., Dombrowski, A., Enns, D., Karaouzas, I., Lipkowski, K., Pelikan, L., Shumka, S., Soose, L., Baker, N.J. & Jourdan, J. (2024). Cryptic species complex shows population-dependent, rather than lineage-dependent tolerance to a neonicotinoid. Environmental Pollution 362: 124888.
Konec, M., Collet, S., Nowak, C., Skrbinšek, T. & Stronen, A.V. (2024). Dispersal of a wolf with complex ancestry from the Dinaric–Alpine region to Germany demonstrates the value of transboundary monitoring networks. Conservation Science and Practice: e13181.
Hulva, P., Collet, S., Baránková, L., Valentová, K., Šrutová, J., Bauer, H., Gahbauer, M., Mokrý, J., Romportl, D., Smith, A.F., Vorel, A., Zýka, V., Nowak, C., Bolfiková, B.C. & Heurich, M. (2024). Genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine wolf populations. Wildlife Biology: e01281.
Büchner, S., Lang, J., Meinig, H.U., Nava, T.F., Zistl, K., von Thaden, A., Nowak, C., Reiners, T.E., Brünner, H., Langer, F., Andersen, A., Friedel, U., Giermann, A., Kasch, E., Klocke, M., Krug, A., Kupfer, J., Mölich, T., Schmid, H., Schreiner, J., Steib, S., Thiel-Bender, C., Moczek, N., Fietz, J. & Nowack, C. (2024). The Garden Dormouse as a Research and Conservation Priority in a German Large-Scale Citizen Science Project. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica 19: 01-08.
Wehrenberg, G., Tokarska, M., Cocchiararo, B. & Nowak, C. (2024). A reduced SNP panel optimised for non-invasive genetic assessment of a genetically impoverished conservation icon, the European bison. Scientific Reports 14: 1875.
Böcker, F., Weber, H., Arnold, J., Collet, S. & Hatlauf, J. (2024). Interspecific social interaction between golden jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Mammal research, DOI: 10.1007/s13364-024-00737-2.
Jarausch, A., von Thaden, A., Sin, T., Corradini, A., Pop, M.I., Chiriac, S., Gazzola, A. & Nowak, C. (2023). Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridization in the Eastern Romanian Carpathian wolf population. Scientific Reports 13: 22574.
Jamieson, A., Carmagnini, A., Howard-McCombe, J., Doherty, S., Hirons, A., Dimopoulos, E., Lin, A.T., Allen, R., Anderson-Whymark, H., Barnett, R., Batey, C., Beglane, F., Bowden, W., Bratten, J., De Cupere, B., Drew, E., Foley, N.M., Fowler, T., Fox, A., Geigl, E.M., Gotfredsen, A.B., Grange, T., Griffiths, D., Groß, D., Haruda, A., Hjermind, J., Knapp, Z., Lebrasseur, O., Librado, P., Lyons, L.A., Mainland, I., McDonnell, C., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Nowak, C., O’connor, T., Peters, J., Russo, I.R.M., Ryan, H., Sheridan, A., Sinding, M.H.S., Skoglund, P., Swali, P., Symmons, R., Thomas, G., Zetner, T., Jensen, T., Kitchener, A.C., Senn, H., Lawson, D., Driscoll, C., Murphy, W.J., Beaumont, M., Ottoni, C., Sykes, N., Larson, G. & Frantz, L. (2023). Limited historical admixture between European wildcats and domestic cats. Current Biology 33: 4751-4760.
Howard-McCombe, J., Jamieson, A., Carmagnini, A., Russo, I.R.M., Ghazali, M., Campbell, R., Driscoll, C., Murphy, W.J., Nowak, C., O’Connor, T., Tomsett, L., Lyons, L.A., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Bruford, M.W., Kitchener, A.C., Larson, G., Frantz, L., Senn, H., Lawson, D.J. & Beaumont, M.A. (2023). Genetic swamping of the critically endangered Scottish wildcat was recent and accelerated by disease. Current Biology 33: 4761-4769.
Nussberger, B., Barbosa, S., Beaumont, M., Currat, M., Devillard, S., Heurich, M., Howard-McCombe, J., Mattucci, F., Nowak, C., Quilodrán, C.S., Senn, H. & Alves P.C. (2023). A common statement on anthropogenic hybridization of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11: 1156387.
Gajdárová, B., Belotti, E., Bufka, L., Volfová, J., Wölfl, S., Mináriková, T., Hollerbach, L., Dul´a, M., Kleven, O., Kutal, M., Nowak, C., Ozoliņš, J., Tám, B., Bryja, J., Koubek, P. & Krojerová-Prokešová, J. (2023). Long-term genetic monitoring of a reintroduced Eurasian lynx population does not indicate an ongoing loss of genetic diversity. Global Ecology and Conservation 42: e02399.
Riaz, M., Warren, D., Wittwer, C., Cocchiararo, B., Hundertmark, I., Reiner, T.E., Klimpel, S., Pfenninger, M., Khaliq, I. & Nowak, C. (2023). Using eDNA to understand predator-prey interactions influenced by invasive species. Oecologia 202: 757-767.
Ciucani, M.M., Ramos-Madrigal, J., Hernández-Alonso, G., Carmagnini, A., Aninta, S.G., Sun, X., Scharff-Olsen, C.H., Lanigan, L.T., Fracasso, I., Clausen, C.G., Aspi, J., Kojola, I., Baltrūnaitė, L., Balčiauskas, L., Moore, J., Åkesson, M., Saarma, U., Hindrikson, M., Hulva, P., Bolfíková, B.C., Nowak, C., Godinho, R., Smith, S., Paule, L., Nowak, S., Mysłajek, R.W., Lo Brutto, S., Ciucci, P., Boitani, L., Vernesi, C., Stenøien, H.K., Smith, O., Frantz, L., Rossi, L., Angelici, F.M., Cilli, E., Sinding, M.H.S., Gilbert, M.T.P. & Gopalakrishnan, S. (2023). The extinct Sicilian wolf shows a complex history of isolation and admixture with ancient dogs. IScience 26: 107307.
Krojerová-Prokešová, J., Gajdárová, B., Reiners, T.E., Bolechová, P., Kleven, O., Koubek, P., Nowak, C., Ozoliņš, J., Tám, B., Voloshina, I. & Vallo, P. (2023). Ex situ versus in situ Eurasian lynx populations: implications for successful breeding and genetic rescue. Conservation Genetics 24: 203-217.
Böcker, F., Weber, H. & Collet, S. (2023). First documentation of golden jackal (Canis aureus) reproduction in Germany. Mammal Research 68: 249-252.
Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., Schreiber, D., Mueller, S.A., Koch, K., Nowak, C. & Pfenninger, M. (2022). Human impact on the recent population history of the elusive European wildcat inferred from whole genome data. BMC Genomics 23: 709.
Mayer, M., Olsen, K., Schulz, B., Matzen, J., Nowak, C., Thomsen, P.F., Hansen, M.M., Vedel-Smith, C. & Sunde, P. (2022). Occurrence and livestock depredation patterns by wolves in highly cultivated landscapes. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 10: 783027.
Matias, G., Rosalino, L.M., Alves, P.C., Tiesmeyer, A., Nowak, C., Ramos, L., Steyer, K., Astaras, C., Brix, M., Domokos, C., Janssen, R., Kitchener, A.C., Mestdagh, X., L’Hoste, L., Titeux, N., Migli, D., Youlatos, D., Pfenninger, M., Devillard, S., Ruette, S., Anile, S., Ferreras, P., Diaz-Ruiz, F. & Monterroso, P. (2022). Genetic integrity of European wildcats: Variation across biomes mandates geographically tailored conservation strategies. Biological Conservation 268: 109518.
Ciucani, M.M., Ramos-Madrigal, J., Hernández-Alonso, G., Carmagnini, A., Aninta, S.G., Scharff-Olsen, H., Lanigan, L.T., Fracasso, I., Clausen, C.G., Aspi, J., Kojola, I., Baltrūnaitė, L., Balčiauskas, L., Moore, J., Åkesson, M., Saarma, U., Hindrikson, M., Hulva, P., Bolfíková, B.C., Nowak, C., Godinho, R., Smith, S., Paule, L., Nowak, S., Mysłajek, R.W., Lo Brutto, S., Ciucci, P.,Boitani, L., Vernesi, C., Stenøien, H.K., Smith, O., Frantz, L., Rossi, L., Angelici, F.M., Cilli, E., Sinding, M.H.S., Gilbert, M.T.P. & Gopalakrishnan, S. (2022). Genomes of the extinct Sicilian wolf reveal a complex history of isolation and admixture with ancient dogs. bioRxiv: doi: 10.1101/2022.01.21.477289.
Stronen, A.V., Mattucci, F., Fabbri, E., Galaverni, M., Cocchiararo, B., Nowak, C., Godinho, R., Ruiz-González, A., Kusak, J., Skrbinšek, T., Randi, E., Vlasseva, A., Mucci, N. & Caniglia, R. (2022). A reduced SNP panel to trace gene flow across southern European wolf populations and detect hybridization with other Canis taxa. Scientific Reports 12: 4195.
Stronen, A.V., Aspi, J., Caniglia, R., Fabbri, E., Galaverni, M., Godinho, R., Kvist, L., Mattucci, F., Nowak, C., von Thaden, A. & Harmoinen, J. (2022). Wolf-dog admixture highlights the need for methodological standards and multidisciplinary cooperation for effective governance of wild x domestic hybrids. Biological Conservation 266: 109467.
Mueller, S.A., Prost, S., Anders, O., Breitenmoser-Würsten, C., Kleven, O., Klinga, P., Konec, M., Kopatz, A., Krojerová-Prokesova, J., Middelhoff, T.L., Obexer-Ruff, G., Reiners, T.E., Schmidt, K., Sindicic, M., Skrbinsek, T., Tám, B., Saveljev, A.P., Naranbaatar, G. & Nowak, C. (2022). Genome-wide diversity loss in reintroduced Eurasian lynx populations urges immediate conservation management. Biological Conservation 266: 109442.
Leyhausen, J., Cocchiararo, B., Nowak, C., Ansorge, H., Bertolino, S., Büchner, S., Fietz, J., Foppen, R., Juškaitis, R., La Haye, M., Lang, J., Michaux, J., Verbeylen, G., von Thaden, A. & Mueller, S.A. (2022). Genotyping-by-sequencing based SNP discovery in a non-model rodent, the endangered hazel dormouse. Conservation Genetics Resources 14: 195-201.
Cozzi, G., Hollerbach, L., Suter, S.M., Reiners, T.E., Kunz, F., Tettamanti, F. & Ozgul, A. (2021). Eyes, ears, or nose? Comparison of three non-invasive methods to survey wolf recolonisation. Mammalian Biology 101: 881-893.
von Thaden, A., Cocchiararo, B., Mueller, S.A., Reiners, T.E., Reinert, K., Tuchscherer, I., Janke, A. & Nowak, C. (2021). Informing conservation strategies with museum genomics: Long-term effects of past anthropogenic persecution on the elusive European wildcat. Ecology and Evolution 11: 17932-17951.
Behr, F., Fritsch, G., Collet, S., Ghani, N., Cocchiararo, B., Knorr, K., Müller, T., Freuling, C., Sprenger, J. & Szentiks, C.A. (2021). Unusual case of automutilation in a free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus). Forensic Science International: Animals and Environments 1: 100019.
Harmoinen, J., von Thaden, A., Aspi, J., Kvist, L., Cocchiararo, B., Jarausch, A., Gazzola, A., Sin, T., Lohi, H., Hytönen, M.K., Kojola, I., Stronen, A.V., Caniglia, R., Mattucci, F., Galaverni, M., Godinho, R., Ruiz-González, A., Randi, E., Muñoz-Fuentes, V. & Nowak, C. (2021). Reliable wolf-dog hybrid detection in Europe using a reduced SNP panel developed for non-invasively collected samples. BMC Genomics 22: 473.
Pfenninger, M., Reuss, F., KIebler, A., Schönnenbeck, P., Caliendo, C., Gerber, S., Cocchiararo, B., Reuter, S., Blüthgen, N., Mody, K., Mishra, B., Bálint, M., Thines, M. & Feldmeyer, B. (2021). Genomic basis for drought resistance in European beech forests threatened by climate change. eLife 10: e65532.
Sunde, P., Collet, S., Nowak, C., Thomsen, P.F., Hansen, M.M., Schulz, B., Matzen, J., Michler, F.U., Vedel-Smith, C. & Olsen, K. (2021). Where have all the young wolves gone? Traffic and cryptic mortality create a wolf population sink in Denmark and northernmost Germany. Conservation Letters 14: e12812.
Westekemper, K., Tiesmeyer, A., Steyer, K., Nowak, C., Signer, J. & Balkenhol, N. (2021). Do all roads lead to resistance? State road density is the main impediment to gene flow in a flagship species inhabiting a severely fragmented anthropogenic landscape. Ecology and Evolution 11: 8528-8541.
Cocchiararo, B., Polednik, L., Künzelmann, B., Beran, V. & Nowak, C. (2021). Genetische Struktur der Fischotterpopulation im Erzgebirge. Bulletin Vydra 19: 26-35.
Gajdárová, B., Belotti, E., Dula, M., Kleven, O., Kutal, M., Ozolins, J., Nowak, C., Reiners, T., Tám, B., Volfová, J. & Krojerová-Prokesová, J. (2021). Long-distance Eurasian lynx dispersal – a prospect for connecting native and reintroduced populations in Central Europe. Conservation Genetics 22: 799-809.
Szewczyk, M., Nowak, C., Hulva, P., Mergeay, J., Stronen, A., Bolfíková, B., Czarnomska, S., Diserens, T., Fenchuk, V., Figura, M., de Groot, A., Haidt, A., Hansen, M., Jansman, H., Kluth, G., Kwiatkowska, I., Lubinska, K., Michaux, J., Niedzwiecka, N., Nowak, S., Olsen, K., Reinhardt, I., Romanski, M., Schley, L., Smith, S., Spinkyte-Backaitiene, R., Stachyra, P., Stepniak, K., Sunde, P., Thomsen, P., Zwijacz-Kozica, T. & Myslajek, R. (2021). Genetic support for the current discrete conservation unit of the Central European wolf population. Wildlife Biology: wlb.00809.
Jarausch, A., Harms, V., Kluth, G., Reinhardt, I. & Nowak, C. (2021). How the west was won: genetic reconstruction of rapid wolf recolonization into Germany’s anthropogenic landscapes. Heredity 127: 92-106.
Schley, L., Jacobs, M., Collet, S.; Kristiansen, A. & Herr, J. (2021). First wolves in Luxembourg since 1893, originating from the Alpine and Central European populations. Mammalia 85: 193-197.
Hatlauf, J., Böcker, F., Wirk, L., Collet, S., Schley, L., Szabó, L., Hackländer, K., Heltai, M. (2021). Jackal in hide: detection dogs show first success in the quest for golden jackal (Canis aureus) scats. Mammal Research 66: 227-236.
Mueller, S.A., Reiners, T.E., Steyer, K., von Thaden, A., Tiesmeyer, A. & Nowak, C. (2020). Revealing the origin of wildcat reappearance after presumed long-term absence. European Journal of Wildlife Research 66: 1-8.
Brugger, M., Jährig, M., Peper, J., Nowak, C., Cocchiararo, B. & Ansorge, H. (2020). Influence of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) on Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) evaluated by activity density estimates in anthropogenic habitats in Eastern Germany. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin 37: 98 -119.
La Haye, M.J.J., Koelewijn, H.P., Raedts, R., Reiners, T.E. & Verbist, V. (2020). DNA samples from genetic monitoring of the Common Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the Netherlands. DANS: doi: 10.17026/dans-z3w-nsx9.
Eddine, A., Gomes Rocha, R., Mostefai, N., Karssene, Y., De Smet, K., Brito, J.C., Klees, D., Nowak, C., Cocchiararo, B., Lopes, S., Van Der Leer, P. & Godinho, R. (2020). Demographic expansion of an African opportunistic carnivore during the Neolithic revolution. Biology Letters 16: 20190560.
Riaz, M., Wittwer, C., Nowak, C. & Cocchiararo, B. (2020). An environmental DNA assay for the detection of the regionally endangered freshwater fish Alburnoides bipunctatus in Germany. Conservation Genetic Resources 12: 41-43.
Mueller, S.A., Reiners, T.E., Middelhoff, L., Anders, O. & Nowak, C. (2020). The rise of a large carnivore population in Central Europe: Genetic evaluation of lynx reintroduction in the Harz Mountains. Conservation Genetics 21: 577-587.
von Thaden, A., Nowak, C., Tiesmeyer, A., Reiners, T.E., Alves, P.C., Lyons, L.A., Mattucci, F., Randi, E., Cragnolini, M., Galián, J., Hegyeli, Z., Kitchener, A.C., Lambinet, C., Lucas, J.M., Mölich, T., Ramos, L., Schockert, V. & Cocchiararo, B. (2020). Applying genomic data in wildlife monitoring: Development guidelines for genotyping degraded samples with reduced single nucleotide polymorphism panels. Molecular Ecology Resources 20: 662-680.
Tiesmeyer, A., Ramos, L., Lucas, J.M., Steyer, K., Alves, P.C., Astaras, C., Brix, M., Cragniolini, M., Domokos, C., Jansen, R., Kitchener, A., Mestdagh, X., Migli, D., Mulder, J.L., Schockert, V., Youlato, D., Pfenninger, M. & Nowak, C. (2020). Range-wide patterns of human-mediated hybridisation in European wildcats. Conservation Genetics 21: 247-260.
Riaz, M., Kümmerlen, M., Wittwer, C., Cocchiararo, B., Khaliq, I., Pfenninger, M. & Nowak, C. (2020). Combining environmental DNA and species distribution modeling to evaluate reintroduction success of a freshwater fish. Ecological Applications 30: e02034.
Haubrock, P.J., Innocenti, G., Mueller, S.A., Rothman, S.B.S., Galil, B.S., & Goren, M. (2020). Prey availability and community composition: Diet analysis of the black angler fish Lophius budegassa Spinola, 1807 in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea. Regional Studies in Marine Science 33: 100940.
Holderegger, R., Balkenhol, N., Bolliger, J., Engler, J.O., Gugerli, F., Hochkirch, A., Nowak, C., Segelbacher, G., Widmer, A. & Zachos, F.E. (2019). Conservation genetics: linking science with practice. Molecular Ecology 28: 3848-3856.
Arbieu, H., Mehring, M., Bunnefeld, N., Kaczensky, P., Reinhardt, I., Ansorge, H., Boehning-Gaese, K., Glikman, J., Kluth, G., Nowak, C. & Müller, T. (2019). Attitudes towards returning wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany: Exposure, information sources and trust matter. Biological Conservation 234: 202-210.
Karssene, Y., Godinho, R., Chammem, M., Cocchiararo, B., Nouira, S. & Nowak, C. (2019). Noninvasive DNA sampling and camera trapping suggest dramatic regional conservation status of an understudied carnivore: the Rüppell’s fox in Tunisia. Journal of Natural History 53: 1439-1449.
Reinhardt, I., Kluth, G., Nowak, C., Szentiks, C., Krone, O., Ansorge, H. & Müller, T. (2019). Military training areas facilitate the re-colonization of wolves in Germany. Conservation Letters: e12635.
Ali, T., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Schmuker, A., Buch, A.-K., Dutbayev, A., Glynou, K., Khaliq, I., Kachour, L., Kitner, M., Nigrelli, L., Ploch, S., Runge, F., Solovyeva, I., Xia, X., Çelik, A., Gabrielyan, I., Vakhrusheva, L., Maciá-Vicente, J.G., Nowak, C. & Thines, M. (2019). Out of Transcaucasia: Origin of western and central Palearctic populations of Microthlaspi perfoliatum. Flora 253: 127-141.
Foucault, Q., Wieser, A., Heumann-Kiesler, C., Diogo, J., Cocchiararo, B., Nowak, C., Waldvogel, A.M. & Pfenninger, M. (2019). An experimental assessment of reproductive isolation and its consequences for seasonal hybridization dynamics. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 126 (2): 327-337.
Wittwer, C., Stoll, S., Strand, D., Vrålstad, T., Thines, M. & Nowak, C. (2019). eDNA-based crayfish plague detection as practical tool for biomonitoring andrisk assessment of A. astaci-positive crayfish populations. Biological Invasions 21: 1075-1088.
Karssene, Y., Nowak, C., Chammem, M., Cocchiararo, B. & Nouira, S. (2019). Genetic diversity of the genus Vulpes (Red fox and Fennec fox) in Tunisia based on mitochondrial DNA and noninvasive DNA sampling. Mammalian Biology 96: 118-123.
Karssene, Y., Chammem, M., Nowak, C., de Smet, K., Castro, D., Eddine, A., Lopes, S., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Cocchiararo, B., Klees, D., van der Leer, P., Nouira, S. & Godinho, R. (2018). Noninvasive genetic assessment provides evidence of extensive gene flow and possible high movement ability in the African golden wolf. Mammalian Biology 92: 94-101.
Hollerbach, L., Heurich, M., Reiners, T.E. & Nowak, C. (2018). Detection dogs allow for systematic non-invasive collection of DNA samples from Eurasian lynx. Mammalian Biology 90: 42-46.
Bálint, M., Nowak, C., Márton, O., Pauls, S.U., Wittwer, C., Aramayo, J.L., Schulze, A., Chambert, T., Cocchiararo, B. & Jansen, M. (2018). Accuracy, limitations and cost-efficiency of eDNA-based community survey in tropical frogs. Molecular Ecology Resources 18: 1415-1426.
Förster, D., Bull, J., Lenz, D., Autenrieth, M., Paijmans, J., Kraus, R., Nowak, C., Bayerl, H., Kuehn, R., Saveljev, A., Sindičić, M., Hofreiter, M., Schmidt, K. & Fickel, J. (2018). Targeted re-sequencing of coding DNA sequences for SNP discovery in non-model species. Molecular Ecology Resources 18: 1356-1373.
Bayerl, H., Kraus, R.H.S., Nowak, C., Foerster, D.W., Fickel, J.& Kuehn, R. (2018). Fast and cost-effective single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection in the absence of a reference genome using semi-deep next generation random amplicon sequencing (RAMseq). Molecular Ecology Resources 18: 107-117.
Wittwer, C., Nowak, C., Strand, D., Vralstad, T., Thines, M. & Stoll, S. (2018). Comparison of two water sampling approaches for crayfish plague detection. Limnologica 70: 1-9.
Karamanlidis, A.A., Skrbinsek, T. ,Krampokoukis, L., de Gabriel Hernando, M., Munoz-Fuentes, V., Bailey, Z., Nowak, C. & Stronen, A. (2018). History-driven population structure and asymmetric gene flow in a recovering large carnivore at the rear-edge of its European range. Heredity 120: 168.
Wittwer, C., Stoll, S., Strand, D., Vrålstad, T., Nowak, C. & Thines, M. (2018). eDNA-based crayfish plague monitoring is superior to conventional trap-based assessments in year-round detection probability. Hydrobiologia 807: 87-97.
Steyer, K., Tiesmeyer, A., Munoz-Fuentes, V. & Nowak, C. (2018). Low rates of hybridization between European wildcats and domestic cats in a human dominated landscape. Ecology and Evolution 8: 2290-2304.
Reiners, T.E., Fuchs, M., Hailer, F., Janke, A. & Nowak, C. (2017). Establishing species-specific sexing markers suitable for non-invasive samples of species lacking genomic resources – an example using the highly endangered common hamster Cricetus cricetus. Conservation Genetics Resources 9: 253-255.
Zwijacz-Kozica, T., Ważna, A., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Tiesmeyer, A., Cichocki, J. & Nowak, C. (2017). Not European wildcats, but domestic cats inhabit Tatra National Park. Polish Journal of Ecology 65: 115-121.
Tahir, A., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Schmuker, A., Buch, A.K., Celik, A., Dutbayev, A., Gabrielyan, I., Glynou, K., Kitner, M., Kaliq, I., Nigrelli, L., Macia-Vicente, J., Ploch, S., Runge, F., Solovyeva, I., Vakhrusheva, L., Xia, X., Nowak, C. & Thines, M. (2017). Genetic patterns reflecting Pleistocene range dynamics in the annual calcicole plant Microthlaspi erraticumacross its Eurasian range. Flora 236-237: 132-142.
von Thaden, A., Cocchiararo, B., Jarausch, A., Jüngling, H., Karamanlidis, A.A., Tiesmeyer, A., Nowak, C. & Muñoz-Fuentes, V. (2017). Assessing SNP genotyping of noninvasively collected wildlife samples using microfluidic arrays. Scientific Reports 7: 10768.
Lesniak, I., Heckmann, I., Heitlinger, E., Szentiks, C.A., Nowak, C., Harms, V., Jarausch, A., Reinhardt, I., Kluth, G., Hofer, H. & Krone, O. (2017). Population expansion and individual age affect endoparasite richness and diversity in a recolonising large carnivore population. Scientific Reports 7: 41730.
Lukas, J.A.Y., Jourdan, J., Kalinkat, G., Emde, S., Miesen, F.W., Jüngling, H., Cocchiararo, B. & Bierbach, D. (2017). On the occurrence of three non-native cichlid species including the first record of a feral population of Pelmatolapia (Tilapia) mariae (Boulenger, 1899) in Europe. Royal Society Open Science 4: 6.
Schäfer, F. & Reiners, T.E. (2017). Long term vs. short term impact of founder relatedness on gene diversity and inbreeding within the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) of the red panda (Ailurus f. fulgens). Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research 5: 86-91.
Pedrosa, J., Cocchiararo, B., Verdelhos, T., Soares, A.M., Pestana, J.L.T. & Nowak, C. (2017). Population genetic structure and hybridization patterns in the cryptic sister species Chironomus riparius and C. piger across differentially polluted freshwater systems. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 141: 280-289.
Eddine, A., Mostefai, N., De Smet, K., Klees, D., Ansorge, H., Karssene, Y., Nowak, C. & Van Der Leer, P. (2017). Diet composition of a newly recognized canid species, the African golden wolf (Canis anthus), in northern Algeria. Annales Zoologici Fennici 54: 347-356.
Pedrosa, J., Campos, D., Cocchiararo, B., Soares, A.M.V.M., Barata, C., Nowak, C. & Pestana, J.L.T. (2017). Evolutionary consequences of historical metal contamination for natural populations of Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae). Ecotoxicology 26: 534-546.
Pedrosa, J., Machado, A.L., Cocchiararo, B., Soares, A.M.V.M., Nowak, C. & Pestana J.L.T. (2017). Assessing the suitability of genetic diversity of Chironomus riparius (Meigen) as an indicator of environmental pollution. Ecological Indicators 78: 115-124.
Melosik, I., Ziomek, J., Winnicka, K., Reiners, T.E., Banaszek, A., Mammen, K., Mammen, U. & Marciszak, A. (2017). The genetic characterization of an isolated remnant population of an endangered rodent (Cricetus cricetus L.) using comparative data: implications for conservation. Conservation Genetics 18: 759-775.
La Haye, M.J.J., Reiners, T.E., Raedts, R., Verbist, V. & Koelewijn, H.P. (2017). Genetic monitoring to evaluate reintroduction attempts of a highly endangered rodent. Conservation Genetics 18: 877-892.
Pedrosa, J., Gravato, C., Campos, D., Cardoso, P., Figueira, E.M.A.P., Nowak, C., Soares, A.M.V.M., Barata, C. & Pestana, J.L.T. (2017). Investigating heritability of cadmium tolerance in Chironomus riparius natural populations: A physiological approach. Chemosphere 170: 83-94.
Barnosky, A.D., Hadly, E.A., Gonzalez, P., Head, J., Polly, P.D., Lawing, A.M., Eronen, J.T., Ackerly, D.D., Alex, K., Biber, E., Blois, J., Brashares, J., Ceballos, G., Davis, E., Dietl, G.P., Dirzo, R., Doremus, H., Fortelius, M., Greene, H., Hellmann, J., Hickler, T., Jackson, S.T., Kemp, M., Koch, P.L., Kremen, C., Lindsey, E.L., Looy, C., Marshall, C.R., Mendenhall, C., Mulch, A., Mychajliw, A.M., Nowak, C., Ramakrishnan, U., Schnitzler, J., Kashish, D.S., Solari, K., Stegner, L., Stegner, M.A., Stenseth, N.C., Wake, M.H. & Zhang, Z. (2017). No going back: Merging paleontology with conservation biology to guide the future of terrestrial ecosystems. Science 355: 6325.
Beutel, T., Reineking, B., Tiesmeyer, A., Nowak, C. & Heurich, M. (2017). Spatial patterns of co-occurrance of the European wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris and domestic cats Felis silvestris catus in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Wildlife Biology 1: 1-8.
Pedrosa, J., Cocchiararo, B., Bordalo, M.D., Rodrigues, A.C., Soares, A.M.V.M., Barata, C., Nowak, C. & Pestana, J.L.T. (2017). The role of genetic diversity and past-history selection pressures in the susceptibility of Chironomus ripariuspopulations to environmental stress. Science of the Total Enviroment 576: 807-816.
Hindrikson, M., Remm, J., Pilot, M., Godinho, R., Stronen, A.V., Baltrūnaité, L., Czarnomska, S.D., Leonard, J.A., Randi, E., Nowak, C., Åkesson, M., López-Bao, J.V., Álvares, F., Llaneza, L., Echegaray, J., Vilà, C., Ozolins, J., Rungis, D., Aspi, J., Paule, L., Skrbinšek, T. & Saarma, U. (2016). Wolf population genetics in Europe: a systematic review, meta-analysis and suggestions for conservation and management. Biological Reviews 92: 1601-1629.
Kutschera, V.E., Frosch, C., Janke, A., Skírnisson, K., Bidon, T., Lecomte, N., Fain, S.R., Eiken, H.G., Hagen, S.B., Arnason, U., Laidre, K.L., Nowak, C. & Hailer, F. (2016). High genetic variability of vagrant polar bears illustrates importance of population connectivity in fragmented sea ice habitats. Animal Conservation 19: 337–349.
Steyer, K., Kraus, R.H.S., Mölich, T., Anders, O., Cocchiararo, B., Frosch, C., Geib, A., Götz, M., Herrmann, M., Hupe, K., Kohnen, A., Krüger, M., Müller, F., Pir, J.B., Reiners, T.E., Roch, S., Schade, U., Schiefenhövel, P., Siemund, M., Simon, O., Steeb, S., Streif, S., Streit, B., Thein, J., Tiesmeyer, A., Trinzen, M., Vogel, B. & Nowak, C. (2016). Large-scale genetic census of an elusive carnivore, the European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris). Conservation Genetics 17: 1183–1199.
de Groot, G.A., Nowak, C., Skrbinšek, T., Andersen, L., Aspi, J., Fumagalli, L., Godinho, R., Harms, V., Jansman, H.A.H., Liberg, O., Marucco, F., Mysłajek, R.W., Nowak, S., Pilot, M., Randi, E., Reinhardt, I., Śmietana, W., Szewczyk, M., Taberlet, P., Vilà, C. & Muñoz-Fuentes, V. (2016). Decades of population genetic research call for harmonization of molecular markers: the grey wolf, Canis lupus, as a case study. Mammal Review 46: 44–59.
Natarajan, C., Projecto-Garcia, J., Moriyama, H., Weber, R.E., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Green, A.J., Kopuchian, C., Tubaro, P.L., Alza, L., Bulgarella, M., Smith, M.M., Wilson, R.E., Fago, A., McCracken, K.G. & Storz, J.F. (2015). Convergent evolution of hemoglobin function in high-altitude Andean waterfowl involves limited parallelism at the molecular sequence level. PLoS Genetics 11: e1005681.
Kraus, R.H.S., vonHoldt, B., Cocchiararo, B., Harms, V., Bayerl, H., Kühn, R., Förster, D.W., Fickel, J., Roos, C. & Nowak, C. (2015). A single-nucleotide polymorphism-based approach for rapid and cost-effective genetic wolf monitoring in Europe based on non-invasively collected samples. Molecular Ecology Resources 15: 295-305.
Gottschalk, T.K. & Reiners, T.E. (2015). Forest conversion can help to mitigate impacts of climate change on common forest birds. Annals of Forest Science 72: 335-348.
Syrůčková, A., Saveljev, A.P., Frosch, C., Durka, W., Savelyev, A.A. & Munclinger, P. (2015). Genetic relationships within colonies suggest genetic monogamy in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). Mammal Research 60: 139-147.
Andersen, L.W., Harms, V., Caniglia, R., Czarnomska, S.D., Fabbri, E., Jędrzejewska, B., Kluth, G., Madsen, A.B., Nowak, C., Pertoldi, C., Randi, E., Reinhardt, I. & Stronen, A.V. (2015). Long-distance dispersal of a wolf, Canis lupus, in Northwestern Europe. Mammal Research 60: 163-168.
Geismar, J., Haase, P., Nowak, C., Sauer, J. & Pauls, S.U. (2015). Local population genetic structure of the montane caddisfly Drusus discolor is driven by overland dispersal and spatial scaling. Freshwater Biology 60: 209-221.
Harms, V., Nowak, C., Carl, S. & Muñoz-Fuentes, V. (2015). Experimental evaluation of genetic predator identification from saliva traces on wildlife kills. Journal of Mammalogy 96: 138-143.
Brennan, A.C., Woodward, G., Seehausen, O., Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Moritz, C., Guelmami, A., Abbott, R.J. & Edelaar, P. (2014). Hybridization due to changing species distributions: adding problems or solutions to conservation of biodiversity during global change? Evolutionary Ecology Research 16: 475-491.
Meinig, H., Buschmann, A., Reiners, T.E., Neukirchen, M., Balzer, S. & Petermann, R. (2014). Der Status des Feldhamsters (Cricetus cricetus) in Deutschland. Natur und Landschaft 89: 338-343.
Köhler, U., Geske, C., Mammen, K., Martens, S., Reiners, T.E., Schreiber, R. & Weinhold, U. (2014). Maßnahmen zum Schutz des Feldhamsters (Cricetus cricetus) in Deutschland. Natur und Landschaft 89: 344-349.
Reiners, T.E. & Nowak, C. (2014). Nicht invasive genetische Untersuchungen des Feldhamsters und ihr Beitrag zu Erfassung, Monitoring und Populationsabgrenzung. Natur und Landschaft 89: 356-363.
Muñoz-Fuentes, V., Linde-Forsberg, C., Vilà, C. & Morrell, J.M. (2014). Single layer centrifugation separates spermatozoa from diploid cells in epididymal samples from grey wolves, Canis lupus (L.). Theriogenology 82: 773-776.
Frosch, C., Kraus, R.H.S., Angst, C., Allgöwer, R., Michaux, J., Teubner, J. & Nowak, C. (2014). The genetic legacy of multiple beaver reintroductions in Central Europe. PLoS ONE 9: e97619.
Helen, S., Ogden, R., Frosch, C., Syrůčková, A., Campbell-Palmer, R., Munclinger, P., Durka, W., Kraus, R.K.S., Saveljev, A., Nowak, C., Stubbe, A., Stubbe, M., Michaux, J., Lavrov, V., Samiya, R., Ulevicius, A. & Rosell, F. (2014). Nuclear and mitochondrial genetic structure in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) – implications for future reintroductions. Evolutionary Applications 7: 645-662.
Frosch, C., Dutsov, A., Zlatanova, D., Valchev, K., Reiners, T.E., Steyer, K., Pfenninger, M. & Nowak, C. (2014). Noninvasive genetic assessment of brown bear population structure in Bulgarian mountain regions. Mammalian Biology 79: 268-276.
Reiners, T.E., Eidenschenk, J., Neumann, K. & Nowak, C. (2014). Preservation of genetic diversity in a wild and captive population of a rapidly declining mammal, the Common hamster of the French Alsace region. Mammalian Biology 79: 240-246.
McEwing, R., Frosch, C., Rosell, F. & Campbell-Palmer, R. (2014). A DNA assay for rapid discrimination between beaver species as a tool for alien species management. European Journal of Wildlife Research 60: 547-550.
Nowak, C., Domokos, C., Dutsov, A. & Frosch, C. (2014). Molecular evidence for historic long-distance translocations of brown bears in the Balkan region. Conservation Genetics 15: 743-747.
Nowak, C., Büntjen, M., Steyer, K. & Frosch, C. (2014). Testing mitochondrial markers for noninvasive genetic species identification in European mammals. Conservation Genetics Resources 6: 41-44.
Nowak, C., Zuther, S., Leontyev, S.V. & Geismar, J. (2014). Rapid development of microsatellite markers for the critically endangered Saiga (Saiga tatarica) using Illumina® Miseq Next Generation Sequencing technology. Conservation Genetics Resources 6: 159-162.
Greminger, M.P., Stölting, K.N., Nater, A., Goossens, B., Arora, N., Bruggmann, R., Patrignani, A., Nussberger, B., Sharma, R., Kraus, R.H.S., Ambu, L.N., Singleton, I., Chikhi, L., van Schaik, C.P. & Krützen, M. (2014). Generation of SNP datasets for orangutan population genomics using improved reduced‐representation sequencing and direct comparisons of SNP calling algorithms. BMC Genomics 15: 16.
Gravendeel, B., de Groot, A., Kik, M., Beentjes, K.K., Bergman, H., Caniglia, R., Cremers, H., Fabbri, E., Groenenberg, D., Grone, A., Bruinderink, G.G., Font, L., Hakhof, J., Harms, V., Jansman, H., Janssen, R., Lammertsma, D., Laros, I., Linnartz, L., van der Marel, D., Mulder, J.L., van der Mije, S., Nieman, A.M., Nowak, C., Randi, E., Rijks, M., Speksnijder, A. & Vonhof, H.B. (2013). The first wolf found in the Netherlands in 150 years was the victim of a wildlife crime. Lutra 56: 93-109.
Kurvers, R.H.J.M., Adamczyk, V.M.A.P., Kraus, R.H.S., van Wieren, S.E., van der Jeugd, H.P., Hoffman, J.I., Amos, W., Prins, H.H.T. & Jonker, R.M. (2013). Context-dependence of familiarity and kinship in animal social networks. Animal Behaviour 86: 993-1001.
Jonker, R.M., Kraus, R.H.S., Zhang, Q., van Hooft, P., Larsson, K., van der Jeugd, H.P., Kurvers, R.H.J.M., van Wieren, S.E., Loonen, M.J.J.E., Crooijmans, R.P.M.A., Ydenberg, R.C., Groenen, M.A.M. & Prins, H.H.T. (2013). Genetic consequences of breaking migratory traditions in barnacle geese Branta leucopsis. Molecular Ecology 22: 5835-5847.
Pauls, S.U., Nowak, C., Balint, M. & Pfenninger, M. (2013). The impact of global climate change on genetic diversity within populations and species. Molecular Ecology 22: 925-946.
Kraus, R.H.S., van Hooft, P., Megens, H.-J., Tsvey, A., Fokin, S.Y., Ydenberg, R.C. & Prins, H.H.T. (2013). Global lack of flyway structure in a cosmopolitan bird revealed by a genome wide survey of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Molecular Ecology 22: 41-55.
Huang, Y., Li, Y.R., Burt, D.W., Chen, H., Zhang, Y., Qian, W., Kim, H., Gan, S., Zhao, Y., Li, J., Yi, K., Feng, H., Zhu, P., Li, B., Liu, Q., Fairley, S., Magor, K.E., Du, Z., Hu, X., Goodman, L., Tafer, H., Vignal, A., Lee, T., Kim, K.-W., Sheng, Z., An, Y., Searle, S., Herrero, J., Groenen, M.A.M., Crooijmans, R.P.M.A., Faraut, T., Cai, Q., Webster, R.G., Aldridge, J.R., Warren, W.C., Bartschat, S., Kehr, S., Marz, M., Stadler, P.F., Smith, J., Kraus, R.H.S., Zhao, Y., Ren, L., Fei, J., Morisson, M., Kaiser, P., Griffin, D.K., Rao, M., Pitel, F., Wang, J. & Li, N. (2013). The duck genome and transcriptome provide insight into an avian influenza virus reservoir species. Nature Genetics 45: 776-783.
Kutschera, V.E., Lecomte, N., Janke, A., Selva, N., Sokolov, A.A., Haun, T., Steyer, K., Nowak, C. & Hailer, F. (2013). A range-wide synthesis and timeline for phylogeographic events in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). BMC Evolutionary Biology 13:114.
Hartmann, S.A., Steyer, K., Kraus, R.H.S., Segelbacher, G. & Nowak, C. (2013). Potential barriers to gene flow in the endangered European wildcat (Felis silvestris). Conservation Genetics 14: 413-426.
Vogt, C., Langer-Jaesrich, M., Elsässer, O., Schmitt, C., Van Dongen, S. & Nowak, C. (2013). Effects of inbreeding on mouthpart deformities of Chironomus riparius under sublethal pesticide exposure. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 32: 423-425.
Steyer, K., Simon, O., Kraus, R.H.S., Haase, P. & Nowak, C. (2013). Hair trapping with valerian-treated lure sticks as a tool for genetic wildcat monitoring in low-density habitats. European Journal of Wildlife Research 59: 39-46.
Geismar, J. & Nowak, C. (2013). Isolation and characterisation of new microsatellite markers for the stonefly Brachyptera braueri comparing a traditional approach with high throughput 454 sequencing. Conservation Genetics Resources 5: 413-416.
Bidon, T., Frosch, C., EIken, H.G., Kutschera, V., Hagen, S.B., Aarnes, S.G., Faint, S.R., Janke, A. & Hailer, F. (2013). A sensitive and specific multiplex PCR approach for sex identification of ursine and tremarctine bears suitable for non-invasive samples. Molecular Ecology Resources 13: 362-368.
Nemec, S., Patel, S., Nowak, C. & Pfenninger, M. (2013). Evolutionary determinants of population differences in population growth rate x habitat temperature interactions in Chironomus riparius. Oecologia 172: 585-594.
Ernst, A., Sauer, J., Wittig, R. & Nowak, C. (2013). Local genetic structure of a montane herb among isolated grassland patches: implications for the preservation of genetic diversity under climate change. Population Ecology 55: 417-431.
Jonker, R.M., Zhang, Q., Crooijmans, R.P.M.A., Groenen, M.A.M., Van Hooft, P., Loonen, M.J.J.E., Van der Jeugd, H.P., Prins, H.H.T. & Kraus, R.H.S. (2012). The development of a SNP set for the Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis. PLoS ONE 7: e38412.
Bálint, M., Málnás, K., Nowak, C., Geismar, J., Váncsa, E., Polyák, L., Lengyel, S. & Haase, P. (2012). Species history masks the effects of human-induced range loss – unexpected genetic diversity in the endangered giant mayfly Palingenia longicauda. PLoS ONE 7: e31872.
Thielsch, A., Völker, E., Kraus, R.H.S. & Schwenk, K. (2012). Discrimination of hybrid classes using cross-species amplification of microsatellite loci: methodological challenges and solutions in Daphnia. Molecular Ecology Resources 12: 697-705.
Kappes, H., Katzschner, L. & Nowak, C. (2012). Urban summer heat load: meteorological data as a proxy for metropolitan biodiversity. Meteorologische Zeitschrift 21: 525-528.
Nowak, C., Vogt, C., Oehlmann, J., Pfenninger, M., Schwenk, K., Streit, B. & Oetken, M. (2012). Impact of genetic diversity and inbreeding on the life-history of Chironomus midges over consecutive generations. Chemosphere 88: 988-993.
Nemec, S., Heß, M., Nowak, C. & Pfenninger, M. (2012). Experimental evidence for niche segregation in a species pair of non-biting midges. Hydrobiologia 691: 203-212.
Kraus, R.H.S., Kerstens, H.H.D., van Hooft, P., Megens, H.-J., Elmberg, J., Tsvey, A., Sartakov, D., Soloviev, S.A., Crooijmans, R.P.M.A., Groenen, M.A.M., Ydenberg, R.C. & Prins, H.H.T. (2012). Widespread horizontal genomic exchange does not erode species barriers among sympatric ducks. BMC Evolutionary Biology 12: 45.
Müller, R., Seeland, A., Jagodzinski, L., Diogo, J., Nowak, C. & Oehlmann, J. (2012). Simulated climate change conditions unveil the toxic potential of the fungicide pyrimethanil on the midge Chironomus riparius: a multigenerational experiment. Ecology and Evolution 2: 196-210.
Balint, M., Domisch, S., Engelhardt, C.H.M., Haase, P., Lehrian, S., Sauer, J., Theissinger, J., Pauls, S.U. & Nowak, C. (2011). Cryptic biodiversity loss linked to global climate change. Nature Climate Change 1: 313-318.
LISTED BY THE FACULTY OF 1000
Sauer, J., Domisch, S., Nowak, C. & Haase, P. (2011). Low mountain ranges: summit traps for montane freshwater species under climate change. Biodiversity and Conservation 20: 3133-3146.
Kraus, R.H.S., Zeddeman, A., van Hooft, P., Sartakov, D., Soloviev, S.A., Ydenberg, R. & Prins, C.H.H.T. (2011). Evolution and connectivity in the world-wide migration system of the mallard: inferences from mitochondrial DNA. BMC Genetics 12: 99. (Highly accessed)
Geismar, J., Sauer, J., Haase, P. & Nowak, C. (2011). New microsatellite markers for the assessment of fine-scale dispersal patterns in the endangered montane caddisfly Drusus discolor. Conservation Genetics Resources 3: 605-607.
Frosch, C., Haase, P. & Nowak, C. (2011). First set of microsatellite markers for genetic characterization of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) based on tissue and hair samples. European Journal of Wildlife Research 57: 679-682.
Frosch, C., Dutsov, A., Georgiev, G. & Nowak, C. (2011). Case report of a fatal bear attack documented by forensic wildlife genetics. Forensic Science International-Genetics 5: 342-344.
Vogt, C., Hess, M., Nowak, C., Diogo, J.B., Oehlmann, J. & Oetken, M. (2010). Effects of cadmium on life-cycle parameters in a multi-generation study with Chironomus riparius following a pre-exposure of populations to two different tributyltin concentrations for several generations. Ecotoxicology 19: 1174-1182.
Michl, T., Huck, S., Schmitt, T., Liebrich, A., Haase, P. & Büdel, B. (2010). The molecular population structure of the tall forb Cicerbita alpina (Asteraceae) supports the idea of cryptic glacial refugia in central Europe. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 164: 142-154.
Zakharov, E.V., Lobo, N.F., Nowak, C. & Hellmann, J.J. (2009). Introgression as a likely cause of mtDNA paraphyly in two allopatric skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Heredity 102: 590-599.
Senapati, S., Mahon, A.R., Gordon, J., Nowak, C., Sengupta, S., Powell, T.H.Q., Feder, J., Lodge, D.M. & Chang, H.C. (2009). Rapid on-chip genetic detection microfluidic platform for real world applications. Biomicrofluidics 3: 022407.
Nowak, C., Vogt, C., Pfenninger, M., Schwenk, K., Oehlmann, J., Streit, B. & Oetken, M. (2009). Rapid genetic erosion in pollutant-exposed experimental chironomid populations. Environmental Pollution 157: 881-886.
Nowak, C., Brown, C.M., Hellmann, J.J. (2009). Microsatellite markers for the hybridizing tiger swallowtails, Papilio glaucus and P. canadensis, and their applicability to historic specimens and congeneric species. Molecular Ecology Resources 9: 800-803.
Nowak, C., Czeikowitz, A., Vogt, C., Oetken, M., Streit, B. & Schwenk, K. (2008). Variation in sensitivity to cadmium among genetically characterized laboratory strains of the midge Chironomus riparius. Chemosphere 71: 1950-1956.
Pfenninger, M. & Nowak, C. (2008). Reproductive isolation and ecological niche partition among larvae of the morphologically cryptic sister species Chironomus riparius and C. piger. PLoS One 3: e2157.
Simon, O., Lang, J., Volmer, K., Eskens, U., Steeb, S., Müller, F., Nowak, C., Steyer, K., Hupe, K. & Götz, M. (2015). Rückkehr der Wildkatzen – Rückkehr auf Samtpfoten. Pirsch 3: 24-29.
Nowak, C., Frosch, C., Harms, V., Reiners, T.E., Steyer, K., Tiesmeyer, A. & Wertheimer, J. (2014). Genetische Erfassung ausgewählter Säugetiere in Deutschland – hochsensitive DNA-Analytik im Dienste des Artenschutzes. Säugetierkundliche Informationen 48: 331.
Haase, P., Hering, D., Hoffmann, A., Müller, R., Nowak, C., Pauls, S.U., Stoll, S. & Straile, D. (2012). Auswirkungen auf limnische Lebensräume. In: Klimawandel und Biodiversität: Folgen für Deutschland. Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft Darmstadt: 91-105.
Kraus, R.H.S., Reiners, T.E. & Nowak, C. (2012). Preface and Invitation – 86th Annual Conference of the German Society of Mammalogy (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde e.V.) Frankfurt a.M., 4th–8th September 2012. Mammalian Biology 77: 1-25.
Nowak, C. (2012). Gans oder gar nicht? Zur systematischen Stellung der Nilgans (Alopochen aegyptiacus). Vogel und Umwelt 19: 81-86.
Nowak, C., Balint, M., Liebrich, A., Domisch, S., Sauer, J., Bauer, M., Früh, D., Geismar, J., Nemec, S., Wittig, R., Haase, P. & Pauls, S. (2012). Assessing the fate of montane biodiversity in Europe under Climate Change- a novel approach using species distribution modeling and population genetics. In: H Korn, K Kraus, J Stadler (Eds.) Proceedings of the European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change ? Science, Practice and Policy? BfN Skripten 310: 26-27.
Harms, V., Steyer, K., Frosch, C. & Nowak, C. (2011). Wolfsforschung im Molekularlabor. Natur Forschung Museum 141: 174-181.
Ansorge, H. & Nowak, C. (2011). Die Rückkehr der Wölfe. Senckenberg forscht für Wolf und Mensch. Natur Forschung Museum 141: 36-37.
Frosch, C. & Nowak, C. (2011). Genetische Erfassung des Braunbären in Bulgarien. ZGF Gorilla 2: 16-19.
Nowak, C., Balint, M. & Pauls, S. (2010). Auswirkungen der Klimaerwärmung auf die genetische Vielfalt – eine bislang unbekannte Bedrohung?. Natur und Museum 140: 252-253.
Sauer, J., Balint, M., Domisch, S., Nowak, C. & Haase, P. (2010). Modellierung klimabedingter Nischenverschiebung bei montanen aquatischen Insekten – vom Verlust genetischer Vielfalt bis zum Aussterben einer ganzen Gemeinschaft. In: Epple, C., Korn, H., Kraus, K., Stadler, J. (Eds): Biologische Vielfalt und Klimawandel. BfN-Skripten 274: 19-21.
Nowak, C. & Steyer, K. (2009). Eine haarige Spurensuche ‐ Molekulargenetische Untersuchungsmethoden im Dienste des Wildkatzenschutzes. ZGF Gorilla 2: 15‐16.
