About ITAW

[Translate to English:] Ein auftauchender Schweinswal und ein Wolf im Wald

TiHo scientists from the Büsum site, in the state between the seas, Schleswig-Holstein, are concerned with aquatic animals such as harbour seals, grey seals, harbour porpoises, dolphins, Eurasian otters, eider ducks, sperm and minke whales. The North and Baltic Seas but also other European waters as well as polar regions are intensively studied. Access can be made directly by ship and by air. Marine mammals are either investigated and sampled at sea or dead recovered or released seals and whales are brought to Büsum as soon as possible for pathological examination. Native terrestrial wildlife, such as cloven-hoofed game, common pheasants, black grouses, European hares, wolves, European bisons, lynx, European wildcats, nutria and muskrats are the focus at the Hanover site. A new research focus here is "Neozoa - Invasive Species", which deals with the effects of the spread of alien species. Terrestrial research is also being carried out in many different German states, from Bavaria to Schleswig-Holstein.

The main task of the ITAW in the field of wildlife biology and health is basic and monitoring research as well as applied research. Research focuses on wildlife diseases, especially infectious diseases and zoonoses. The ITAW investigates how infectious diseases in wildlife can spread due to climate change and pose a threat to humans as a reservoir. Equally important are habitat use, bioacoustics and hearing research, behavioural research, nutrition, reproduction, immunology, wildlife management and ecology in relation to conservation issues. The aim is to study the biology and ecology of wildlife in association with the impact of anthropogenic activities on wildlife. A major part in the ITAW's research on both terrestrial and aquatic animals is the impact of human activities on the health and survival of wildlife populations.

„Neozoen – Invasive Arten“

[Translate to English:] Nutria im Gras

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Here, shipping, road construction, use of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, garbage, structures on water and land, agriculture and fisheries as well as touristic and military activities are all considered. It is also important to understand the interaction of predation and wildlife populations. There is one important question: Does predation pressure alter the survival chance of different wildlife species? The research results will be used for management strategies and recommendations and applied to advance wildlife conservation and management on national and international levels.

The institute offers education opportunities (theses) in wildlife research for PhD programs, dissertations, master's and bachelor's theses from the fields of veterinary medicine, biology, land management and forestry. The institute is integrated into the courses of the University of Veterinary Medicine and also offers wildlife biology lectures and practical courses for biology students. It is the first institution in Germany accredited to provide specialised training in Wildlife Population Health by the European College of Zoological Medicine. In the European College of Aquatic Animal Health, the ITAW also supports the residency program of the Department of Fish Diseases and Fish Husbandry. In addition, teleinjection courses are offered.

The area of knowledge transfer became an important part of the institute's work during the last years. The ITAW´s staff is keen to communicate and supply the results from the research projects to the public in various areas. Here, the work with schools is vital, where the interest in research and the value of wildlife and its protection shall be communicated. Furthermore, exhibitions, digital offers of the research results and products for stakeholders will be created. As in other areas at the TiHo, the research work shall be approachable.