Field Research Station Niederfinow: Research Focus
One focus of the Leibniz-IZW is on research into the biology and adaptability of native wild animals. Therefore, a field research station was founded in Niederfinow, Brandenburg, in 1993. Here, projects are carried out on life course strategies and conflicts, reproductive biology, nutritional physiology and the behaviour of European wildlife under near-natural but controlled conditions.
European deer, hares, marmots and bats, which live on an area of about 4 hectares, serve as model animals. Sheep, goats and donkeys are also kept for comparative studies. The facility includes semi-natural enclosures of various sizes as well as special facilities for the observation and examination of animals and is designed according to the latest standards of animal welfare. In addition, modern laboratories as well as recreation rooms for employees and guests are available. Three animal keepers and two trainees in the field of zoo animal care work permanently at the field research station.
Leibniz-IZW scientists from biology and veterinary medicine work together at the field research station under a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Within the framework of joint projects, we also make the field research station available to other research institutions.
The scientific and veterinary team of the field research station put special emphasis on the application and development of new non-invasive or minimally invasive methods in order to examine the animals under standardized conditions and over a long period of time.