Scientific services

The Leibniz-IZW offers its expertise and methodological competence to external partners from science, industry, conservation and the zoo community through a broad spectrum of research-oriented services. We are strongly committed to developing new and improving existing methods for wildlife research. In this way, state-of-the-art methods and techniques employed for the Leibniz-IZW services are constantly advanced and complemented with novel approaches arising from the results of the institutes research.

The services provided include wildlife pathology, disease diagnostics, evaluation of reproductive status in wildlife, nutrient analyses, hormone analyses, genetic and forensic services, electron microscopy, stable isotope analyses, computed tomography and welfare veterinary services.

In order to ensure high quality, consistency and reliability of the results of the services rendered, all research-oriented services provided by the Leibniz-IZW are subject to quality management. In following sections, a pdf document is provided for each service area that describes the types of analyses and services offered, procedures and timelines, requirements for sampling and appropriate treatment of samples, as well as the quality management measures in place for each area of service. Should you have any questions, please refer to the contact person(s) given. Our scientists will also be happy to assist you in finding innovative and creative solutions to difficult, unusual problems or specific issues. The Leibniz-IZW is strongly committed to perpetual improvement and refinement of its services and will continue to be a competent and reliable partner for services in the field of wildlife research.

Major services offered by the Leibniz-IZW

Wildlife pathology and disease diagnostics

The Leibniz-IZW performs pathology investigations of mammals, birds and reptiles from captive and free-ranging populations. The detailed pathological and bacteriological diagnostic examinations of individual animals often pave the way for in-depth investigations of emerging disease problems.

Assessment of the reproductive status of wildlife

The Leibniz-IZW offers the assessment of the reproductive status of wild animals by means of veterinary diagnostics. Preferably, contact-free or gentle methods are used (endoscopy, ultrasound, sperm collection).

Computed tomography

The Leibniz-IZW operates a high-performance computed tomograph (CT) and offers services in the field of (wild) animal computer tomography. The services offered include the examination of valuable stocks from museum archives, computer tomographic scans of pet patients referred by Berlin veterinarians, and scans for the analysis of biological and inorganic materials for science and industry.

Non-invasive hormone analysis

The Leibniz-IZW endocrinology laboratory has long-standing experience in the analysis of samples from a wide range of different mammal and bird species. We offer to analyse progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, prostaglandin F2α-metabolite (PGFM) in blood, and their metabolites in urine and faeces, reflecting male and female reproductive and adrenocortical activity (stress).

Stable isotope analysis

Stable isotopes can be used to elucidate, e.g. the diet or geographical origin of wildlife. Our stable isotope laboratory offers the analysis of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotope ratios.

Nutritional analyses

The nutritional physiology laboratory offers various analyses to collaborators to elucidate the diet of wildlife.

Wildlife forensics

As an independent research institute with substantial knowledge and experience in indigenous and exotic wildlife, the Leibniz-IZW provides forensic services to assist national and international governmental agencies as well as non-governmental agencies in their efforts to fight illegal activities.

Evaluation of spermatogenesis and sperm quality

The andrological laboratory of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research offers the evaluation of spermatogenesis and sperm quality by selected methods on a service basis. We also offer scientific advice and assistance to develop new methods for evaluation and (cryo)preservation of  semen.

 

EAZA BioBank

 

The EAZA BioBank was founded in 2016 and aims to be the primary source for population management and conservation research in zoos. The Leibniz-IZW is one of four biobanking hubs that store samples from zoos on behalf of the EAZA.

 

Further services offered by the Leibniz-IZW

Additionally, the departments offer a range of smaller services.