Sarah Wirtz, M.Sc.

Doktorandin - wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin

Universität Trier
Fachbereich VI, Raum- und Umweltwissenschaften
Biogeographie
Campus I, Gebäude N
Universitätsring 15
54296 Trier

Raum: N210

E-mail: s.wirtzgmxde
Tel: +49 (0)651-201-4603
Fax: +49 (0)651-201-3851

Sprechstunde: täglich nach Vereinbarung
 

Promotionsthema:

“Genetic consequences of captive breeding of the Waldrapp ibis, Geronticus eremita”  

The Northern Bald Ibis, Geronticus eremita (LINNAEUS, 1758), is a critically endangered bird species belonging to the family of Threskiornithidae. Until the 17th century the Northern Bald Ibis had its breeding grounds in the European Alps and the subalpine regions across Europe. Furthermore, the species had and partly still has its geographic range in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Due to hunting and the loss of suitable habitats, the Northern Bald Ibis became regionally extinct in Europe. In January 2014, the EU-LIFE+ Project “Reason for Hope –Reintroduction of Northern Bald Ibis in Europe” started, aiming at sustainable reintroduction of the Northern Bald Ibis as a migratory bird in Europe. As part of this project, we genotype the ex situ population as well as the last in situ population in Morocco and some ancient samples form the near-extinct Syrian population. For the genetic analysis, a set of primer pairs for 15 microsatellite loci has been developed for the Northern Bald Ibis. We compare the genetic diversity within and between the genetic clusters identified in the ex situ population. In addition, we analyse the mitochondrial as well as different nuclear. DNA sequencing is used to clarify if the species Geronticus eremita is subdivided into two genetic lineages (eastern and western lineage). Based on the results, the origin of the zoo individuals will be clarified and a genetically diverse set of individuals will be chosen for reintroduction.