Speaker
Description
Forest ecosystems are currently undergoing profound changes. Large-scale reforestation and climate
adaptations are expected to drive substantial ecological change. The aim of the ANTIZOONS project is
to investigate the effects of climate change-induced forest conversion on wildlife reservoirs and
zoonotic pathogens in an interdisciplinary approach. It promotes a One Health perspective on the
health of forest ecosystems, wildlife and humans.
In a subproject, wildlife is monitored by two camera traps installed at each of 21 reforestation sites of
different (climate-adapted) tree composition in Hesse to investigate whether sites differing in tree
species composition (conifer-/or broadleaf-dominated, and evenly mixed stands) affect mammal
communities. In addition, the study examines, if observed changes are associated with the abundance
of zoonotic pathogen reservoirs.
Results from camera trapping in autumn 2025 and spring 2026 as well as snap trapping rodents are
presented. A total of 764 photographs of mammals were obtained during the first trapping period.
They suggest that wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are
common. Wild boar seemed more active in conifer-dominated forests, whereas red foxes were less
often detected in broadleaf-dominated stands and deer (Capreolus capreolus) were recorded at similar
frequencies across tree compositions. Further results will be reported and their relevance for zoonotic
pathogens discussed.
Keywords
reforestation, camera trapping, biodiversity, climate change, zoonoses, mammal communities
| Registration ID | 142 |
|---|---|
| Professional Status of the Speaker | Postdoc |
| Junior Scientist Status | Yes, I am a Junior Scientist. |
Author
Co-authors
External references
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