Population Genetics and Conservation Genetics
Team leader: Dr. med.vet. Pamela Burger
Genetic Origin and Domestication of the Old World Camelids
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Our group investigates the evolutionary history and domestication of the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the Bactrian camel (C. bactrianus).
We ask when and where modern camels evolved, and how genetically diverse Old World camels are.
With our research we want to contribute to:
- in-situ conservation of the world’s last Wild Bactrian camels (C. ferus)
- conservation of livestock biodiversity resources
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In 2012 the Austrian Academy of Sciences published a new book on camels, edited by Pamela Burger and Eva-Maria Knoll, Camels in Asia and North Africa 4. The book, which is international and interdisciplinary in scope, aims to stimulate a knowledge exchange between the natural and social sciences. Topics include the origin, domestication, breeding, husbandry, and trade of Old World camelids (dromedary, Bactrian camel and wild camel). Their socio-cultural and economic significance, their representation in music, traditional medicine and veterinary medicine are discussed, as is the conservation of the last population of wild camels.
Phylogeography of African and Asiatic cheetahs
We also study the phylogeography and evolution of African and Asiatic cheetahs and investigate the distribution of the subspecies. One research question concerns the genetic distinctiveness of subspecies.
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