Predators & Hosts

Everything about the animals studied in this project

Raccoon

The raccoon was first released into the wild in Germany in 1934. Since then, it has been spreading increasingly, but its effects are insufficiently studied.

Raccoon

Raccoon

Raccoons at Amsterdam Zoo

The raccoon was first released into the wild in Germany in 1934. Since then, it has been spreading increasingly, but its effects are insufficiently studied.

Raccoon

Raccoon dog

Raccoon Dogs were introduced from Asia or escaped from fur farms and are increasingly spreading in Central Europe.

Raccoon dog

Raccoon dog

Raccoon Dog in pheasantry Hanau

Raccoon Dogs were introduced from Asia or escaped from fur farms and are increasingly spreading in Central Europe.

Raccoon dog

Mink

The mink, or American mink, was brought to Europe in the 1950s as a fur-bearing animal and has been spreading along bodies of water ever since.

Mink

Mink

A mink in a rock crevice

The mink, or American mink, was brought to Europe in the 1950s as a fur-bearing animal and has been spreading along bodies of water ever since.

Mink

Golden Jackal

Golden jackals originate from southern Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, increasingly migrating northwestward to western Europe

Golden Jackal

Golden Jackal

Golden jackal in a clearing

Golden jackals originate from southern Europe and the Arabian Peninsula, increasingly migrating northwestward to western Europe

Golden Jackal

Parasites and pathogens

Parasites

In particular, we also investigate the parasite infestation of the animals in order to be able to assess influences on the health of humans and animals.

Digenea – Flukes

Euryhelmis squamula

This Digenean is commonly found in Mammals, Frogs and Snails

Cestoda – Tapeworms

Taenia krabbei

This tapeworm is commonly found in the small intestine of certain canids, such as wolves.

Acari – Mites

Sarcoptes scabiei

Scab mites are found in many mammalian species and can be easily transmitted to other species and humans.

Human Pathogenic

Acari – Mites

Neotrombicula autumnalis

Despite its name, the autumn grass mite occurs more frequently in the summer months and attacks animals on which it sucks blood.

Human Pathogenic

Nematoda – Roundworms

Toxocara canis

The dog roundworm primarily affects dogs but can also infect other carnivores. When humans become infected with the larvae, it triggers a condition called larva migrans, which can be dangerous.

Human Pathogenic

Phthiraptera – Lice

Trichodectes canis

The dog louse lives in protected areas within the fur of its host and feeds on the host’s blood. It can serve as a vector for the dog roundworm.

Ixodida – Ticks

Ixodes canisuga

The fox tick primarily infests foxes but can also be found on other den-dwelling mammals.

Phthiraptera – Lice

Trichodectes octomaculatus

The name of the species means “eight-spotted hair biter”, it is so far found only on the raccoon and was introduced to Europe by the latter.

Nematoda – Roundworms

Synhimantus laticeps

The nematode mainly affects birds of prey such as hawks or owls and has been found in a large number of birds throughout Europe.

Nematoda – Roundworms

Porrocaecum ensicaudatum

The species is a gastrointestinal parasite of various bird species. It is frequently detectable in thrush birds such as blackbirds or starlings.

Digenea – Flukes

Plagiorchis muris

“Plagiorchis” means lateral testicles, these are clearly visible as dark structures in the photo. The meaning of “muris” is “from the mouse”.

Human Pathogenic

Cestoda – Tapeworms

Atriotaenia incisa

The tapeworm originally occurred only in badgers. Due to the raccoon’s use of the same burrows, it now also occurs in them.

Acanthocephala – Spiny-Headed Worms

Polymorphus minutus

This very small Acanthocephalan is mainly found in waterfowl such as ducks and geese. However, it has also been detected in chickens.

Nematoda – Roundworms

Baylisascaris procyonis

The raccoon roundworm is a reasonably large nematode that occurs in high numbers in the raccoon, its definitive host.

Human Pathogenic

Nematoda – Roundworms

Porrocaecum depressum

The nematode is so far only known from birds, but it occurs worldwide and mainly in birds of prey such as owls or hawks.

Nematoda – Roundworms

Capillaria aerophila

The lung hairworm is common in various carnivores, especially foxes are infested, but there are also human infections.

Human Pathogenic

Cestoda – Tapeworms

Mesocestoides litteratus

The very compactly built tapeworm occurs especially in foxes, dogs and other carnivores. It is widespread in Europe.

Cestoda – Bandwürmer

Echinococcus multilocularis

Der Fuchsbandwurm ist ein Cestode, der beim Menschen als Fehlwirt eine lebensbedrohliche Krankheit hervorrufen kann.

Human Pathogenic

Nematoda – Roundworms

Uncinaria stenocephala

This hookworm infects foxes and can also be transmitted to cats and dogs. Larvae of the worm can be passed on with mother’s milk.

Human Pathogenic

Digenea – Flukes

Isthmiophora melis

This fluke is found in Europe in polecats, badgers, cats and other carnivores. Mass infestations can cause damage to the intestine and liver.

Human Pathogenic

Digenea – Flukes

Known as a muscle fluke, this worm is commonly found in carnivores or omnivores in this country and can cause infections if infected meat is eaten undercooked.

Human Pathogenic

Siphonaptera – Fleas

Paraceras melis

The badger flea, as the name suggests, occurs mainly on badgers, but also on animals that also inhabit the badger’s burrow, such as foxes. Also cats, dogs and even moles are infested.

Siphonaptera – Fleas

Chaetopsylla globiceps

The fox flea has the fox as its main host. Like many other fleas, however, they are not host-specific and infest, among others, also hares and even squirrels.

Human Pathogenic

Siphonaptera – Fleas

Archaeopsylla erinacei

The hedgehog flea occurs throughout Europe and often attacks hedgehogs but also pets such as cats and dogs. Even humans are not spurned.

Human Pathogenic

Ixodida – Ticks

Ixodes hexagonus

The hedgehog tick, as the name implies, frequently attacks hedgehogs and other associated mammals. Domestic animals and humans are also used as a food source.

Human Pathogenic

Ixodida – Ticks

Ixodes ricinus

The wood tick is the most widespread and common tick throughout Europe. Each of the three moulting stages must suck blood once, there are almost no preferred hosts. It spreads diseases such as Lyme disease and TBE.

Human Pathogenic

Prey animals

Species

All species that have been shown to be used as foods by invasive carnivores are found here.

Muscardinus avellanarius

The hazel dormouse undergoes a long hibernation period from October to April and can enter a state of rest during the daytime as well, depending on its needs, to conserve energy.

Erinaceus europaeus

European Hedgehog

The European hedgehog is territorial and highly faithful to its home range. During dusk, the hedgehogs start foraging within their territories, covering distances of up to 3 kilometers in search of food.

Microtus agrestis

The field vole is found throughout Europe and prefers open, moist forests where it inhabits burrows constructed just below the surface.

Alytes obstetricans

The midwife toad got its name from the behavior of the males, who carry egg packages on their backs until the young hatch.

Sorex araneus

The common shrew is found throughout Central Europe and prefers forested areas and wet meadows. It is noticeably larger than the pygmy shrew.

Epidalea calamita

Natterjack Toad

Under certain circumstances, the Natterjack Toad can be confused with the Green Toad. It also prefers drier areas and vegetation-free habitats.

The house mouse is a highly common species of mouse. As a commensal species, it has been widely spread by humans almost everywhere in the world, but its original habitat is believed to be in the Near East.

Bufotes viridis

Common Green Toad

The Common Green Toad is easily recognizable by its large, greenish spots. It prefers sandy ponds, quarries, and even drier areas.

Emys orbicularis

European Pond Turtle

The European Pond Turtle is easily recognizable through its pointed skin and carapace.

Turdus merula

The blackbird is probably the most well-known bird in Germany. As an omnivore and with the ability to build nests both on the ground and in trees, they are well-adapted to various habitats.

Gallinago gallinago

Snipes are ground-nesting birds and are mainly found near inland waters or the coast, where they search for food in the mud.

Ondrata zibethicus

The muskrat, originally from North America, is now found throughout Europe along water bodies. It primarily feeds on plants and has a semiaquatic lifestyle. Muskrats are capable of diving for up to 2 hours.

Lyrurus tetrix

Birkhühner sind Bodenbrüter und bewohnen offene Buschlandschaften. Die Männchen zeichnen sich durch ihre auffällige Färbung aus, während die Weibchen eher unauffällig sind.

Cyanistes caerulus

Blue tits are highly adaptable birds and are widespread throughout Europe. Their diet mainly consists of insects, but they also feed on seeds during the colder seasons. They prefer to breed in cavities or in provided nest boxes.

Coots are among the most common bird species in Europe. They can be found in all standing bodies of water but prefer nutrient-rich waters where they often build their nests floating among the shoreline vegetation.

Plecotus auritus

Brown Long-eared Bat

Brown long-eared bats are found throughout Eurasia and prefer forests as their habitat.

Fringilla coelebs

Common Chaffinch

Chaffinches are widespread songbirds in Europe. They prefer to breed in deciduous and mixed forests, but also in gardens. The nests are built in forked branches or shrubs and camouflaged with plant material.

Dendrocopus major

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great spotted woodpeckers are widespread in Eurasia and North Africa. They feed on a variety of food sources, but they primarily prefer animal-based sources. They rarely venture onto the forest floor.

Fallow deer are widely distributed across Eurasia. They prefer forests and meadows and feed on plants, as well as available fruits or grains during the autumn and winter seasons.

Squalius cephalus

Also known under multiple other names, the chub is widely distributed throughout Europe and inhabits streams, rivers, and larger lakes. The animals live in smaller groups and feed on whatever they can find.

Alcedo atthis

Kingfishers are found in Eurasia and North Africa. They inhabit areas with water bodies where they hunt for small fish and aquatic insects.

Common toads (Erdkröten) mostly live in seclusion but migrate for several kilometers during the breeding season to reach their spawning grounds.

Capreolus capreolus

European Roe Deer

The European roe deer is found throughout Europe and inhabits open woodlands and bushy landscapes. It feeds on easily digestible plant food.

Lepus europaeus

Hares prefer open landscapes such as meadows and fields and feed on various plant materials.

Microtus arvalis

The field mouse primarily inhabits agriculturally used areas. As an r-strategist, it can reproduce rapidly and reach high population numbers in a short period of time, but these population levels usually decline again.

Platichthys flesus

The flounder is a medium-sized flatfish found in the coastal waters of Europe. Due to its camouflage coloration, it is difficult to spot on the seabed. It prefers to inhabit river estuaries.

Perca fluviatilis

Perch are highly adaptable fish, but they tend to avoid heavily turbid waters. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, from brackish water zones to mountain rivers, but they are primarily found in slow-moving or stagnant waters.

Myotis nattereri

The fringed bat, also known as the long-eared bat, prefers forests and hunts for insects in close proximity to the ground.

Bombina variegata

Yellow-bellied Toad

The yellow-bellied toad is easily recognizable by its yellow-patterned belly and it prefers hilly landscapes with small bodies of water.

Apodemus flavicollis

Yellow-necked mouse

The yellow-necked mouse inhabits large parts of the western Palearctic and occupies forests and other tree-rich habitats. In what are known as mast years, there are often outbreaks of population growth, followed by a collapse in population the following year.

Dytiscus marginalis

Great Diving Beetle

The great diving beetles are widely distributed throughout Europe. They are predatory insects and often fly at night, using light reflections to locate new bodies of water.

Rana temporaria

The grass frog, also known as the common frog, is a brown frog and is found throughout Europe. It primarily inhabits small bodies of water that are densely vegetated.

Greylag geese are ground-nesting waterfowl and have become widespread again in Germany. During winter, they migrate towards Asia and can be found in countries such as Pakistan, India, Thailand, or China.

Myotis myotis

Greater Mouse-eared Bat

Greater Mouse-eared bats live in large breeding colonies of up to 8,000 individuals.

Rattus rattus

The black rat is found worldwide and has an omnivorous diet. Due to displacement by the brown rat, it has become very rare in Germany.

European Hornet

Hornets feed on other hymenopterans such as wasps, as well as plant sap. The nests are constructed from wood fibers.

Triturus cristatus

Great Crested Newt

The newt, also known as the Northern Crested Newt, is one of the larger species of newts. The name “crested” refers to the crest present on the males during the breeding season.

Branta canadensis

Canada geese are the most common geese worldwide and have gradually spread across the entire planet from their original range in Canada. In some cases, they have been transported to the respective areas by humans.

Vanellus vanellus

Northern Lapwing

Lapwings are vigilant ground-nesting birds and are primarily found in lowland areas and coastal regions, especially on pasturelands and marsh meadows.

Sitta europaea

Nuthatches have a habit of sealing the entrances of nest holes, such as those made by woodpeckers, with mud or clay. By doing so, they create a protected nesting space for themselves and their offspring, safeguarding them from larger birds.

Dendrocopus minor

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are widespread in Europe and Central Asia, and their distinctive markings and size make them easily distinguishable from other woodpecker species. They primarily feed on aphids and similar insects.

Pelobates fuscus

Spadefoot toads usually live hidden and can burrow well. Their larval stages can grow up to 20cm long.

Phalacrocorax carbo

great cormorant

Cormorants are conspicuous water birds that occur mainly in larger, fish-rich waters or coastal regions. They feed exclusively on fish, which they capture by diving.

The great tit is the most widespread species of Tit within Europe and is very conspicuous due to its coloration. The eggs of this bird are only slightly larger than a one cent coin.

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gulls are ubiquitously distributed gulls and are characteristically identifiable by their laughing call. They prefer to breed on inland waters, but can also be found near the coast.

European tree frog

The European tree frog is the only European representative of the tree frogs, a large group of amphibians with about 700 species.

Moor frogs are frogs that remain small and inhabit swamps, wet meadows and bogs. During mating, the males turn a striking blue color.

Arvicola amphibius

Eastern water vole

The Eastern vole is found throughout most of the Palearctic and is adapted to an aquatic and terrestrial lifestyle, often found along bodies of water, feeding on roots or tubers.

Natrix natrix

Grass snakes are medium-sized snakes and are mostly found along bodies of water, as they feed mainly on amphibians

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

The rudd is often confused with the roach. The species is found almost everywhere in Europe and is widespread. The schooling fish prefers slow or stagnant waters and feeds mainly on plants.

Myodes glareolus

The range of the bank vole extends through most of Europe and eastward almost to Mongolia. It is one of the most common mammals in its range and prefers to live in larger groups.

Sturnus vulgaris

The starling is the most common bird species in Europe. Its natural range extends over large parts of Eurasia, in addition it has been introduced at several points worldwide.

Viviparus contectus

Pointy Riversnail

The snails prefer muddy, slow-moving waters.

Ciconia nigra

Black storks avoid open areas and tend to live hidden in dense old growth forests, preferring small flowing or still waters.

Pelophylax ridibundus

Marsh frogs are adaptable and can be found in the Mediterranean region as far away as Kazakhstan. However, they depend on permanently existing waters.

Turdus philomelos

The Song Thrush is found in Europe and the nearby Palaearctic region. It winters in the Mediterranean region and prefers forested areas that offer it enough breeding space.

Rana dalmatina

Agile frogs inhabit fish-free waters with surrounding vegetation. They overwinter either directly in the water body or in the immediate vicinity

Anas platyrhynchos

Mallards are the most common duck species in Europe and inhabit almost every body of water. They lay their nests either in riparian vegetation or also in abandoned floating nests.

Rana esculenta

Water frogs are a complex group of various frog hybrid species, to date the exact genetic gradations are not fully understood.

Lissotriton vulgaris

Common newts are the most common newt species in Germany, they prefer larger, densely vegetated waters without fish occurrence.

Gallinula chloropus

Common Moorhen are widespread in Eurasia and Africa and prefer waters rich in vegetation. They can also walk on floating plants with their long toes.

Eagle owls inhabit structural landscapes with open hunting areas and breed as resident birds in rock cliffs or similar structures.

Alburnus alburnus

This small schooling fish species is found in all freshwaters where it feeds on insects and plankton.

Turdus pilaris

The Fieldfare is widespread in the Palearctic and prefers woodlands and floodplains, feeding on invertebrates and fruit.

Apodemus sylvaticus

The wood mouse, contrary to its name, prefers to colonize open spaces and agricultural areas where it can easily obtain food.

Wild boars have become a worldwide species due to human activity. They feed on everything they can find, but mainly on tubers and roots.

Lacerta agilis

Sand lizards prefer rocky areas with exposed sunny spots. It is found in Central Europe as far as Mongolia.

Sorex minutus

Dwarf shrews are not related to mice but to hedgehogs or moles, they are the smallest mammals in Europe.