Pathogens in free-ranging African carnivores [Elektronische Ressource] : evolution, diversity and co-infection / Katja Verena Goller. Gutachter: Richard Lucius ; Heribert Hofer ; Alex D. Greenwood

Pathogens in free-ranging African carnivores: evolution, diversity and co-infection DISSERTATION zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) im Fach Biologie eingereicht an der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät I der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin von Diplom Biologin Katja Verena Goller Präsident der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Prof. Dr. Jan-Hendrik Olbertz Dekan der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät I Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann Gutachter: 1. Prof. Dr. Richard Lucius 2. Prof. Dr. Heribert Hofer 3. Prof. Dr. Alex D. Greenwood Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 04.04.2011 SUMMARY The ecological role of most wildlife pathogens is poorly understood because pathogens are rarely studied in relation to the long-term population dynamics of wildlife hosts. Instead, pathogen infections are reported on a case basis or studies are focused on periods when patho-gens cause noticeable mortality in their hosts. However, pathogens that appear to be of low virulence may also have an important effect if they operate in a synergistic fashion or affect life history parameters such as longevity or reproductive success. Furthermore, the effect of pathogens on population dynamics may be difficult to detect in wildlife, for example if they reduce the survival of young age classes that are rarely observed.