Publications
SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance between 2020 and 2021 of All Mammalian Species in Two Flemish Zoos (Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Zoo) Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
A survey of wildlife and human activities in the Sikondi Forest, Cameroon Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Hundreds of mammal species are found in Cameroon and many, including great apes, occur in non-protected areas. The Sikondi Forest in eastern Cameroon is one such area. A survey of wildlife and human activities was conducted in this forest in December 2022. The survey aimed to determine the abundance and distribution of chimpanzees and other wildlife species, the extent of human activities, and the distribution of wildlife in relation to human ...
Pulmonary aspergillosis in Humboldt penguins-Susceptibility patterns and molecular epidemiology of clinical and environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from a Belgian zoo, 2017-2022 Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Biased cultural transmission of a social custom in chimpanzees Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Cultural transmission studies in animals have predominantly focused on identifying between-group variation in tool-use techniques, while immaterial cultures remain understudied despite their potential for highlighting similarities between human and animal culture. Here, using long-term data from two chimpanzee communities, we tested whether one of chimpanzees' most enigmatic social customs-the grooming handclasp-is culturally transmitted by ...
Chimpanzees communicate to coordinate a cultural practice Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp University of Antwerp
Human culture thrives by virtue of communication, yet whether communication plays an influential role in the cultural lives of other animals remains understudied. Here, we investigated whether chimpanzees use communication to engage in a cultural practice by analysing grooming handclasp (GHC) interactions-a socio-cultural behaviour requiring interindividual coordination for successful execution. Previous accounts attributed GHC initiations to ...
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Captive Hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius), Belgium Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp University of Antwerp
Two adult female hippos in Zoo Antwerp who were naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed nasal discharge for a few days. Virus was detected by immunocytochemistry and PCR in nasal swab samples and by PCR in faeces and pool water. Serology was also positive. No treatment was necessary.
Genetic diversity in ex situ populations of the endangered Leontopithecus chrysomelas and implications for its conservation Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Leontopithecus chrysomelas, the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (GHLT), is an endangered and endemic Neotropical primate from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil that has suffered a reduction of its habitat and population size in the wild. Ex situ populations have been established as a relevant alternative to safeguard the species and retain its genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. This study evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of the ...
Investigating the impact of a long-term research and conservation project on the expansion of land use and land cover in a remote area of central DRC Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Anthropogenic impact and population growth have caused a dramatic loss of biodiversity worldwide. Deforestation due to logging, mining, and burning are of particular severity in tropical rainforests with the Amazonian and Congolese basins harboring the largest reminders on our planet. While research projects particularly those with permanent presence on ground have been considered as excellent conservation measures to protect habitat and ...
Zoo Animal Welfare Assessment: Where Do We Stand? Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp
Zoological institutions, such as zoos and aquariums, have made animal welfare a top priority, as it is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for fulfilling their roles in education and conservation. There is a need for science-based tools to assess and monitor animal welfare in these settings. However, assessing the welfare of zoo animals is challenging due to the diversity of species and lack of knowledge on their specific needs. This ...