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Focusing on application of cutting edge molecular and computational tools to real world problems.
April 22, 2025
How non-invasive genetics and collaboration are shaping the future of wolf conservation in the Romanian Carpathians
The Carpathian Mountains are home to one of Europe’s last strongholds for large carnivores, and a new study shines a spotlight on just how important—and complex—this landscape is for wolves (Canis lupus).
In a collaborative effort, scientists from Fundatia Conservation Carpathia and DivjaLabs, along with academic partners from Romania, Slovenia, and Hungary, have published a study in Ecology and Evolution that delivers one of the most comprehensive noninvasive assessments of wolf population size and composition ever conducted in the region..
January 28, 2025
Exploring genomic rewilding: DivjaLabs’ co-founder contributes to important research
At DivjaLabs, we are committed to advancing scientific understanding of biodiversity and genetics, and we are thrilled to celebrate the recent publication co-authored by one of our lead scientists and co-founder, Astrid Vik Stronen. This important study, titled "Genomic Rewilding of Domestic Animals: The Role of Hybridization and Selection in Wolfdog Breeds," was published in the prestigious journal Genes in January 2025..
Read moreJanuary 23, 2025
Developing a multilingual protocol for marine eDNA sampling in the SeaInsights project
In the scope of the Italia-Slovenija Interreg SeaInsights project, we are thrilled to announce the development of a practical protocol for collecting marine environmental DNA (eDNA) samples. This protocol is a key deliverable in advancing the project’s mission of promoting sustainable management and protection of marine biodiversity in the Upper Adriatic..
Read moreJanuary 17, 2025
Revitalizing the Dinaric Eurasian lynx population
At DivjaLabs, we are proud that our team members Elena Pazhenkova, Barbara Boljte, Marjeta Konec, Astrid Vik Stronen and Tomaž Skrbinšek, alongside international collaborators, have led a significant study on the genetic rescue of the Dinaric lynx population. This research has just been published in the esteemed journal Evolutionary Applications. The study not only advances our understanding of genetic rescue in conservation biology but also serves as a powerful example of successful international cooperation for conservation..
Read moreJanuary 7, 2025
Advancing wildlife research with non-invasive genotyping
Wildlife monitoring and research are critical for understanding ecosystems and conserving biodiversity. Traditionally, such efforts often involved invasive techniques, which could disrupt animal populations and conflict with ethical considerations. However, modern innovations are transforming these practices, as highlighted by DivjaLabs' methods developer Marta De Barba in a recent YouTube video on the "3Rs Principles in Wildlife Research" channel..
Read moreJanuary 7, 2025
New research from BearConnect: How human activities influence brown bear movements across Europe
New scientific article from the Biodiversa project BearConnect provides critical insights into how human activities shape the spatial behaviour of brown bears across Europe's diverse landscapes. This study, led by Marta De Barba, our methods developer and DNA metabarcoding specialist, utilized an unparalleled dataset of 752 GPS trajectories from 370 brown bears to uncover patterns in bear movements and habitat use. .
Read moreDecember 19, 2024
The return of wolves to the Netherlands: Science at the heart of the debate
The wolf, often one of the most controversial endangered wildlife species, has made an extraordinary comeback in the Netherlands after more than a century. With 11 wolf packs now established, this apex predator is impacting the country's ecological and societal landscape. At DivjaLABS, we’re thrilled to share how our research has contributed to this important conservation story..
Read moreDecember 16, 2024
Field demonstration of eDNA sampling
If you're curious about how we are advancing the collection of eDNA samples for marine biodiversity assessments, check out this video..
Read moreJune 13, 2024
eDNA sampling device prototype test
We're thrilled to share that we've tested the first prototype of our marine eDNA water sampling device in Piran with our project partners Morigenos, Dolphin Biology and Conservation and Shoreline. .
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