Biodesign Institute
Carnivore Conservation Fund
Carnivore Conservation Fund
Learn more about your impact
Wild carnivores are vital to healthy ecosystems by keeping prey populations in balance and serving as indicators of ecosystem health. Yet many species face threats from habitat loss due to human activities and a higher disease burden. Despite this, we know surprisingly little about the diseases that affect these often-elusive carnivores.
Professor Arvind Varsani and Dr. Simona Kraberger at Arizona State University are studying viral pathogen dynamics in multiple carnivore species, including African lions, bobcats, caracals, foxes, lynx and mountain lions. Their research is revealing disease threats and emerging pathogens that inform population health. Additionally, their work provides a unique window into the behavior, connectivity and evolution of both carnivores and their pathogens.
Your support of this research helps to deepen our understanding of these iconic carnivores and inform conservation efforts to ensure that they continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
Impact of donor support
Your gift helps us:
- Identify and characterize viruses circulating in wild carnivore populations, allowing us to detect emerging disease threats and better understand pathogen evolution.
- Support the full research workflow, from sampling and laboratory analyses to genomic data generation and interpretation, providing critical information to guide wildlife management and conservation decisions.
- Train the next generation of scientists through hands-on experience in wildlife disease ecology, viral genetics and bioinformatics.
- Strengthen partnerships with wildlife agencies, conservation organizations and researchers worldwide to translate scientific discoveries into effective management practices and conservation strategies.
