Biology

Africa is home to an enormous variety of species and ecosystems of global importance. 

To further knowledge of African biodiversity, we study the taxonomy and phylogeny of different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates using morphological and genetic approaches.

We also study the structure and function of wood, as well as the role of trees and fauna in various African ecosystems. Our researchers assess the impact of human activities on these ecosystems. 

Our research combines fieldwork and the study of our collections, which contain 10 million specimens.

We also have two services, JEMU (Joint Experimental Molecular Unit) and BopCo (barcoding facility for organisms and tissues of policy concern), which focus on certain molecular biology techniques.

Our objective is to improve and disseminate our knowledge of African biodiversity through publications, online databases and training courses.

Exchanging knowledge with our African partners is a key focus of our work. 

 

  • Invertebrates

    Invertebrates

    Our research focuses on Diptera, spiders, parasitic flatworms, sea cucumbers and millipedes.

  • Vertebrates

    Vertebrates

    Our research primarily concerns fresh and brackish water fish in Africa.

  • Wood biology

    Wood biology

    We study the trees of tropical Africa with the goal of promoting forest ecology and supporting the sustainable production of wood.

  • Biological collection and data management

    Biological collection and data management

    We preserve, digitalise and provide access to the zoological collections.