  Dwarf galaxies in the local group provide a unique astrophysical laboratory.
In particular, they allow us to probe pulsating (and other) variable stars in
low-metallicity environments with abundances below that of the SMC. Our
observing program, described in detail by C. G\"ossl's contribution, yields a
large number of intrinsically bright variable stars that can serve as probes of
the stellar population and star formation history of these galaxies. Most
prominent are pulsation variables like Miras (LPVs) and $\delta$ Cep stars, but
we also find other types of variable stars, e.g. RV Tauri stars, irregular red
variables etc. We present a preliminary census for the three galaxies DDO 216,
Leo A and GR8.

Astrophysics