Keep an Eye Out for Ticks and Report Sightings to Help NABU Germany's Research
Conservation group urges public to report encounters with ticks for preservation purposes. - Report Ticks to The Nature Conservancy
Want to help keep tabs on ticks in Germany? The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) is urging citizens to be on the lookout for these pesky little creatures and report any sightings – especially those in body areas such as your knee or armpit.
To participate, simply snap a picture of any ticks you may encounter and submit it via the Nabu-Naturgucker online service. Remember, while doing this vital work, always be sure to remove the tick before snapping the photo! The NABU suggests photographing them from both the top and bottom so they can properly identify the species.
You are invited to report ticks found on pets like dogs and cats as well. Why is this effort crucial? Christina Strube from the University of Hannover – working alongside the NABU – explains:
The more data researchers gather, the more they can learn about shifting tick habitats, the risks posed to both wildlife and humans, and the best ways to protect ourselves. Plus, contribution to this important effort allows our fellow citizens to join in a collaborative effort to expand our knowledge and, ultimately, improve public health.
In Germany, there are roughly 20 different tick species, and some of these can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and early summer meningitoencephalitis (FSME). As a result of climate change, there's a chance that new tick species – along with potentially harmful pathogens – could appear and create new health risks in previously uninfected areas. By collecting data on tick sightings, researchers can answer questions about which animal species are affected, the parts of the body most targeted, and monitor changes over time.
So, the next time you come across a tick during your outdoor adventures, don't be afraid to snap a picture and help contribute to this valuable research. Your efforts could make a real difference in understanding and combatting the threat of tick-borne diseases in Germany.
Ready to join the NABU in protecting the environment and promoting public health? It's never been easier—or more important—to snap into action!
Berlin, Germany – University of Hannover
- The collaboration between the NABU and the University of Hannover involves studying the impact of climate change on the geographical distribution of ticks in Germany, particularly focusing on the shifts in tick habitats and potential risks to both wildlife and humans.
- Contributing to the NABU's tick sightings data can help in understanding which animal species are affected, identifying the parts of the body most targeted, and monitoring changes over time, thereby aiding in the prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and early summer meningitoencephalitis (FSME).
- As the impacts of climate change may lead to the appearance of new tick species and harmful pathogens, ongoing research and data collection are crucial for the advancement of environmental-science, medical-conditions, and climate-change studies, ultimately promoting health-and-wellness and improving public health.
