In a creative effort to combat federal funding cuts to American scientific research, a dedicated team of UCLA scientists is utilizing OnlyFans to generate significant financial support. Surprisingly, the content shared isn’t of personal interest but involves exclusive videos featuring charming marmots.
“One slow morning, I found myself pondering ways to engage with the public while waiting for marmots to act naturally,” said Daniel Blumstein, a UCLA ecology and evolutionary biology professor leading the project. “When I proposed the idea at home, one of my graduate students insisted we pursue it. And here we are!”
At the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), researchers have gathered extensive insights into Marmota flaviventer, as Blumstein noted, “The RMBL marmot study is one of the oldest continuous studies of a tagged mammal globally. We possess up to 65 years of data on population dynamics, social behaviors, and animal responses to environmental shifts.”
Yellow marmots are a unique species among 15 subtypes of small ground squirrels residing in the Northern Hemisphere. This specific species thrives across the Rocky Mountains and various California mountain ranges, forming social groups and displaying daytime activity, making them ideal subjects for long-term behavioral analysis.
“Our longitudinal studies are essential for understanding the dynamics of change over time, and this project has yielded significant results,” emphasized Blumstein.
The challenge of collecting data over extensive periods involves significant costs. With ongoing federal funding reductions impacting research budgets nationwide, Blumstein and his team have had to explore alternative funding channels, giving rise to “OnlyMarms.”
On June 17th, the RMBL Marmot Project announced via Instagram, “The funding landscape is so challenging that we’ve turned to OnlyFans, affectionately dubbed ‘OnlyMarms’.”
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With dwindling research budgets due to federal funding cuts, Blumstein and his team are actively seeking new funding sources.
(Image credit: Daniel T. Blumstein, Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles)
OnlyFans is renowned for providing a subscription-based model for exclusive content, commonly associated with various creators, including musicians and athletes—now extending to the adorable world of marmots.
Blumstein expressed, “We’re exploring this route as a solution to an increasingly challenging funding climate. If fortune smiles upon us, this initiative could support essential research expenses. However, it will likely not replace the vital federal grants that have underpinned scientific discovery in the U.S. since the ’50s.”
Curious fans expecting enticing marmot content may be slightly let down; the channel focuses on wholesome activities, featuring marmots being playful, digging, gathering food, and engaging in their day-to-day lives. “It’s rated PG due to the occasional playful squabble,” Blumstein added.
Emily Lenkie, another key contributor to the project, hopes to soon include videos of baby marmots.
“Our ‘OnlyMarms’ page has steadily gained followers since its launch a month ago,” Lenkie shared with Live Science, revealing 735 page visits and 44 fans.
But what revenue has OnlyMarms generated so far? Blumstein admitted, “Not much at this stage. We offer complimentary subscriptions and rely on tips. With OnlyFans taking a 20% cut, plus taxes, our earnings are minimal.”
Despite the modest financial outcome, the team remains optimistic that the initiative will foster greater public interest and involvement in their research. “This could serve as a unique avenue to educate the public about the social dynamics of animals that are often overlooked,” Lenkie concluded. “We’re also gaining new insights into marmot behavior through the footage captured by our game cameras.”
Despite the humorous challenge of gaining consent from marmots for this project, Blumstein confirmed that any funds raised will aid in conserving these animals in a rapidly changing environment. “These funds will support ongoing research that provides crucial information on how they are adapting to climate change,” he noted.
The OnlyFans account represents just one of the strategies the team has implemented to broaden their research outreach. “We are committed to effectively communicating our findings to the public,” Blumstein remarked, referencing the upcoming Fat Marmot Week Contest this summer. “We aim to enlighten people about these intriguing alpine creatures.”
Source: www.livescience.com