A long-running project studying marmots in the US west has raised more than $100,000, enabling it to continue for another year. The 60-year research, which documents yellow-bellied marmots, was at risk of termination following science funding cuts imposed by Donald Trump’s administration.
Researchers initially turned to OnlyFans, an adult-content website, in June to raise funds. An account named OnlyMarms posted videos of marmots in their natural habitat, avoiding sexually explicit content, and generated $6,000.
A more substantial funding boost came from a new marmot-themed cryptocurrency, a 'meme coin' named $OnlyMarms. This cryptocurrency, created by outside supporters, raised over $88,000 in two weeks by donating all transaction fees to the study. Along with other donations, the project has now secured more than $100,000.
Julien Martin, a University of Ottawa researcher and co-lead of the project, expressed relief that the research can continue. He noted the irony of using cryptocurrency, an area from which Trump has personally benefited, to offset federal science funding cuts.
The marmot study, one of the world's longest-running animal monitoring projects, has shown how the creatures are affected by the climate crisis, including changes in body mass and die-offs due to lack of snow cover. While the new funding is crucial, Martin acknowledged it is not a substitute for standard government funding.