A research project led by Daniel Blumstein, focusing on yellow-bellied marmots, has faced funding challenges, exacerbated by cuts in environmental research funding during the Trump administration. To address this, inspired by a comedy show, Blumstein decided to create an OnlyFans account called “OnlyMarms” to share humorous videos of the marmots from his lab.
Despite OnlyFans being known for explicit content, Blumstein emphasized that OnlyMarms is a family-friendly initiative. The account posts amusing images of individual marmots twice a week, including their bios. In an upcoming event called “Fat Marmot Week,” the public will be encouraged to participate in a voting tournament similar to Alaska’s “Fat Bear Week,” aiming to raise awareness about marmots’ need to gain weight before hibernation.
Blumstein’s lab, operating since 1962, focuses on studying yellow-bellied marmots to understand aging and responses to climate change. The research aims to provide insights into epigenetics and aging in hibernating mammals. Blumstein highlighted the importance of studying marmots’ ability to gain weight without adverse health effects, promoting a message of body positivity.
Despite facing funding rejections, Blumstein managed to sustain the project through collaborations and external grants. The OnlyMarms account has raised around $3,000 US since June, but Blumstein emphasized the need for additional funding to support ongoing research. While OnlyFans provides some support, Blumstein encouraged supporters to donate directly to UCLA to ensure the project’s continuity.
Through creative fundraising efforts and a focus on scientific research, Blumstein’s initiative aims to shed light on the importance of studying wildlife and the challenges researchers face in securing funding for long-term studies.