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Reporting Encouraged: Ticks to be Documented by The Nature Conservancy

Ticks have been found in both Brandenburg forests and Berlin. Specifically, what types of ticks are prevalent in these areas? Nabu urgently seeks assistance.

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Ticks Found in Both Brandenburg Forests and Berlin City. Identification of Specific Species Sought...
Ticks Found in Both Brandenburg Forests and Berlin City. Identification of Specific Species Sought by Nabu.

Reporting Encouraged: Ticks to be Documented by The Nature Conservancy

** entitled "Tracking Ticks in a Changing Climate: The German Initiative"

Brace yourself, folks! The Nature Conservation Association Germany (Nabu) is calling on the public to keep an eye out for ticks. If you find one lurking in your knee or armpit, snap a photo and report it to Nabu-Naturgucker online. Make sure to remove the creepy crawly before snapping the picture, Nabu advises. This campaign is happening in conjunction with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. And pet parents, don't forget to report any ticks found on your furry friends too.

Stefan Munzinger, Nabu-Naturgucker board member, noted that ticks have been spotted in various locations across Berlin and Brandenburg in recent years. From urban zoos and parks to sunny meadows in the countryside, ticks like to hang out wherever there are large green areas, even in the heart of Berlin.

You may be wondering if the hot summer forecast means increased tick encounters. Not so fast! Ticks actually prefer moderate temperatures and moist conditions, as stated by the biologist. This weekend, the temperature's expected to hit around 30 degrees in the region, but it won't necessarily mean more ticks.

The goal of this project is to investigate the development of castor bean ticks and other tick species amidst the backdrop of climate change. These photos – ideally shot from the top and bottom – are crucial, as distinguishing the various species isn't exactly a walk in the park.

Germany is home to 20 tick species, some of which can transmit diseases like Lyme borreliosis and Early Summer Meningoencephalitis (FSME) through their bites. As a result of climate change, ticks originally from the Mediterranean region and Southeast Europe could creep into Germany with new pathogens. Particularly at risk in Brandenburg are Elbe-Elster, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Oder-Spree and Spree-Neiße, along with Frankfurt Oder. FSME is caused by viruses that get transmitted through tick bites, and there's even a vaccine available.

So, when you're outdoors, remember to dress accordingly to protect yourself against ticks: long-sleeved shirts, pants, insect repellent, and closed shoes. Regular body checks are a must after spending time outside, as are prompt tick removals. If you discover a tick, seek medical advice if symptoms like fever or rash appear. For the greater good, lend a hand to local citizen science initiatives to keep tabs on tick populations and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. Projects like IDAlert's, for instance, are instrumental in tracking tick distribution and formulating effective defense strategies. Stay vigilant, and together, we can tackle these eight-legged invaders!

Enrichment Insights:

  1. Climate Change and Tick Spread: As temperatures rise and environmental conditions alter, ticks are becoming more prevalent in new areas, posing a greater risk of tick-borne diseases.[1][4]
  2. Precautions for Tick Encounters: To minimize risks associated with tick bites, consider protective clothing, regular inspections, prompt tick removals, and medical attention if necessary.[2]
  3. collaborate with medical-health researchers to study the impact of climate-change on various health-and-wellness aspects, such as fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, skin-care, and nutrition;
  4. investigate the link between neurological-disorders, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and tick exposure, as increased tick populations may lead to higher instances of such conditions due to tick-borne diseases;
  5. consider environmental-science studies to understand the potential effects of climate-change on plant-life and agriculture, since ticks feed on a diverse range of hosts, including humans, animals, and pests;
  6. examine the role of CBD oils and other natural products in preventing and treating the symptoms of tick-borne diseases, especially Lyme borreliosis and Early Summer Meningoencephalitis (FSME), while also considering any potential side-effects on mental-health;
  7. develop new, eco-friendly pesticides and Control, Abatement, and Regulation (CAR) strategies that are both effective against ticks and safe for the environment, helping ensure the continued health-and-wellness of both humans and wildlife;
  8. collaborate with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover to research the unique diets and habits of castor bean ticks and other tick species, with the goal of understanding their life-cycle changes and adapting to the challenges induced by climate-change.

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